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WHAT IS EVENING PRIMROSE OIL?
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is extracted from the seeds of the Onagraceae family of plants which are native to North and South America. In most species the flowers are yellow and open in the evening hence the name "Evening Primrose Oil". Its health benefits have been known for centuries. The roots have a peppery flavour and can be eaten like a vegetable. The shoots can be eaten as a salad. The whole plant has been used to treat various medical conditions. It is believed to provide a wide range of healing powers.
The mature seeds contain approximately 7-10% gamma-linolenic acid, a rare essential fatty acid. Evening primrose oil also supplies another fatty acid, known as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is an Omega 6 essential fatty acid. These polyunsaturated fats are good fats, unlike the saturated fats that contribute to heart disease.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL HEALTH BENEFITS
The body does not produce essential fatty acids, making it important to acquire these nutrients through diet and skin care. Evening Primrose Oil is believed to be beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of conditions. Some of the conditions which may benefit from the use of Evening Primrose Oil include:
- Eczema
- Breast cancer
- Breast cysts
- Breast pain (mastalgia)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome/post-viral infection symptoms
- Diabetes
- Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Obesity/weight loss
- Pre-eclampsia/high blood pressure of pregnancy
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scale-like dry skin (ichthyosis vulgaris)
- Skin irritation (atopic dermatitis in children and adults)
There is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that EPO may help in the treatment of these conditions. The claims are based mainly on traditional use over a long period of time.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL USAGE
Adults (18 years and older)
Studies in the treatment of eczema or atopic dermatitis have used doses of 4 to 8 grams of evening primrose oil (EPO) daily, taken by mouth, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day. Studies of breast pain have used doses of 3 grams EPO daily, taken by mouth, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day.
Children (younger than 18 years)
Studies in children treated for skin conditions have used 3 grams of evening primrose oil daily, taken by mouth, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day. It is reported that the maximum dose should not be greater than 0.5 grams per kilogram of body weight daily.
Individuals with allergy or adverse reactions to plants in the Onagraceae family, gamma-linolenic acid, or other ingredients in evening primrose oil should avoid its use.
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