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is evening primrose safe to take

by Jaylen Conn Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Evening primrose oil is probably safe for most adults. Less is known about its safety for children. Evening primrose oil may be safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but the evidence is not conclusive. Evening primrose oil is generally well tolerated.

Can evening primrose harm you or the baby?

Evening primrose oil might increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs, herbs and supplements. These types of drugs, herbs and supplements reduce blood clotting. Combining oral use of evening primrose oil with them might increase the risk of bleeding.

What are the benefits of taking evening primrose?

What are the benefits of taking evening primrose?

  • It can help clear up acne.
  • It may help ease eczema.
  • It can help improve overall skin health.
  • It may help relieve PMS symptoms.
  • It can help minimize breast pain.
  • It may help reduce hot flashes.
  • It may help reduce high blood pressure.
  • It may help improve heart health.

How much evening primrose oil is safe to take?

The recommended evening primrose oil dosage is 1-6 capsules a day, at a dose of 500 milligrams per capsule. Contents of evening primrose oil per capsule may be different for different brands. Therefore, always pay attention to the information on the label regarding the oil content.

How much evening primrose should I take to induce labor?

Evening primrose oil dosage to induce labor Starting at 35 weeks take 1 capsule (500 mg) of evening primrose oil orally. Starting around 37 weeks insert 1 capsule (500 mg) vaginally every evening before going to bed.

How should I take evening primrose?

What should I avoid while taking evening primrose?

What is evening primrose used for?

Is it safe to take primrose for a year?

Can primrose be combined with other plants?

Is evening primrose a regulated product?

Is evening primrose a medicine?

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What happens if you take evening primrose oil everyday?

When taken by mouth: Evening primrose oil is likely safe for most people when taken in doses up to 6 grams daily for up to 1 year. It might cause mild side effects including upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and headache in some people.

What are the benefits of taking evening primrose oil capsules?

Find EPO here.It can help clear up acne. ... It may help ease eczema. ... It can help improve overall skin health. ... It may help relieve PMS symptoms. ... It can help minimize breast pain. ... It may help reduce hot flashes. ... It may help reduce high blood pressure. ... It may help improve heart health.More items...

What does evening primrose do for a woman's body?

Evening primrose oil has been shown to help relieve hot flashes in menopausal women, including their severity, frequency, and duration. One clinical trial found that in addition to hot flash relief, participants taking the oil also improved other metrics like social interactions and sexuality.

Is evening primrose capsules healthy?

Evening primrose oil contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid that is necessary for good health. However, while there is some evidence that taking evening primrose oil supplements may benefit some health conditions, the study results are mixed. Most of the studies have been small and further research is needed.

How long does it take for evening primrose oil to work?

How long does evening primrose oil take to work? It may take up to 6 weeks for you to notice any difference, but most people report changes after 1 to 2 weeks.

Does evening primrose make you look younger?

Rare, precious and potent, it helps the body revive its own processes to regain radiance and minimize the look of deep lines. The night-blooming evening primrose is rich in fatty acids that smooth, hydrate and fortify skin to reveal a more youthful appearance.

Will Evening Primrose balance my 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.

Does evening primrose increase estrogen?

The hormone modulating effect of evening primrose oil may help with this imbalance. Some sufferers may have estrogen-deficient like symptoms, and evening primrose oil can have weak estrogenic properties and thus able to support a gentle boost in estrogenic effect.

Does evening primrose oil make you lose weight?

There was no significant difference in the weight loss achieved by those taking EPO compared with placebo, either in the subjects with refractory obesity or in those treated at time of initial referral. It would appear that any anti-obesity property possessed by EPO is clinically insignificant.

What age can you take evening primrose?

There is no official 'upper limit' for EPO, but the European Medicines Agency warns that children under 12 should not take it.

How much evening primrose should I take?

One of the most important ingredients in evening primrose oil is 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 milligrams per capsule.

Is evening primrose oil good for kidneys?

Some supplements can be harmful to your kidneys and should be avoided. These include creatine (not to be confused with creatinine), licorice root, barberry, yohimbe, and astragalus. Other supplements, such as bitter melon, American ginseng, feverfew, and evening primrose, contain potassium.

Is evening primrose good for hair growth?

Like other plant oils, EPO contains arachidonic acid. This ingredient has been shown to promote new hair growth and help existing hair shafts to grow longer.

How much evening primrose oil should I take daily?

One of the most important ingredients in evening primrose oil is 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 milligrams per capsule.

Does evening primrose balance hormones?

Evening Primrose Oil is one of the richest sources of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that provides the building blocks for female hormones. It thereby helps to provide hormonal balance. It plays a key role in female metabolism by maintaining hormonal balance, healthy skin and supple joints.

Is evening primrose oil good for hair?

Evening Primrose oil is also great to use as a hair mask and has been known to improve thinning hair and increase growth from the scalp. Essential fatty acids are found to be so effective in preventing hair breakage, because applying oil directly into the scalp helps to improve the strength of hair.

Evening primrose - Mayo Clinic

Evening primrose is a plant with yellow flowers. Evening primrose oil extracted from plant seeds is usually sold in capsules. The supplement contains the fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD

Learn more about EVENING PRIMROSE OIL uses, effectiveness, possible side effects, interactions, dosage, user ratings and products that contain EVENING PRIMROSE OIL.

