
6 Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil
- Hormone Balance. Essential fatty acids are the building blocks of hormones, which are required for nearly every metabolic process in the body.
- Fertility. EPO has been found to increase cervical mucus and metabolic function, two key factors required for healthy ovulation and menstruation.
- PMS and Women’s Health. ...
- Healthy Skin. ...
- Reducing Inflammation. ...
- It can help clear up acne. ...
- It may help ease eczema. ...
- It can help improve overall skin health. ...
- It may help relieve PMS symptoms. ...
- It can help minimize breast pain. ...
- It may help reduce hot flashes. ...
- It may help reduce high blood pressure. ...
- It may help improve heart health.
How much evening primrose oil should you take daily?
Studies show that evening primrose oil may help ease PMS symptoms like:
- Digestive issues
- Irritability and depression
- Backache
- Fatigue
- Breast pain or tenderness
What ailments does taking Primrose help?
What are some women’s ailments that Evening Primrose Oil has been shown to improve?
- Breast Pain / Swelling
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Menopause Symptoms, particularly Hot Flashes
When should I take evening primrose oil?
When To Take Evening Primrose Oil
- Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil. Women can use primrose oil to naturally treat PMS symptoms. Can help you lose weight. ...
- Risks of Evening Primrose Oil. Evening primrose oil is a relatively safe supplement. ...
- Top Brands of Evening Primrose Oil. Evening Primrose Oil can be a very beneficial supplement for people of all ages. ...
What is the most common evening primrose oil side effects?
What Do We Know About Safety?
- Evening primrose oil is probably safe for most adults. Less is known about its safety for children.
- Evening primrose oil may be safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but the evidence is not conclusive.
- Evening primrose oil is generally well tolerated. ...
- Evening primrose oil may increase the effects of the HIV medicine lopinavir. ...
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What does evening primrose do for a woman's body?
Evening primrose oil has been shown to help relieve hot flashes in menopausal women, including their severity, frequency, and duration. One clinical trial found that in addition to hot flash relief, participants taking the oil also improved other metrics like social interactions and sexuality.
Is it OK to take evening primrose oil everyday?
When taken by mouth: Evening primrose oil is likely safe for most people when taken in doses up to 6 grams daily for up to 1 year. It might cause mild side effects including upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and headache in some people.
When should I take evening primrose oil morning or night?
Evening Primrose Oil Take one capsule up to three times per day, with meals, starting at 38 weeks. If your bag of water is intact and you are not having vaginal bleeding, you can also place one Evening Primrose Oil softgel deep in the vagina at night to work directly on the cervix while you sleep.
Is evening primrose oil worth taking?
Evening primrose oil is a rich source of Omega-6 essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), which are beneficial for easing PMS and menopause-related symptoms, as well as helping with skin conditions.
Who should not take evening primrose oil?
Don't take evening primrose if you have a bleeding disorder. Oral use of the supplement might increase the risk of bleeding. If you're planning to have surgery, stop taking evening primrose two weeks beforehand. Also, don't take evening primrose if you have epilepsy or schizophrenia.
Does Primrose help with weight loss?
There was no significant difference in the weight loss achieved by those taking EPO compared with placebo, either in the subjects with refractory obesity or in those treated at time of initial referral. It would appear that any antiobesity property possessed by EPO is clinically insignificant.
How long does it take for primrose oil to work?
How long does evening primrose oil take to work? It may take up to 6 weeks for you to notice any difference, but most people report changes after 1 to 2 weeks.
Can you use evening primrose oil as a lubricant?
Evening Primrose Oil While there hasn't been any moving scientific research on EPO and vaginal dryness, using the oil as a lubricant certainly won't hurt and is a lovely herbal ally for temporary relief of dryness.
How many evening primrose capsules should I take?
The recommended dose of evening primrose oil is 8 to 12 capsules a day, at a dose of 500 milligrams per capsule. A range of evening primrose oil products are available for purchase online.
Does evening primrose balance hormones?
Evening Primrose Oil is one of the richest sources of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that provides the building blocks for female hormones. It thereby helps to provide hormonal balance. It plays a key role in female metabolism by maintaining hormonal balance, healthy skin and supple joints.
