Evening Primrose Oil Benefits - 20 Uses

How can one have a perfect and clear skin ?

How can one naturally treat hypertension and high cholesterol ?

How can one relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and osteoporosis ?

How acne be cured in a natural and gentle way ?

What natural remedy is able to treat arthritis ?

One solution to all the aforementioned health problems is the regular consumption of an oil like no other.

Discover the properties and benefits of evening primrose oil. A list of 20 medicinal properties that this oil has on the body will follow.

Description Primrose and Evening Primrose Oil

The primrose (Oenothera biennis) or evening primrose is a small yellow wild flower with 4 petals of the Onagraceae family that grows easily on sandy, dry and gravelly soils and sunny places.

This flower produces seeds are particularly rich in gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. Seeds are cold pressed to extract oil, sometimes called primrose oil, or Vespers evening primrose oil.

Evening Primrose Oil and Its Active Constituents

Evening primrose oil contains 71 % linoleic acid (LA), 7 to 10% of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and 6 % oleic acid. Evening Primrose is one of the rare plants with borage, which contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

Why is gamma-linoleic acid or GLA so valuable ? GLA is an essential fatty acid, that is to say, a substance that the body cannot synthesize, it draws it only from foods or supplements. GLA is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid which is very useful in the human body.

When ingested, GLA is converted into prostaglandins PGE1, a substance similar to the hormones that are involved in many fundamental processes such as the functioning of the cardiovascular, brain and hormone system and the regulation of inflammatory processes.

In fact there are several types of prostaglandins with often contradictory actions: PG1, PG2 and PG3. PGE1 is one that meets the maximum quality. PGE2 in turn, is often involved in inflammatory processes and in many other health problems, both physical and mental.

Properties of Evening Primrose Oil

We have just explained that gamma-linolenic acid contained in evening primrose oil is converted in the body into prostaglandins PGE1.

The main properties of evening primrose oil are derived from the biochemical effects of PGE1: anti-inflammatory agents, antiplatelet drugs (anticoagulants), vasodilators and immuno-stimulants. In addition, GLA acts on the hormonal system.

Uses of an evening primrose oil supplement: Acne, prostatic adenoma, allergies, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, cognitive impairment (Alzheimer’s disease), dermatitis, eczema, hyperactivity in children, high cholesterol, hypertension, male impotence, female infertility, inflammation, lupus, chronic headaches, diabetic neuropathy, obesity, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), psoriasis, rosacea, schizophrenia, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, alcohol withdrawal, skin, nails, scalp and hair care.

Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil

Here is a list of 20 medicinal virtues of evening primrose oil in alphabetical order of the names of disease or illness :

1) Evening Primrose Oil, Acne and Rosacea

Evening primrose oil would act on acneic skin by diluting sebum, an oily, thick substance that is secreted excessively by some acne sufferers. The essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil can reduce the phenomenon of the clogging of pores and the development of acne pimples.

Evening primrose oil can also naturally treat rosacea by reducing local inflammation and stimulating the production of prostaglandins that affect the contraction of blood vessels. For more information on this topic, please see the article: Acne and evening primrose oil

2) Evening Primrose Oil and Arthritis

Evening primrose oil relieves pain and reduces the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis (chronic inflammatory rheumatism) in the joints.

A double-blind study (a blind experiment), conducted over a period of six months with the participation of 56 people with rheumatoid arthritis, showed that an ALG supplement can reduce signs of inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

In another clinical trial, the effect of with a placebo on patients with arthritis was compared to that of the gamma-linoleic acid present in evening primrose oil (GLA). The results of this test showed that unlike the placebo, GLA significantly relieves painful and swollen joints.

3) Evening Primrose Oil, Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Various studies suggest that evening primrose oil is also able to lower blood cholesterol.

A clinical study conducted in Canada found that after treatment for at least 3 months, a dose of 4 grams of evening primrose oil supplement can lower cholesterol by 31.5%. For best results, it is recommended to reduce the intake of saturated fats during treatment.

Another study showed that a daily dose of 3 grams of this oil taken during a period of 4 months can reduce triglyceride levels by 48%.

