Evening Primrose Oil Benefits: A Research-Based Guide to Health Improvements
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Evening Primrose Oil, often referred to as EPO, is a plant-based supplement. It’s been catching people’s attention due to its vast range of proposed health benefits. Made from evening primrose plant seeds, this oil is packed with essential fatty acids. In particular, it’s rich in the omega-6 fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
In this article, we’ll delve deep into the many potential health benefits linked to evening primrose oil, as guided by science. We’ll also give a detailed guide on how to use it and any possible side effects. Lastly, we will answer some frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
Did you know?
Evening Primrose Oil is a natural supplement. It’s made from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. This plant has been celebrated for its potential health benefits for ages. Now, we can easily access its potential gifts through capsules, creams, and other products.
The evening primrose plant grows in North America and Europe. It has long been used there to manage medical conditions. The oil was often used to handle skin problems, fix hormonal problems, and reduce inflammation.
Evening primrose seeds give us its oil. A cold-press method helps us get it. This method helps retain the good parts of the oil, like its high GLA content. After we’ve got the oil, it may be used as a supplement or put directly onto the skin.
Evening primrose oil primarily contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. Evidence shows that GLA is proposed to have strong anti-inflammatory benefits. The oil also houses other essential fatty acids like linoleic acid and oleic acid.
Evening primrose oil has piqued researchers’ interest because of its proposed health benefits. Below we will be discussing the potential benefits of evening primrose oil.
Evening primrose oil is said to work well for your skin. It is supposed to have properties that fight inflammation and boost moisture levels.
Evening primrose oil’s GLA seems to reduce inflammation that comes with acne. Furthermore, it may help balance hormones that can affect acne.
Evening primrose oil’s GLA may help manage eczema symptoms by reducing inflammation and keeping the skin healthy. Yet, more research is needed in this area as the results so far have been mixed.
Regular use of evening primrose oil may lead to better skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness. This makes the skin look and feel good.
GLA in evening primrose oil is proposed to ease PMS symptoms like breast tenderness, irritability, and bloating.
GLA’s anti-inflammatory traits may lessen breast pain. However, more studies are needed to confirm this.
Some evidence suggests evening primrose oil may lessen the heat of hot flashes that come with menopause. We need more research to solidify these findings.
Evening primrose oil may support heart health and shift cholesterol levels in a positive direction, due to its richness in essential fatty acids. Further research is required.
Evening primrose oil may improve neuropathic pain linked to diabetes by tackling inflammation and aiding nerve function.
Evening primrose oil may help with bone pain from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis due to its potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Evening primrose oil may promote eye health by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the eyes.
The anti-inflammatory traits of GLA in evening primrose oil make may aid it in tackling inflammation all over the body.
Evening primrose oil may be particularly useful for certain conditions described below.
Some studies see promise in evening primrose oil for easing hot flashes, and other menopausal symptoms, and alleviating PMS symptoms. Yet, we do need more research to reinforce these findings.
Evening primrose oil has shown good signs of lessening nerve pain linked to diabetic neuropathy. This may be due to its anti-inflammatory nature. More evidence is needed to support this use.
Evening primrose oil, paired with fish oil and calcium, seems beneficial in slowing down bone loss. This suggests it may play a part in managing osteoporosis.
Scleroderma results in skin thickening and hardening. Raynaud’s phenomenon, often tied to scleroderma, can lead to numbness in fingers and other parts. Small studies have looked at evening primrose oil for aid. But, we need more research to validate its effectiveness.
Although studies have shown health beneficial properties in primrose oil, more large-scale human research is needed to confirm these effects.
A fun and lesser-known fact is that long ago, Native Americans used evening primrose plants to make healing compresses for bruises and wounds. In the 17th century, evening primrose oil gained fame in Europe and was even called the “King’s cure-all.”
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D
Although evening primrose oil is usually safe for short-term use, it is important to know about possible risks and side effects.
If you’re thinking of using evening primrose oil, first discuss with your healthcare provider. This is especially important if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have health issues. Always follow the dosage and instructions on the product label, and heed any advice given by your healthcare provider.
Evening primrose oil does come with some rare risks, like allergies or, in very rare cases, seizures (specifically in schizophrenic patients). Be cautious when adding any new supplement to your diet, and always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you’re taking.
Common side effects of short-term use of evening primrose oil can be an upset stomach, headache, and soft stools. If you notice any severe or unexpected side effects, stop taking it and check in with your healthcare provider.
If you have epilepsy or schizophrenia, avoid using evening primrose oil. It may raise the risk of seizures. Also, if you’re taking blood thinners, blood pressure medications, or lithium, be cautious with evening primrose oil due to possible interactions.
Evening primrose oil might interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and lithium. If you’re on any prescription drugs, always tell your doctor if you are going to start using evening primrose oil to avoid any unwanted reactions.
To my knowledge, other than omega-6 fatty acids, EPO also contains other beneficial components like triterpenes, phenolic acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols, all potentially good for your health.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
To make sure that your evening primrose oil supplement is high-quality, it’s important to know about production guidelines and product purity.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements as strictly as prescription medications. So, it falls on manufacturers to check the safety, quality, and efficacy of their products. Pick brands known for producing high-quality, reliable supplements, and see if they stick to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
To ensure the purity and power of your evening primrose oil supplement, go for a brand that uses cold-pressed oil extraction methods. It’s also crucial to pick supplements free from pollutants and made-up additives.
Also Read: Benefits of Drinking Amla Juice in Empty Stomach: A Comprehensive Guide to Wellness
Evening primrose oil presents a broad array of potential health benefits. It may help improve skin health, ease PMS symptoms, and reduce inflammation, among other things. Yet, more research is needed to confirm many of these benefits and to work out the optimal dosage and duration of use for each person.
Before starting evening primrose oil into your wellness routine, discuss with a healthcare professional. They can help you assess your unique needs and possible risks. With their guidance, evening primrose oil might become a useful asset in boosting your overall health and well-being.
Research shows that evening primrose oil may help balance hormone levels. It may also help tackle symptoms tied to hormonal balances, such as acne and PMS.
While research is very limited to how evening primrose oil and sleep are connected, some report it helps them sleep better. This might be due to its role in reducing inflammation and boosting overall health.
Always check with a healthcare professional before using evening primrose oil. They can help you figure out the right dosage and timing based on your universal needs and health issues.
Avoid using evening primrose oil if you have epilepsy, schizophrenia, or if you’re on certain medications. This includes blood thinners and blood pressure medications due to possible interactions.
Evening primrose oil may come with a host of health benefits. These may include improved skin health, hormonal balance, reduced inflammation, and relief from conditions like menopause, diabetic neuropathy, and osteoporosis.
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