Evening primrose oil comes from the seeds of the plant and is a direct source of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Gla is needed in the body for the production of chemicals called prostaglandins E1 (PGE1)which contol numerous mechanisms including inflammation, blood pressure, regulation of cholesterol and hormones.
The body can convert other dietary fats into GLA, but lack of essential nutrients, saturated fat and alcohol can interfere with the conversion process leading to a deficiency of prostaglandins.
What it does
- Inflammation: Linoleic acid can be converted into the powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals known as PGE1, using omega 6 in balance with omega 3 is likely to provide the best results.
- Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS):
GLA from evening primrose oil has been shown to improve many symptoms including pre-menstrual headaches, depression, irritability and bloating. - Menorrhagia (heavy periods):
Fatty acid imbalance may play a significant role in heavy menstruation. High levels of arachidonic acid from animal products such as meat and dairy foods is known to increase the levels of prostaglandin series 2 – the so-called ‘bad’ prostaglandins – that may increase blood flow and prevent blood clotting in those with heavy menstruation. Reducing levels of meat and dairy products and increasing intake of essential fatty acids may be supportive in cases of heavy menstrual bleeding. - Breast Health:
omega 6 fatty acids in the form of GLA from evening primrose oil may be helpful in reducing the pain and tenderness associated with pre-menstrual breast pain and fibrocystic breasts. - Hormone Imbalance:
The hormone modulating effects of prostaglandins derived from essential fatty acids makes them particularly important in maintaining optimal hormonal health. - Diabetic Neuropathy:
GLA may be an important factor contributing to prevention of neuropathy, nerve damage that affects between 60% and 70% of all diabetics. - Skin Health:
GLA from both borage and evening primrose oil may be one of the most important nutrients for the promotion of skin health. Various skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and dry skin have responded well to additional GLA intake .
Potential Uses
| Fibrocystic breast disease | Dry skin | Eczema & dermatitis |
| Psoriasis | Endometriosis | Dysmenorrhea |
| Menorrhagia | PMS | Ovarian cysts |
Evening primrose oil is a natural supplement that has been shown to offer a variety of health benefits, including:
- Pain relief: contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. GLA has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and eczema.
- Improved skin health: GLA has also been shown to improve skin health by reducing inflammation and dryness. The oil is often used to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Reduced inflammation: can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This may be beneficial for people with conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Other potential benefits: has also been shown to have other potential health benefits, such as improved mood, reduced cholesterol levels, and improved blood sugar control. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Evening primrose oil side effects
Evening primrose oil is generally safe for most people to take. However, there are some potential side effects, including:
- Stomach upset: can cause stomach upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is especially common when taking high doses of evening primrose oil.
- Headache: can cause headache.
- Dizziness: can cause dizziness.
- Skin rash: can cause a skin rash.
- Increased bleeding risk: may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood thinners.
When to take evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil can be taken at any time of day. However, some people find that taking it with food helps to reduce stomach upset.
The dosage of evening primrose oil will vary depending on the reason for taking it. For most conditions, a dosage of 500-1000 mg per day is recommended. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking the oil, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.
Cautions
Generally, there are no side effects or contra-indications from using evening primrose oil.
If you take blood thinning medication such as warfarin, consult your doctor before taking.
Some reports suggest that GLA may worsen epilepsy. It is therefore advisable for epileptics to avoid this supplement.
