How Evening Primrose Oil Benefits Health

March 13, 2024

Evening primrose oil is derived from the evening primrose's seeds. This plant, which is native to North America, has a reputation for containing natural gamma-linolenic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid containing pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. This type of fatty acid is found abundantly in the standard diet but not at the quality the evening primrose plant provides. The plant has been assigned numerous health benefits including the treatment of many ailments and cosmetic reasons because of its nourishing and restorative properties for the hair and skin. Here are details on some of the major proven health benefits of evening primrose oil.

Reduce Appearance Of Wrinkles

Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, which has the attributed ability to smooth wrinkles. The high levels of antioxidants inside evening primrose oil neutralize the damage done by free radicals to the skin and prevent oxidation. This is the primary cause of wrinkles due to aging. Evening primrose oil can be applied directly to the skin to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles that occur as a result of rough external conditions like pollution, sun exposure, and wind. This magical oil works from the inside out by nourishing the body with its rich antioxidants and omega fatty acids. Skin experts recommend individuals to take evening primrose oil supplements twice daily for this purpose.

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Alleviate Arthritis Symptoms

The gamma-linoleic acid found in evening primrose oil has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Because rheumatoid arthritis is caused by inflammation, the various compounds in the oil help the body form blockers to the inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by the presence of reactive free radicals as a result of excess nitric oxide in the joints. Evening primrose oil is rich in antioxidants including betulinic, oleanolic, and morolic acid. These potent antioxidants battle the effects of free radicals and alleviate arthritis symptoms. The administration of this oil shows a reduced swelling of tissues and decreased immune cell response in joint tissues, the main aggravating factor for pain.

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Get Rid Of Acne

Used as a supplement, evening primrose oil can be beneficial in managing skin issues and can get rid of acne altogether. This happens because evening primrose oil has a natural hormone balancing function. Acne outbreak often happens in teenagers because of the hormonal disruptions that occur in their changing organism. The omega-6 inside the oil adjusts the hormone levels when taken during the night. The other factor evening primrose oil challenges when dealing with acne is inflammation. Acne is basically skin inflammation. Gamma linolenic acid found in the oil is a successful remedy for inflammation and rash to the skin. The regenerative properties of evening primrose hasten the formation of new cells. This prevents the skin around the healing acne to become clogged. With the constant formation of new skin cells, the pores are left breathing, and the skin looks refreshed.

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Assist With Hair Loss

Evening primrose oil can also assist with hair loss because the fatty acids and antioxidants found inside this oil can boost the overall health of the scalp, nourish the hair follicles, and protect them from external factors. External factors can cause dandruff and other scalp inflammation that can force the hair to fall off. The anti-inflammatory compounds in the oil tackle these problems. The linolenic acid inside the oil can nourish the scalp and boost the rates at which the skin and hair regenerate. Evening primrose oil can be used directly on the scalp. The oil can be left and massaged into the scalp for fifteen to thirty minutes. Of course, taking evening primrose supplements will additionally boost the effect of the massage.

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Treats Skin Conditions

Evening primrose oil treats many different skin conditions. The natural inflammation fighting properties of linolenic acid found in evening primrose oil can be used in both adults and children for treating conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, acne, wrinkles, and dry skin. The antioxidants inside the oil relieve damage caused by external and internal factors. As treatment is taking place, extra evening primrose oil can speed up the regeneration of new skin cells. In the case of psoriasis and similar common skin conditions, the problem stems from hormonal disbalances. The fatty acids inside evening primrose oil manage hormonal levels to improve these skin conditions. The oil is also potent in removing redness, swelling, and edema, which are typical symptoms of conditions like eczema.

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May Relieve PMS And Hot Flashes

Research shows evening primrose oil may relieve the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and hot flashes. One study indicated evening primrose oil could help treat PMS symptoms like bloating, irritability, and depression. Some researchers believe premenstrual syndrome occurs because of a sensitivity to the body's prolactin levels. GLA is a substance the body converts into prostaglandin E1, which might be able to prevent the body's prolactin levels from causing PMS symptoms. There was another study showing a supplement with vitamin E, vitamin B6, and evening primrose oil helped relieve PMS. However, a 2009 review didn't find evening primrose oil was helpful in relieving PMS symptoms, so the evidence is conflicting. If a woman is trying to treat her symptoms of PMS, she should take between five hundred and six thousand milligrams anywhere from one to four times a day for a maximum of ten months. It's best to start with a small dose and increase as necessary for symptom relief.

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Reduce High Blood Pressure

Because there's some conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of evening primrose oil on high blood pressure, researchers should do more studies. A 2013 study showed individuals taking evening primrose oil tended to have a difference in systolic blood pressure researchers called clinically significant. Meanwhile, a 2011 review indicated there hasn't been enough research to determine whether evening primrose oil is helpful in high blood pressure reduction during preeclampsia or pregnancy. Preeclampsia causes blood pressure to become dangerously high during and after pregnancy. Those looking to manage their blood pressure through evening primrose oil supplements should do so under the supervision of a doctor and take no more than five hundred milligrams twice daily. It's also important to note evening primrose oil shouldn't mix with any other medications or supplements meant to lower blood pressure.

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May Reduce Cholesterol

One 2014 study was conducted on rats. In the rats, evening primrose oil was shown to reduce cholesterol in the blood and offer anti-inflammatory properties. This has important implications for heart health, though further study is needed on the link between human cholesterol levels and evening primrose oil. Bad cholesterol can contribute to blockages in the arteries. In addition, the majority of individuals with heart disease also have some kind of inflammation in their bodies, though there isn't definitive proof inflammation is the cause of heart disease. If individuals take evening primrose oil for cholesterol, they should ingest between ten and thirty milliliters daily for four months to promote overall cardiovascular health. They should also make sure to do so with their doctor's supervision, and be cautious if they have other medications with cardiovascular effects.

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May Ease Nerve Pain

Evening primrose oil may ease nerve pain, depending on the condition. One common condition that causes nerve pain is peripheral neuropathy. This can be a result of diabetes or other health conditions. Some research indicates linolenic acid can help reduce the symptoms of neuropathy, which include weakness in the limbs, tingling, numbness, and unusual sensitivity to heat and cold. If an individual is taking evening primrose oil for nerve pain, they must be supervised by a doctor. They should also talk to a doctor about whether it's safe to take evening primrose oil with other medications they may be taking. For nerve pain, individuals should take a daily evening primrose oil capsule with between 360 and 480 milligrams of GLA each day. The treatment can last for up to a year.

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