4) Evening Primrose Oil and Ulcerative Colitis

The virtues of evening primrose oil have been studied in the case of people with ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately, evening primrose oil has no effect on rectal bleeding and stool frequency, however, it certainly improves stool consistency.

5) Evening Primrose Oil and Cognitive Impairment

Evening primrose oil improves brain functions, such as learning and memory, in people with Alzheimer ‘s disease. However, no study has yet been published to confirm or deny this.

6) Evening Primrose Oil and Eczema

In many European countries (especially in Britain), evening primrose oil is used to treat eczema. Some stories say that this natural remedy provides spectacular results (of atopic eczema in particular). This oil would relieve itching effectively.

However, it must be recognized that the results of various clinical studies are contradictory. In most cases, no difference was observed between the therapeutic effect of evening primrose oil and that of the placebo. Further studies are needed to scientifically confirm the function of evening primrose oil in the natural treatment of eczema.

7) Evening Primrose Oil and Fertility

Evening primrose oil would be against male impotence and female infertility. How ? The erection owes much to the blood-stream. By promoting blood circulation, GLA contained in Evening Primrose Oil helps to optimize the circulation in the penis. For best results, the oil is often combined with vitamin C and ginkgo biloba.

Furthermore, when the oil is taken over a long period, GLA can help prevent a narrowing of blood vessels, often due to fatty deposits on the inner walls of blood vessels caused by an excess of cholesterol (LDL).

By improving the function of the uterus and regulating the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones, GLA can also help women who have difficulty conceiving a child.

8) Evening Primrose and Hyperactivity in Children

Some researchers believe that hyperactivity in children could be due to a deficiency of certain essential fatty acids. A medical study seems to confirm this hypothesis since a significant improvement of symptoms was observed in hyperactive children who were taking an evening primrose oil dietary supplement regularly.

9) Evening Primrose Oil and Hypertension

A primrose oil supplement slightly reduces blood pressure through its various therapeutic effects. We have already mentioned that this oil reduces the rate of the ‘bad cholesterol’ LDL. Moreover, evening primrose oil acts as an anticoagulant by decreasing platelet aggregation and it promotes the dilation of blood vessels.

These three properties contribute to a greater flexibility of the arteries and better blood circulation, which helps to normalize blood pressure naturally.

10) Evening Primrose Oil and Menopause (Hot Flashes)

Evening primrose oil and other oils containing GLA are traditionally eaten by some women to reduce menopausal symptoms. However, to date, no scientific study has been able to prove the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in naturally treating hot flashes during menopause. (Download the eBook : ‘ How to erase the effects of menopause without drugs ‘)

11) Evening Primrose Oil and Diabetic Neuropathy (NP)

Neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves and/or nerves of the autonomic nervous system that affects type 1 diabetics as well as type 2.

Research indicates that the GLA present in evening primrose oil can help prevent and even in some cases improve, diabetic neuropathy.

A study over 12 months showed that symptoms such as numbness, tingling, tingling in the hands and feet, and loss of sensation in patients with mild diabetic neuropathy were less marked among those who took a primrose oil supplement than in those who took a placebo.

12) Evening Primrose Oil and Osteoporosis

In the body, essential fatty acids (EFA’s) play an important role in calcium metabolism and bone health. Essential fatty acids are used to increase the absorption of calcium from the intestine (by enhancing the effects of vitamin D), to reduce the urinary excretion of calcium, to increase the binding of calcium in bones and to strengthen their resistance.

A study conducted with the cooperation of 65 postmenopausal women showed that women who received a dietary supplement composed of Omega-6 from primrose oil and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil had a higher bone density at the end of a period of 18 months than women who received a placebo. These women were less prone to bone fractures.

13) Evening Primrose Oil and Weight Loss

A double-blind study conducted on 100 women for 12 weeks was designed to compare the effect of evening primrose oil on body weight with that of a placebo. No differences were observed between the two groups. In contrast, another double-blind clinical trial, conducted on 47 people all having a family history of obesity, found that evening primrose oil triggers a slight weight loss.

Based on the assumption of some researchers, it seems that AGL would have a beneficial effect on overweight people whose parents are obese. There is still no explanation for this. More research is needed to determine if the oil is really helpful in losing weight.

