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Evening primrose is a beautiful plant that is often considered a weed in gardens. It flourishes in temperate regions all over North America, Europe, and many other places throughout the world, but it is most commonly grown and used in Canada and America. Evening primrose can be up to eight feet in height, and it has beautiful blossoms. The plant blooms all throughout the summer, but each blossom lasts only one day. It blooms as the set sets and then withers in the sunlight, which is why it is called “evening primrose.” The seeds are about 5 cm long and are crushed to manufacture the oil that is used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The oil of evening primrose is very rich in polysaturated comega-6 fatty acids, which are necessary fatty acids that body needs to complete numerous functions including insulin absorption, regulating the heart, and regulating mood. The body does not manufacture these fatty acids on its own, so they have to be taken as food or food supplements. Aside from the omega-6 fatty acids, evening primrose oil has linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (“GLA”). Both of these acids are very important and very beneficial to general well-being. Linoleic acid is thought to help the body make use of insulin, regulate weight, and prevent cancer and heart disease. GLA is thought to reduce swelling or irritation. Because of the high GLA content of evening primrose, it is recommended to help treat inflammatory ailments like asthma or arthritis. Research also indicates that evening primrose could benefit sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome, but little is understood about chronic fatigue syndrome and further studies are needed.
Evening primrose oil is also used to treat the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome, menopause, and the soreness of the breasts that often accompanies menstruation. GLA is often recommended to help ease the discomforts of PMS, and evening primrose has high levels of GLA. However, systematic testing of these applications is lacking. Many of the benefits of evening primrose have yet to be thoroughly studied.
Evening primrose oil can be taken both internally and externally. It has been known to improve acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin problems. Evening primrose oil is also used in many lotions and creams since it has emollient properties that hydrate and soften the skin.
Dosage Recommendations
The oil of evening primrose is commonly taken in pill form or in creams designed for external use. One pill of the oil generally consists of about 9% GLA. When used to treat atopic dermatitis, usually 320-480mg of GPA are taken in small increments throughout the day. When taken to treat rheumatoid arthritis, usually about 360mg-2.8g are taken daily in small increments. Sometimes doses of up to 2g per day are taken when it is used to treat hypertriglyceridemia. Doses of evening primrose oil, when taken medicinally, should always include some form of antioxidant, like vitamin E, to ensure the unsaturated fatty acids don’t oxidize.
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