- 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 is safe to take?
When taken by mouth: Evening primrose is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in doses up to 6 grams daily. It may cause mild side effects including upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and headache in some people. How do you take evening primrose oil? Evening primrose oil comes in capsules, which can be taken orally or inserted vaginally.
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. ...
How effective is evening primrose oil?
What Have We Learned?
- There’s not enough evidence to support the use of evening primrose oil for any health condition.
- Evening primrose oil, taken orally (by mouth), has not been shown to be helpful for relieving symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
- Studies of evening primrose oil for breast pain have not found it to be more effective than a placebo (an inactive substance).
Does evening primrose oil help you lose weight?
Some brands promote evening primrose oil as a natural appetite suppressant and weight loss aid. Very few studies support this claim, though, and most of them were published in the '90s.
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.
Will evening primrose oil make you gain weight?
GLA, the active ingredient in evening primrose oil, has been shown to help prevent weight regain in formerly obese individuals.
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.
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.
Can 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.
How long does it take for evening 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.
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 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.
What is Eveprim 1000mg?
Relieve symptoms of premenstrual tension & menopausal discomforts. Also indicated for cervical ripening. Dosage/Direction for Use.
What is EPO oil?
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is made from the seeds of the flowers of a plant native to North America. The plant has traditionally been used to treat: Its healing benefits may be due to its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid found in plant oils.
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.
Does EPO help with hot flashes?
It may help reduce hot flashes. EPO may reduce the severity of hot flashes, one of the most uncomfortable side effects of menopause. According to a 2010 literature review, there’s not enough evidence that over-the-counter remedies such as EPO help hot flashes. A later study, however, came to a different conclusion.
Does EPO help with pain?
It can help minimize breast pain. If you experience breast pain so severe during your period that it interferes with your life, taking EPO may help. According to a 2010 study, the GLA in EPO is thought to reduce inflammation and help inhibit prostaglandins that cause cyclical breast pain.
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.
Does GLA help with nerve pain?
It helps alleviate nerve pain and inhibit nerve damage by lowering the tingling and numbness thanks to its gamma-linolenic acid. According to a 1990 study, supplementing with GLA improved parameters in mild diabetic neuropathy[6], consisting of hot and cold thresholds, tendon reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength.
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.
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 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 ...
Is it safe to take EPO oil while pregnant?
During pregnancy, taking EPO is possibly unsafe[34]. It might increase the risk of pregnancy complications. If you are pregnant, don’t use this oil. During breastfeeding, taking evening primrose oil is likely safe. But it is best to consult your healthcare provider first. It may sometimes cause some mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, and headache[35]. If EPO is consumed or used in excess, there may be a few severe side effects, including:
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.
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.
Why is oil important for human health?
The oil is high in essential fatty acids — which provide the building blocks for cell membranes and a variety of hormones and hormone-like substances . ( 1) Essential fatty acids are necessary for human health, but the body can’t make them — you have to get them through food.
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)
Here's what you need to know about this all-natural cure-all and how you can use it to ease pesky symptoms and freshen up in ways you never knew you could
Here's what you need to know about this all-natural cure-all and how you can use it to ease pesky symptoms and freshen up in ways you never knew you could.
Understanding evening primrose oil
Though it sounds like it might be related to the ever-romantic and regal rose we all know and love, evening primrose is actually quite different. It’s a small, yellow wildflower found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia that’s most sought-out for its oil.
Relief from skin conditions
Evening primrose oil might help relieve symptoms of notoriously difficult-to-treat and painful skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. According to Maat van Uitert, essential oil expert and founder of FrugalChicken, the high omega-6 fatty acid content of primrose oil helps ease symptoms.
Help reduce wrinkles
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is found in evening primrose oil, is known to have a multitude of skin benefits including smoothing wrinkles. “The potent level of antioxidants in evening primrose helps to neutralize free radicals, which protect the skin from oxidation in living tissue,” explains June Jacobs, CEO of the June Jacobs Spa Collection.
Slow hair loss
Studies have indicated that using evening primrose oil topically might help with hair loss. One study, by the University of Maryland, which gave patients who’d experienced significant hair loss primrose oil to take for seven months, found that the patients had significant hair regrowth by the end.
Heal nerve damage
Since evening primrose oil is rich in omega-6 essential fatty acids—which have some surprising health benefits —and gamma-linolenic acids, researchers have begun looking more deeply into the internal benefits of the supplement.
Reduce breast pain
One significant finding about evening primrose oil will make expectant mothers happy. “Evening primrose oil might help reduce breast pain in pregnant women,” says van Uitert. One study, published in the Alternative Medicine Review, found this to be a side effect of mixing evening primrose oil with vitamin E.
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…