Health Benefits Of Evening Primrose Oil And The Related Controversy

Evening primrose is a native plant found in North America. In today’s time, it grows in many parts of Asia and Europe. The benefits of evening primrose oil are not new to the world of medicines. Traditionally, primrose oil was used to treat sore throats, digestive problems, bruises, etc.

So what is evening primrose oil?

Evening primrose is a beautiful yellow colour flower which, unlike the sunflower, opens at sunset. It gets its name from its unique characteristic to blossom in the evening.  An oil is extracted from the seeds of this yellow flower which is named evening primrose oil.  

It is established that the healing benefits of evening primrose oil are due to the presence of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in this oil. GLA found in plant oil is an omega-6 fatty acid. It is extremely useful in treating various diseases or abnormalities related to our skin. 

The evening primrose oil can be applied topically or be taken as a supplement. 

Benefits Of Evening Primrose Oil

1. Improves Overall Skin Health

Our skin is unable to produce GLA and therefore an oral intake of evening primrose oil can help achieve healthier-looking skin. 

The health benefits of primrose oil include adding much-needed elasticity, fitness, moisture and fatigue resistance to your skin. Not just that it also helps in fighting acne and its scars. 

Evening Primrose Oil Dosage: You can take 500 mg of capsules daily, thrice a day,  provided the same is approved by your dermatologist. 

2. Treats Eczema – Benefits Of Evening Primrose Oil

Eczema is a skin condition that leaves the skin red, itchy and irritable. It is usually seen in children but it can occur at any age. 

In the late 90s, the benefits of evening primrose oil for treating eczema was heavily touted. Despite the positive response from the patients, no solid results were published in this regard. 

Most researches showed the positive response of the topical use of the primrose oil on affected areas. This had raised many questions on whether the oral intake of evening primrose oil aids in treating eczema.

Evening Primrose Oil Dosage: According to the study, you can apply 1 ml of evening primrose oil to your skin for four months, twice a day, to see good results. 

Also Read : Almond Oil For Skin Is The Elixir Your Skin Was Waiting For

3. Helps with Premenstrurational Syndrome

Premenstrurational syndrome is quite common in women. It causes depression, bloating and irritability amongst women right before they are to get their periods. 

A study states that the health benefit of evening primrose oil includes helping women with the PMS. 

Women experience PMS depending on their sensitivity to normal levels of prolactin in their body. The GLA present in primrose oil prevents prolactin from triggering PMS. 

Supplements that contain evening primrose oil, vitamin B6  and vitamin E help reduce the pain caused during PMS. 

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis – Benefits Of Evening Primrose Oil

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints and causes pain.  The GLA present in evening primrose oil can help reduce the pain caused in people having mild Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

Evening Primrose Oil Dosage: A daily dosage of 560 to 6000 mg of evening primrose oil for about a year but only after the same is vetted by your doctor. 

Side Effects Of Evening Primrose Oil

Since there are contradictory results leading to the health benefits of primrose oil, one has to exercise extreme caution before using it. 

The most common and probable side effects of primrose oil include stomach ache, headache, itchy skin, soft stools, rashes, etc. Taking a lower dosage can help prevent these side effects. 

When to take evening primrose oil?

There is no definite time at which you need to schedule your intake of evening primrose oil. You can take it as per the directions of your physician or dermatologists. 

Also Read : People Swear By Mustard Oil For Hair Care And Here’s How You Can Start Doing It Too

The Takeaway

The health benefits of evening primrose oil are known and experienced by many but there is no strong evidence supporting facts. Until there are enough studies that propagate the medicinal use of evening primrose please do not use it.

If you are very confident then start using the evening primrose oil with a lower dosage and see for the results on yourself. In case if you witness any side effects consult a doctor right then.