Evening primrose oil: 5 benefits to know about!

Evening primrose is a plant with yellow flowers which opens at sunset and closes during the day, which justifies its name. This plant is usually found in North and South America, Europe and some parts of Asia.It has healing benefits which has been used by the native people for hundreds of years. This plant’s oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid oils.

Evening primrose oil has been used by the people for many benefits like healing atopic dermatitis or breast pain, eczema, improving skin condition, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause symptoms, and many other conditions. 

Some benefits of evening primrose oil include:

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Eczema or atopic dermatitis 

According to a study, the GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in EPO may improve the skin's condition in case of eczema. Eczema is most effectively treated with the conventional medicines prescribed by the doctor, but evening primrose oil is sometimes used by people to aid in the treatment. A newer study however concludes that evening primrose oil is not much effective in treatment of eczema and can produce mild side effects.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

An older study says that EPO is very effective in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, like irritability, bloating etc. Many researchers believe that GLA in evening primrose oil can convert into prostaglandin and can help prevent PMS symptoms.

Reduces breast pain

A study done in 2010 concluded that the GLA in EPO is thought to reduce the inflammation and help reduce the cyclical breast pain. Remember that there can be other causes of breast pain, so it’s important to address this to your doctor to rule out any medical issues.

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Nerve pain

Nerve pain associated with diabetes can be treated with evening primrose oil. Taking evening primrose oil for 6-12 months may improve the condition of nerve pain associated with diabetes.

Menopause

Evening primrose oil has been used from a long time to treat hot flashes during perimenopause. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of extreme gushing warmth in the body. They occur due to the hormonal changes during the transition to menopause phase.

Evening primrose oil is usually safe for most adults. Although evening primrose oil is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding period, the evidence is not conclusive. The most common side effects of evening primrose are mainly temporary gastrointestinal symptoms. Do consult with your health care provider before taking evening primrose oil if you are pregnant, lactating or taking any kind of medications.