Evening primrose oil is the oil derived from the seeds of the evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) plant.
Often abbreviated to EPO, evening primrose oil is a rich source of omega-6 essential fatty acids.2 In particular, it contains one known as gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is also found in other plant-based oils.
The recommended dose of evening primrose oil is 8 to 12 capsules a day, at a dose of 500 mg each capsule.
Women can take primrose oil to naturally treat PMS symptoms because of its essential fatty acid content.
Consuming essential fatty acids creates a healthy environment for conception; they help you lose weight and produce balanced hormones. I recommend that you take 1,500 milligrams, beginning on the first day of your menstrual cycle, until ovulation.
A hormonal imbalance can lead to acne in teens and adults alike, and many people don’t realize that acne can be treated naturally.
In order to treat hormonal acne, you need to tackle the root of the problem—the hormonal imbalance. No topical treatment does that for you; it only treats the already existing pimples or scars. The omega-6 fatty acids present in evening primrose oil can help you to regulate your hormone levels and cure your hormonal acne issues. These fatty acids also play a role in cell structure, improving nerve function and promoting skin elasticity.
To take advantage of this evening primrose oil health benefit regarding hormonal acne, you can take an evening primrose oil capsule daily. You can also put the oil on your face directly. This is known to help with the healing process and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Men and women struggle with hair loss, and sometimes the best way to prevent this issue it with diet or supplements. When it comes to hair, hormones play a significant role—including in the hair pattern found on your head, as well as the rest of your body.
Essential omega-6 fatty acid, GLA, which comes from consuming capsules of evening primrose oil, can be highly effective in the fight against hair loss. Try taking 500 milligrams twice a day—you will begin to see results in six to eight weeks.
You can also rub evening primrose oil into your hair or add it to your shampoo. In a study done at the University of Maryland, 86 people who were experiencing hair loss massaged their scalps with essential oils. They did this daily for seven months; at the end, those who used essential oils daily noticed significant hair regrowth. Besides using evening primrose oil for this remedy, try lavender, cypress, and lemongrass essential oils too.
Evening primrose oil has proven to be a valuable treatment choice for people suffering from skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. Studies published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science have even shown that evening primrose oil can help with age-related structural and functional changes in skin tissues, such as redness, firmness, roughness, and fatigue Research shows that people with eczema don’t have the normal ability to process fatty acids; this results in a deficiency of gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that the body can convert to substances that reduce inflammation and cell growth. Studies prove that evening primrose oil is remarkably effective in relieving many symptoms of eczema, including itching, redness, and edema.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of chronic arthritis that occurs in joints on both sides of the body—such as both hands, both wrists, or both knees. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.
Some studies show that primrose oil may be a suitable natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. One study done by Arthritis Research UK measured the effects of evening primrose oil on 49 people. The data found that 94 percent of participants who got evening primrose oil reported a significant improvement of disease-related symptoms, including pain and morning stiffness. When using evening primrose oil for symptoms of arthritis, it may take one to three months for benefits to appear.