Does primrose oil increase estrogen?
Evening primrose oil There's very little recent research on the benefits of evening primrose oil for estrogen. However, one study found that of over 2,200 women that used EPO after discontinuing hormone replacement therapy, 889 reported EPO as useful for controlling the symptoms of low estrogen with menopause.
Can you take multivitamins and evening primrose oil together?
Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between Evening Primrose Oil and multivitamin.
Why is evening primrose good for acne?
Because of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that evening primrose has, it makes it a useful ally to prevent or cure problems such as: Acne. Blackheads. Eczema. The reason for this is that evening primrose helps to dilute the accumulation of grease in the pores.
What are the components of evening primrose oil?
Among these are: Omega 6. Linoleic acid. Fiber. Amino acids. Vitamin C.
Why is the evening primrose called the woman's plant?
The reason why the evening primrose is known as the “woman’s plant” is because it reduces the symptoms that appear before menstruation and relieves ailments such as : Intestinal inflammation. Sickness. Fluid retention. Colic. Sensitive breasts. Regulation of hormones.
What is the name of the herb that grows in the period of one year?
Health Herbs & Oils March 9, 2018 0. Evening primrose , whose scientific name is oenothera, is a type of herb that germinates in the period of one year. Native to areas in North America, Asia and Europe, it has been used as a medicinal plant for many years. Evening primrose is a pale-yellow flower, whose petals emit a pungent odor.
What age do women start primrose oil?
Menopause. Menopause is the state in which the natural level of reproductive hormones begins to fall. All women go through it when they reach the age of forty or fifty.
Why are nails important?
Healthy nails. It’s important to maintain the health of our entire body , and that includes the nails. Damaged nails not only look bad, they are also a reflection of our health. It’s important to act when the nails are brittle and have ridges.
Does primrose help with neuropathy?
On the other hand, it relieves the effects of loss of sensation, tingling or numbness that some people with mild diabetic neuropathy usually experience. 5.
Why is primrose oil used in labor?
11. Induce Labor. Evening primrose oil has been used by midwives to prepare the cervix for labor[19] for centuries.
Is primrose oil good for menopause?
Evening primrose oil is an excellent solution to many beauty and health issues. It’s best known for its capacity to alleviate menopausal symptoms, induce labor, and balance the hormone levels. This oil will bring a lot of benefits to your skin, hair, and health if used regularly. Keep reading this article to discover more about ...
Does primrose oil help with cholesterol?
A study in 2014 on rats showed that evening primrose oil is an anti-inflammatory agent, and it assists in reducing blood cholesterol [3]. This oil reduces cholesterol and blood pressure , which, in turn, maintains heart health.
Is primrose oil bad for you?
Allergies: Some people may be allergic to evening primrose oil. Common allergic symptoms include rashes, nausea, skin irritation, vomiting, irritability, and abdominal pain. In this article, you already knew the information associated with evening primrose oil capsules.
How to use evening primrose oil?
Evening primrose oil should be used cautiously if you have certain medical conditions. Among them: 1 Evening primrose oil may increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulants ("blood thinners"). 2 If you have upcoming surgery, you should stop taking evening primrose oil two weeks beforehand to prevent excessive bleeding. 3 Pregnant women should not take evening primrose oil, since it may increase the risk of miscarriage or induced labor.
What is primrose oil used for?
In 1993, evening primrose oil was first proposed as a possible treatment of diabetic neuropathy, 7 an often debilitating nerve pain mainly affecting the feet and legs. Since then, there has been evidence to support some of these claims.
How long does primrose oil last in the refrigerator?
Although primrose oil can keep for up to six months in the refrigerator, for greatest efficacy, buy only as much as you can use within three months.
How long does primrose oil help with hot flashes?
While the body of evidence remains mixed, a 2013 study in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that a daily, 500-milligram dose of evening primrose oil provided modest relief of hot flashes after six weeks.
Where does evening primrose oil come from?
Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of evening primrose ( Oenothera biennis ), a plant native to North America. It gets its name from its yellow blossoms, which bloom in the evening. The oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
Can primrose oil cause nausea?
