Evening primrose: properties, benefits, contraindications and how to take it

The evening primrose: the “plant of the woman”

The evening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.) is a plant robust, with numerous leaves, lanceolate, covered with hairiness and large and showy yellow flowers, which tend to open at sunset. Thus in English it is known as evening primrose (“spring at night”).

The name of primrose, with which it is sometimes referred to as a direct translation, can lead to confusion with the true primrose or spring (primula veris).

Originally from the eastern United States, today it grows in much of Europeincluding Catalonia and Cantabria.

He evening primrose oilobtained by cold pressing the evening primrose seeds, cannot be missing today in any herbalist due to its wide therapeutic possibilities.

Of this oil have been shown numerous medicinal attributesespecially for skin care and as women’s health support: As a hormonal regulator, it improves the problems associated with menstruation or menopause.

The therapeutic virtues attributed to evening primrose oil are numerous, but not all of them still enjoy scientific consensus. Further clinical studies will be required to confirm or rule out its usefulness.

evening primrose medicinal properties

The evening primrose seeds they are very rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic and palmitic acids; although linoleic acid (72%) and gamma-linolenic acid (11%), precursors of prostaglandin E1, stand out above all.

These substances are involved in many metabolic and physiological processes. The lack of this type of fat can lead to the appearance of organic abnormalities, such as circulatory disorders or nervous and dermatological disorders.

The active principle of evening primrose oil is AGL, which allows the body to synthesize anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. In this way, it can reduce the inflammation and pain of rheumatoid arthritis, and the swelling that causes the pain and discomfort of PMS. Hence their importance: they act as immune system balancerscell regenerators, blood flow stimulators and hormone regulators.

What is evening primrose for?

The main uses of evening primrose oil are:

As hormone regulatorbecause it helps alleviate the effects that are triggered by an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. To alleviate the premenstrual syndrome symptomssuch as muscle cramps, breast tenderness, and headache, as well as for restore normal menstrual cycle.To improve the disorders that accompany menopausesuch as hot flashes, vaginal and epidermal dryness, muscle discomfort, irritability, insomnia and lack of energy. Due to its vasodilator effect, in the prevention of embolisms and arteriosclerosisand is indicated in people with high cardiovascular risk. Help keep the cholesterol and the blood pressurealways in combination with diet and in cases of mild or moderate hyperlipidemia. In case of rheumatoid arthritis, since it is also attributed a powerful anti-inflammatory action and antirheumaticas reinforcement treatment. As support in degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosisas it improves communication between neurons and regulates the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. As resource to increase autoimmune defenses and reduce the incidence of allergies such as pollinosis. It has been shown to be very useful for combat the symptoms such as persistent itching, the presence of pimples, rashes due to hives, eye irritation and dryness in the tear duct. In addition it can be a Support for people with asthma. Applied externally, it reveals itself as a excellent ally of skin and hair. Its emollient and dermoprotective properties make it an effective skin repairer for treat skin impurities such as atopic eczema, wrinkles, dry skin, as a preventive of skin aging, for juvenile acne, pimples, seborrheic dermatitis, erythema or reddening of the skin and brittle nails and hair, as well as for fight dandruff. The oil or emulsion is applied topically on the affected area or in friction as if it were a lotion, but also the oil pearls internally.

How is it taken and in what dose?

Evening primrose oil is very sensitive to oxidation, therefore is usually associated with vitamin Ewhich helps slow down this process and provides an antioxidant effect.

It is found mainly in jars of jelly pearls, of which should be taken between 3 and 6 daily (4-8 grams), depending on the ailment. The dosage and frequency must be determined by the doctor or nutrition specialist. In dermatological and gynecological problems, rheumatism, high blood pressure and cholesterol, 3 pearls a day are recommended. For asthma and to prevent vascular disorders, it can be up to 5. For hyper-nervous children or to treat pimples in minors, the doses are not should exceed 3 grams daily. For arthritis, 2 pearls are taken a day and after three months it is reduced to 1. For dermatological problems it is usually used evening primrose oil in massage or scrub, although crushed or pulverized seeds can also be used. The oil is applied once a day. This oil serves as dressing in vegetables or salads, but for that it is expensive. With the cooked root a compact dough is made, which is spread on slices of bread. It is also sold in capsules, tablets and liquid extract. This extract can be combined with white willow and black currant, and pour 10 drops in orange juice to drink twice a day in case of painful periods.The evening primrose seeds they can be taken mixed with yoghurt and a pinch of honey: a dessert spoon is enough for the cholesterol.

Precautions and contraindications

It should not be taken if they are followed treatments with estrogens or anticoagulants.

Some cases have been described headaches, abdominal pain and nausea as side effects.

can interact with antidepressants, antipsychotics (prolixin), anticoagulants, slimming, antivirals or drugs for schizophrenia.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”