14) Evening Primrose Oil and Schizophrenia

Most schizophrenics have a low blood level of prostaglandin E1 and in contrast, excessive levels of prostaglandin E2. But an excess of PGE1 in the body could be indirectly involved in the emergence of the disease.

A study conducted on 12 patients with schizophrenia in St. Anne hospital in France found that evening primrose oil had significantly improved the symptoms associated with this disease.

15) Evening Primrose Oil and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

The regular intake of evening primrose oil supplements significantly improves symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. Some studies have shown that evening primrose oil may delay the progression of the disease in 65-70 % of patients.

Evening primrose oil stimulates the immune system of patients with MS (especially white blood cells called T8 suppressor cells). In addition, this natural oil helps to strengthen the resistance of blood vessels and improves the transmission of nerve messages.

16) Evening Primrose Oil and Alcohol Withdrawal

Evening primrose oil helps prevent symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. How ? Once again, this is due to the action of gamma-linoleic acid or GLA, which increases the levels of prostaglandins series 1 acid (PGE1) in the body, which is lacking in the alcoholic.

This results in many benefits such as decreased depression, improved hepatic function (in the liver), a stimulation of the regeneration of brain cells and a reduction in the disorders characteristic to alcohol withdrawal.

17) Evening Primrose Oil in Skin, Nail, Hair and Scalp Care

Evening primrose oil nourishes the nails, scalp and hair. Essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil prevent nails from cracking, denting or splitting.

In addition, essential fatty acids nourish the scalp, making them a useful supplement in the treatment of various hair problems (alopecia or hair loss and dandruff).

The gamma-linoleic acid and the linoleic acid and other nutrients in the oil are essential to preserve the cellular structure and to improve elasticity of the skin. This is one reason why evening primrose oil is used against wrinkles for and delaying the process and appearance of signs of aging. It moisturizes and revitalizes the skin.

A Korean study showed the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in the natural treatment of dermatitis and psoriasis.

18) Evening Primrose Oil and Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Evening primrose oil relieves the discomfort of dry eyes associated with wearing soft contact lenses.

19) Evening Primrose Oil and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in Women

The most common PMS symptoms are: swelling of the breasts and lower abdomen, painful and irregular periods, abdominal cramps, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, headaches, sadness, food cravings, weight gain.

It is interesting to note that women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome often have a deficit of prostaglandin E1 in the central nervous system and tissues, as well as insufficient amounts of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) hence the importance of the dietary supplement of primrose oil.

Evening primrose oil help women’s bodies to cope with hormonal overflow above the rules.

An Australian study published in the journal ‘Journal of Reproductive Medicine’, found that evening primrose oil is one of the three most effective remedies to relieve women with PMS symptoms.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) found in evening primrose oil interferes with the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins released during the menstrual cycle. This results in a decrease in symptoms of PMS.

Another study showed that a supplement of evening primrose oil reduces breast tenderness in 45% of women.

In addition, GLA would help reduce the inflammation of the breast in the case of fibrocystic breast disease or CCM (also known as chronic cystic mastitis). Iodine deficiency promotes the symptoms of CCM, but GLA has the advantage of promoting the absorption of iodine in the organism.

The benefits of evening primrose oil in hormonal and gynecological problems are found usually after the third or fourth month of treatment, but rarely before.

20) Evening Primrose Oil and Raynaud’s Syndrome

Raynaud’s syndrome is caused by a disorder of blood circulation in the extremities such as fingers, toes and nose. This results in tingling and loss of feeling in the affected area.

A clinical study conducted for eight weeks in collaboration with 21 patients led to the conclusion that evening primrose oil significantly improves the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome.

Evening Primrose Oil, Dosage and Recommendations

Evening primrose oil may be marketed in the form of capsules. The recommended dose is 500 mg to 1000 mg per day.

➤ Phytoceutic primrose oil Capsules

➤ Evening Primrose Oil Super Diet Capsules

For those seeking organic primrose vegetable oil, the Florane brand offers a high quality therapeutic oil: Organic

➤ Evening Primrose Plant Oil