In some cases, primrose oil may cause side effects such as stomach upset, headache, nausea , and diarrhea. 2 Most of the side effects are low-grade and resolve on their own once the treatment is stopped. Evening primrose oil should be used cautiously if you have certain medical conditions. Among them:
Does primrose oil help with menstrual cramps?
Evening primrose oil is also sometimes used to alleviate menstrual cramps and PMS. 4 To date, there is no conclusive evidence to support these claims. Evening Primrose Oil and Menopause.
How to reduce EPO side effects?
To reduce your risks for side effects, always use the lowest dose possible . If you begin having unusual or persistent side effects, discontinue use and see your doctor. Last medically reviewed on January 23, 2019.
Why do women have PMS?
Researchers believe some women experience PMS because they’re sensitive to normal prolactin levels in the body. GLA converts to a substance in the body (prostaglandin E1) thought to help prevent prolactin from triggering PMS. According to a 2010 study. Trusted Source.
How long is evening primrose good for?
Although not all side effects are known, evening primrose is thought to be likely safe for most people when used for up to a year.
Can you use evening primrose as directed?
You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. If you choose to use evening primrose, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Is evening primrose a regulated product?
Evening primrose is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs.
Is evening primrose a medicine?
It is not certain whether evening primrose is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Evening primrose should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Evening primrose is often sold as an herbal supplement.
Can you take evening primrose with different liquids?
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, and others) of evening primrose at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of evening primrose.
Is it safe to use evening primrose while pregnant?
Evening primrose is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Evening primrose is considered possibly safe to use while breast-feeding. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Can evening primrose cause headaches?
Stop using evening primrose and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: easy bruising or bleeding; or. a bleeding that will not stop. Common side effects may include: upset stomach; nausea; diarrhea; or. headache. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Why do women take evening primrose oil?
What are the benefits of taking evening primrose oil capsules? For starters, women around the world take evening primrose oil to naturally treat PMS symptoms because of its essential fatty acid content. Getting enough omega-6 fatty acids, such as LA and GLA, is shown to support overall hormonal function within the body.
How long does it take for primrose oil to work?
When using evening primrose oil for symptoms of arthritis, it may take one to three months for benefits to appear. ( 12)
Why is primrose oil good for psoriasis?
An evening primrose oil benefit is its ability to help naturally treat psoriasis — because the essential fatty acids help with hormone balance and digestion.
Why do blue foxes use primrose oil?
An animal study done at the Department of Animal Nutrition and Management included male and female blue foxes that were given evening primrose oil during mating season in order to measure its effect on reproductive performance.
Does primrose oil cause nausea?
Evening primrose oil side effects are rare, but reported side effects have included headache, stomach upset, nausea, dizziness and rash. ( 14) Recent research reveals that too much omega-6 in the diet creates an imbalance that can interfere with production of important prostaglandins.
Is evening primrose oil good for acne?
Is evening primrose oil acne clearing? Even though there aren’t a lot of studies to prove evening primrose’s benefits for acne, dermatologists are known to recommend it as part of an anti-acne regimen and first-hand accounts by acne sufferers also celebrate its skin-clearing benefits when used externally and/or internally. ( 6, 7)
Is primrose oil good for menopause?
The oil could also be used as an anti-inflammatory agent and is known to be helpful for menopause symptoms, arthritis and so much more!
What is evening primrose oil?
Evening primrose is a plant with yellow flowers. Evening primrose oil extracted from plant seeds is usually sold in capsules. The supplement contains the fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). People take evening primrose oil orally to treat a wide variety of conditions.
Can you use primrose oil for PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Research suggests no benefit for oral use of evening primrose oil to treat symptoms of PMS.
Does primrose oil slow down seizures?
Evening primrose oil might slow down how quickly this medication is broken down in the body. Phenothiazines. Taking evening primrose oil with these drugs used to treat serious mental and emotional disorders might increase risk of seizures in some people. Evening primrose oil.
Does primrose oil help with bleeding?
These types of drugs, herbs and supplements reduce blood clotting. Combining oral use of evening primrose oil with them might increase the risk of bleeding.
