Evening Primrose

The Evening Primrose plant bears delicate paper thin, yellow flowers which open in the afternoon. It is native to North America and came to Europe via Italy. It grows in sandy soil and enjoys full sun - it can be found growing in sand dunes, along the roadside, on railway banks and in waste places.

Native Americans were the first to recognise the potential of evening primrose oil as a healer, and they boiled the seeds to make a liquid for healing wounds. Evening Primrose oil is a rich source of gamma-linoleic acid, which is better known as GLA. The body makes its own gamma-linoleic acid from essential fatty aids (EFAs). Essential fatty acids have numerous functions in the body, one of which is to manufacture hormone-like substances called “prostaglandins,” which have very important effects on the body, such as toning blood vessels, balancing water levels, and improving the action of the digestive system, and brain functioning. Prostaglandins also have a beneficial effect on the immune system.

Evening primrose is available in both capsule and liquid form, often the liquid product is flavoured for ease of use, and can be used both internally and externally – it can be applied directly to the skin and is especially beneficial to those suffering with eczema or psoriasis as it reduces the scaling and redness, prevents itching and encourages the skin to heal. It also discourages dry skin and ensures that the cellular membranes that make up the skin are stable and strong. There is even evidence that Evening Primrose oil retards the ageing process!

Another, probably lesser-known use of Evening Primrose oil is that of helping to prevent MS and is apparently particularly useful for treatment of children suffering with these conditions. Evening Primrose oil can also benefit people with cirrhosis of the liver caused by consuming too much alcohol.

Probably the best known use of the product is in
the treatment of hormonal imbalances, which can cause conditions such as PMS together with symptoms of the menopause which may be eased by a course of Evening Primrose – it can help to reduce menopausal symptoms such as bloating, water retention, irritability and depression.

If you suffer from PMS, it is suggested that you take 500mg of Evening Primrose oil every day for two months, and then after that, for ten days preceding menstruation. If you need help for menopausal symptoms, it is suggested that you take 2,000 to 4,000mg daily for four weeks and then 500 to 1,000mg daily thereafter.

As mentioned above, Evening Primrose oil can be of help to asthmatics – it is suggested that suffers take two 500mg tables three times a day for three to four months, then one tablet three times daily. However, if you are taking steroids, this treatment will not work because the drugs are known to interfere with the action of Evening Primrose oil.

Lastly, my most favourite property is that Evening Primrose oil is known to have a stimulating effect on the body, encouraging it to convert fat into energy, thus making it a dieter’s friend!

If you suffer with any of the symptoms I have mentioned above, then I highly recommend that you buy a bottle of the capsules – I usually buy mine direct from ThinkNatural.com where you can have a choice of several different makes, for instance 700mg/90 capsules of Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil costs £8.99 however, cheaper makes are available – look out for them at your supermarket.

Please note, Evening Primrose oil must not be used by suffers of temporal-lobe epilepsy or by those suffering with manic depression.