Evening Primrose Oil – Uses Side Effects
OTHER NAME(S): Aceite de Onagra, Acide Cis-linoléique, Cis-Linoleic Acid, EPO, Evening Primrose, Evening Primrose Seed Oil, Fever Plant, Herbe-aux-ânes, Huile de Graines d’Onagre, Huile D’Onagre, Huile de Primerose, Huile de Primevère Vespérale, Jambon de Jardinier, Jambon du Paysan, King’s Cureall, Mâche Rouge, Night Willow-Herb, Oenothera biennis, Oenothera muricata, Oenothera purpurata, Oenothera rubricaulis, Oenothera suaveolens, Œnothère, Oil of Evening Primrose, Onagra biennis, Onagraire, Onagre Bisannuelle, Onagre Commune, Primevère du Soir, Primrose, Primrose Oil, Scabish, Sun Drop.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is a natural supplement extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, which is native to North America. The oil is rich in essential fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is not commonly found in other foods. GLA is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve various health conditions.
Evening primrose oil is often used as a dietary supplement to alleviate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause, such as breast tenderness, bloating, and mood swings. It may also be used to treat eczema, acne, and rheumatoid arthritis.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of evening primrose oil for these conditions. Some people may experience side effects, such as headaches, upset stomach, and nausea. It is always important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement or medication.
Evening primrose oil is used for a variety of purposes, including:
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Evening primrose oil may help alleviate symptoms associated with PMS, such as breast tenderness, bloating, and mood swings. It may also help regulate menstrual cycles.
Menopause: Evening primrose oil may also be used to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings.
Eczema: Some studies suggest that evening primrose oil may help improve symptoms of eczema, such as itching and inflammation.
Acne: Evening primrose oil may help reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of acne-prone skin.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Evening primrose oil may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Breast Pain: Some women use evening primrose oil to alleviate breast pain and tenderness.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Some studies suggest that evening primrose oil may help improve symptoms of ADHD in children.
It is important to note that while evening primrose oil may provide some benefits, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness for these conditions. Additionally, evening primrose oil may interact with certain medications, so it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before using it.
Precautions:
Before taking evening primrose oil, it is important to take the following precautions:
Consult with your healthcare provider: Talk to your healthcare provider before taking evening primrose oil, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications.
Know the recommended dosage: Evening primrose oil should be taken according to the recommended dosage on the product label or as directed by a healthcare provider.
Be aware of potential interactions: Evening primrose oil may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs. Speak to your healthcare provider before using evening primrose oil if you are taking any medications.
Check for allergies: People with allergies to plants in the same family as evening primrose (Onagraceae family) may also be allergic to evening primrose oil. Stop taking evening primrose oil and seek medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Avoid use in certain medical conditions: Evening primrose oil may worsen certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy or schizophrenia. People with these conditions should avoid using evening primrose oil.
Store properly: Store evening primrose oil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Check the product label for specific storage instructions.
As with any supplement or medication, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and take evening primrose oil under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Dosing:
The dosing of evening primrose oil may vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual’s age, health status, and other factors. It is important to follow the product label or your healthcare provider’s instructions for dosing. However, here are some general guidelines for dosing:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): The typical recommended dosage is 1,500-2,000 mg of evening primrose oil per day, divided into two or three doses.
Menopause: The typical recommended dosage is 1,000-1,500 mg of evening primrose oil per day, divided into two or three doses.
Eczema: The typical recommended dosage is 1,500-3,000 mg of evening primrose oil per day, divided into two or three doses.
Acne: The typical recommended dosage is 500-1,500 mg of evening primrose oil per day, divided into two or three doses.
Rheumatoid arthritis: The typical recommended dosage is 2,000-3,000 mg of evening primrose oil per day, divided into two or three doses.
It is important to start with a lower dosage and gradually increase it as needed to minimize the risk of side effects. Additionally, evening primrose oil may take several weeks to produce noticeable effects, so it is important to be patient and consistent with use. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or medication.
FAQs
What does evening primrose oil do to female hormones?
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome and Menopause: Evening primrose oil helps support hormonal balance and has been found to be effective at reducing menstrual cramping, bloat, water retention, breast tenderness and irritability due to hormonal shifts during a women’s cycle.
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.
Is it OK to take evening primrose oil everyday?
Is it OK to take evening primrose oil everyday? It’s possible for adults to take EPO every day, but it’s important they stick to the recommended dosage. It shouldn’t be given to children unless directed by a health professional. You shouldn’t take it if you are on blood-thinning drugs, have epilepsy or similar, or are pregnant.
Does evening primrose oil increase estrogen?
Does evening primrose oil increase estrogen? Evening primrose oil is a source of phytoestrogens, or compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Because it contains phytoestrogens, evening primrose oil may be helpful for reducing menopause symptoms related to low estrogen.
Is primrose oil good for PCOS?
The seeds of evening primrose are rich in an omega-6 fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). Many health professionals believe that GLA and other omega fatty acids support healthy hormone balance, so it is recommended that people with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and polycystic ovaries take evening primrose oil.
Does primrose oil increase fertility?
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is a natural source of Omega 6 fatty acids, which means it could help improve fertility in many of the same ways that flax and fish oils do. But because of EPO’s effects on the uterus, you need to be careful to take this supplement only at the right time: before ovulation and not during it.
Can primrose oil delay your period?
There is no medical evidence that evening primrose oil can directly regulate or help a delayed period. The main medications used to help are hormonal medications such as birth control pills,
What is evening primrose benefits?
Today, evening primrose oil dietary supplements are promoted for atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema), rheumatoid arthritis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), breast pain, menopause symptoms, and other conditions. Evening primrose oil may also be included in products that are applied to the skin.
Can evening primrose oil reduce heavy periods?
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) in particular has a long history of usage to help ease menstrual cramping and the associated lower back pain caused by inflammatory hormones due to being a rich source of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), a prostaglandin which works as a natural anti-inflammatory
Is primrose oil Vitamin E?
Evening primrose oil is the ideal supplement to help maintain healthy skin, flexible joints and all metabolic functions. HealthAid evening primrose oil 1000mg with vitamin E is cold pressed and hermetically sealed in a soft capsule to maintain freshness and purity.
Does evening primrose oil lighten skin?
Evening primrose oil is recognized for lightening and reducing dark spots on the skin. This is one of the most beneficial aspects of evening primrose oil for the skin. Evening primrose oil inhibits the development of melanin and has a soothing and healing impact on pigment spots produced by UVB exposure.
How to use evening primrose oil for fertility?
Suggested Usage of Evening Primrose Oil. General use is 1500 – 3000 mg one to two times daily. Beginning at the lowest suggested use and then increasing suggested use over time, as necessary. While Actively Trying to Conceive: General usage is 1500 – 3000 mg one to two times daily, from day 1 – 14 in the cycle.