Can you take evening primrose oil for bleeding?
When taken in appropriate amounts short term, oral use of evening primrose oil is most likely safe. Don't take evening primrose if you have a bleeding disorder. Oral use of the supplement might increase the risk of bleeding. If you're planning to have surgery, stop taking evening primrose two weeks beforehand.
Does evening primrose oil help with eczema?
The most comprehensive evaluation is that evening primrose taken orally doesn't effectively relieve the signs and symptoms of eczema. Diabetic neuropathy.
What is evening primrose oil?
Evening primrose is a plant that's native to Europe and North America. It has a long history of medicinal uses. Native Americans, for example, used its leaves, roots, and seedpods in preparations for hemorrhoids, bruises, wounds, and skin problems. Evening primrose oil contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid that is necessary for good health.
Can you take primrose oil for premenstrual syndrome?
People take it to try to treat conditions such as: Reviews of the available scientific evidence have found no reason to recommend evening primrose oil to help the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or breast pain.
Does primrose oil lower blood pressure?
Also, people who take medication to lower blood pressure should be careful, because evening primrose oil may cause a further drop in pressure. Evening primrose oil may also interact with certain medicines used to treat depression. Several other drug interactions have been noted.
Does primrose oil cause nausea?
Evening primrose oil may raise the risk of bleeding among people who take anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. It may also raise the risk of seizures as well as serious nausea and vomiting for people taking a class of drugs known as phenothiazines.
Does primrose oil help with eczema?
Current research does not show primrose oil to be helpful in eczema or atopic dermatitis. And some studies suggest that supplements that contain gamma-linolenic acid ( GLA ), including evening primrose oil, may be of some benefit to people with rheumatoid arthritis. But more research is needed before it could be recommended.
Is primrose oil good for you?
Evening primrose oil contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid that is necessary for good health. However, while there is some evidence that taking evening primrose oil supplements may benefit some health conditions, the study results are mixed. Most of the studies have been small and further research is needed.
Can you take primrose oil with anesthesia?
Several other drug interactions have been noted. Evening primrose oil may cause seizures if used with anesthesia. Make sure you tell your doctor if you are taking this before you have any surgery. Pregnant women should not take evening primrose oil because of the potential for complications.

What Is Evening Primrose Oil Used for?
Possible Side Effects
- Like most supplements, there hasn't been much research assessing the long-term safety of evening primrose oil. In some cases, primrose oil may cause side effects such as:1 1. Stomach upset 2. Headache 3. Nausea 4. Diarrhea Most of the side effects are low-grade and resolve on their own once the treatment is stopped.
Precautions and Drug Interactions
- Advise your healthcare provider if you are taking evening primrose oil—or any supplement—to avoid drug interactions and potentially serious side effects. Evening primrose oil should be used cautiously if you have certain medical conditions. Among them: 1. Evening primrose oil may increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. 2. If you have upcoming surgery, …
Dosage and Preparation
- Supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way drugs are. As such, there are no universal guidelines regarding the appropriate use of evening primrose oil. Generally speaking, a daily dose of 500 mg is considered safe in adults, although many can tolerate up to 1,300 mg a day without any side effects. Due to the lack of research, ev…
Storage
- Evening primrose oil contains a high proportion of unsaturated fats, which are susceptible to a breakdown process called oxidative deterioration. If this occurs, the quality of the supplements is compromised. Any product rich in unsaturated oil can go rancid, including bottled primrose oil and primrose oil gel caps.
What to Look For
- Dietary supplements like evening primrose oil are not required to undergo the rigorous testing that pharmaceutical drugs do. Instead, the FDA imposes certain standards regarding the manufacturing and labeling of these supplements. Even so, there is often considerable variation in the quality of supplements like evening primrose oil. If you are strictly vegan or vegetarian, only …
Summary
- There's some research that supports the use of evening primrose oil for certain conditions that cause pain. But since the studies are limited and often mixed, no firm conclusions about benefits can be made. If you are interested in trying evening primrose oil, always discuss it with your healthcare provider and mention any medications you are taking and conditions that you have s…