Evening primrose oil is known for its healing benefits. Gamma linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in plant oils, contributes to the primrose oil benefits in healing bruises, sore throats, haemorrhoids, etc. Evening primrose oil can either be taken as a supplement or applied externally to reap the benefits. Read on to understand how evening primrose oil benefits you in managing some common health issues.
Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is administered to treat various skin, joint, and nerve-related issues. The evening primrose oil uses are countless and some of them are listed below:
1. Helps Treat Acne
The Gamma Linoleic Acid in evening primrose oil (EPO) is believed to treat acne by reducing inflammation and the number of skin cells responsible for lesions. It also helps in keeping the skin hydrated.
Evening primrose oil skin benefits include treating cheilitis, a condition wherein there is swelling and pain in the lips as a side effect of the acne medication, isotretinoin. EPO supplementation can help reduce both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.
Usage
The recommended dosage to treat cheilitis is 6 capsules of 450 mg each, three times a day for a period of eight weeks.
2. Improves Overall Skin Health
Gamma linoleic acid is required for the functioning and structure of the skin. Since the skin cannot produce GLA on its own, consuming GLA-rich EPO supplements will help. When taken orally, evening primrose oil benefits the elasticity and firmness of the skin. It also helps in fatigue resistance and the retention of skin moisture.
Usage
The recommended dosage of evening primrose oil for 500 mg capsules thrice a day for 12 weeks.
3. Eases Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that causes red, itchy, and painful rashes. The stem of the evening primrose plant and the juice of the leaves have been used for ages to treat skin inflammation. One of the evening primrose oil uses is to ease the symptoms of eczema.
Usage
1 to 4 capsules to be taken twice daily for 12 weeks. If used externally, 1 ml of 20% EPO has to be applied twice daily for 4 months.
4. May Relieve PMS Symptoms
Some women experience premenstrual symptoms (PMS) like irritability, depression, and bloating as they are sensitive to prolactin levels in the body. Studies have shown that GLA in primrose oil transforms into a substance, i.e. prostaglandin EI that is believed to prevent prolactin from triggering PMS.
Usage
Consume 6 to 12 capsules (500 mg to 6000 mg) 1 to 4 times daily for 10 months to manage PMS. It is suggested to start with the smallest dose and increase step by step as required to relieve the symptoms.
5. Helps Reduce Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are amongst the most dreaded side effects of menopause. They can make you feel highly uncomfortable. Hot flashes can be frequent and can last for a long time in some women, which can make them feel miserable.
Studies have shown that consuming 500 mg of EPO daily for 6 weeks helps reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes.
Usage
500 mg of EPO capsules twice daily for 6 weeks is the recommended dosage.
6. Manages Blood Pressure Levels
The Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA) found in EPO is believed to help reduce high blood pressure by reducing the occurrence of arterial constriction caused by prostaglandins. This allows blood to flow more freely through vessels, which aids in the reduction of high blood pressure.
However, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether EPO helps reduce the risk of preeclampsia, a condition that causes dangerously high blood pressure during and after pregnancy.
Usage
Consult a doctor before starting the EPO supplement and especially if you are on other supplements or medication to reduce blood pressure. The recommended dosage is 500 mg twice daily but only under the supervision of your physician.
7. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Omega 6 Fatty Acid is found in Evening Primrose Oil. Some Omega 6 fatty acids have been shown to increase inflammation in the body, whereas Omega 6 in EPO (Gamma Linolenic acid) has been shown to help reduce inflammation. This is one reason why it is believed that Omega 6 can also help in the upkeep of cardiovascular health.
Usage
EPO for heart health should be only under the strict supervision of a physician, especially if you are on other medications that may affect heart health. 10 to 30 ml daily for 4 months is the recommended dosage.
8. Helps Reduce Breast Pain
Some women experience severe breast pain during the menstrual cycle that can interfere in their day-to-day activities. Studies have shown that GLA in EPO reduces inflammation and restricts the prostaglandins that cause these cyclic breast pains. The intensity of these cyclical breast pains was lessened by six months of EPO or EPO combined with vitamin E consumption.
Usage
For six months, take 1 to 3 grams or 2.4 ml of EPO every day. You can also take the dosage with 1.2 g of Vitamin E too.
9. Aids in Managing Neuropathy
One of the common side effects of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy. Studies have shown that GLA in EPO helps reduce some of the symptoms of neuropathy like numbness, weakness, tingling, and hot and cold sensitivity.
Usage
EPO capsules with 360 to 480 mg of GLA daily for 12 months is the suggested dosage.
10. May Reduce Skeletal Pain
Bone pain is typically brought on by rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that develops when your immune system attacks your own body’s tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis-related bone pain is lessened by GLA in EPO without any negative side effects.
Usage
The dosage recommended is 560 to 6000 mg of EPO daily for 3 to 12 months.
Side Effects of Evening Primrose Oil
Short-term use of EPO is deemed safe. Long-term use safety has not yet been established. You should use caution when choosing supplements because the FDA does not inspect them for quality. Always go for premium brand supplements that vouch for the quality.
Some of the moderate side effects of evening primrose oil are stomach and abdominal pain, headache, and supple stools. Consuming the supplement in moderation can prevent these side effects.
Sometimes, there could be allergic reactions like rash, shortness of breath, inflammation of hands and feet, and wheezing.
If you are taking blood thinners, use caution as EPO may make bleeding worse. Avoid taking EPO if you are taking blood pressure-lowering medication because doing so could cause your blood pressure to drop even more than it already has.
Conclusion
Evening primrose oil may help some conditions when used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, according to studies, but more research is needed. EPO shouldn’t be used in place of a treatment regimen advised by your doctor until the outcome is known.
For EPO, there is no established dosage. The majority of dosage recommendations are based on research methods. Consult your physician to determine the best dosage for you while weighing the advantages and disadvantages of using EPO.
Use the lowest effective dose at all times to lower your risk of side effects. Topical EPO is frequently used to aid in preparing the cervix for birthing. If you start experiencing strange or persistent negative effects, stop using the product and consult your doctor.