Evening Primrose Oil: Uses and Risks - WebMD

Evening primrose is a plant that's native to Europe and North America. It has a long history of medicinal uses. Native Americans, for example, used its leaves, roots, and seedpods in preparations ...

What is evening primrose oil?

Evening primrose is a plant with yellow flowers. Evening primrose oil extracted from plant seeds is usually sold in capsules. The supplement contains the fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). People take evening primrose oil orally to treat a wide variety of conditions.

Can you take evening primrose if you have schizophrenia?

Also, don't take evening primrose if you have epilepsy or schizophrenia. The supplement might increase your risk of seizures.

Does primrose oil slow down seizures?

Evening primrose oil might slow down how quickly this medication is broken down in the body. Phenothiazines. Taking evening primrose oil with these drugs used to treat serious mental and emotional disorders might increase risk of seizures in some people. Evening primrose oil.

Does primrose oil help with bleeding?

These types of drugs, herbs and supplements reduce blood clotting. Combining oral use of evening primrose oil with them might increase the risk of bleeding.

Can you take evening primrose if you have a bleeding disorder?

Headache. 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 primrose oil safe to take?

While evening primrose oil is probably safe for most people to take short term, research doesn' t support the use of the supplement as a treatment for any condition.

Can you use primrose oil for PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Research suggests no benefit for oral use of evening primrose oil to treat symptoms of PMS.

What is evening primrose oil?

Evening primrose is a plant that's native to Europe and North America. It has a long history of medicinal uses. Native Americans, for example, used its leaves, roots, and seedpods in preparations for hemorrhoids, bruises, wounds, and skin problems. Evening primrose oil contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid that is necessary for good health.

Why do people use evening primrose oil?

Evening primrose oil supplements usually come in capsule form. People take it to try to treat conditions such as:

Does primrose oil lower blood pressure?

Also, people who take medication to lower blood pressure should be careful, because evening primrose oil may cause a further drop in pressure. Evening primrose oil may also interact with certain medicines used to treat depression. Several other drug interactions have been noted.

Does primrose oil cause nausea?

Evening primrose oil may raise the risk of bleeding among people who take anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. It may also raise the risk of seizures as well as serious nausea and vomiting for people taking a class of drugs known as phenothiazines.

Is evening primrose oil good for arthritis?

And some studies suggest that supplements that contain gamma-linolenic acid ( GLA ), including evening prim rose oil, may be of some benefit to people with rheumatoid arthritis. But more research is needed before it could be recommended. Evening primrose oil has also been used as a complementary treatment for some cancers.

Is primrose oil good for premenstrual pain?

Reviews of the available scientific evidence have found no reason to recommend evening primrose oil to help the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or breast pain.

Is primrose oil good for you?

Evening primrose oil contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid that is necessary for good health. However, while there is some evidence that taking evening primrose oil supplements may benefit some health conditions, the study results are mixed. Most of the studies have been small and further research is needed.

How to reduce EPO side effects?

To reduce your risks for side effects, always use the lowest dose possible . If you begin having unusual or persistent side effects, discontinue use and see your doctor. Last medically reviewed on January 23, 2019.

How long can you take EPO capsules?

How to use: Take EPO capsules containing 360 to 480 mg GLA daily for up to one year.

How long can you take EPO?

How to use: In studies, one to four EPO capsules were taken twice daily for 12 weeks. To use topically, you can apply 1 milliliter (mL) of 20 percent EPO to the skin twice daily for up to four months. 3. It can help improve overall skin health. According to a 2005 study.

Does EPO help with period pain?

If you experience breast pain so severe during your period that it interferes with your life, taking EPO may help.

What is the oil of evening primrose used for?

The oil from the seeds of evening primrose is most often used to make medicine. Evening primrose is used for premenstrual syndrome ( PMS ), symptoms of menopause, arthritis, swelling, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.

How long does it take for evening primrose to work?

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Early research shows that taking evening primrose, up to 4 grams daily for 4-6 weeks, doesn't seem to improve ADHD symptoms in children.

Where does evening primrose come from?

Evening primrose is a plant native to North and South America. It also grows throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It has yellow flowers which open at sunset and close during the day. The oil from the seeds of evening primrose is most often used to make medicine. Evening primrose is used for premenstrual syndrome(PMS), symptoms of menopause, arthritis, swelling, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use. In foods, the oil from evening primrose is used as a source of essential fatty acids. In manufacturing, the oil from evening primrose is used in soaps and cosmetics.

Does primrose oil lower blood pressure?

A pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressureand protein in the urine (pre-eclampsia). Early research shows that taking evening primrose oil doesn't seem to reduce blood pressure in people with pre-eclampsia.

Does evening primrose help with infant development?

Infant development. Some early research shows that adding evening primrose and fish oil to regular infant formula might provide levels of some types of fats that are closer to those in breast milk. In one study, infants fed this formula had better eyesight than infants fed regular formula, but not better than those who were breastfed. It's not clear if this benefit results from evening primrose or fish oil.

Does primrose help with liver inflammation?

Early research shows that taking 4 grams per day of evening primrose for 12 months does not improve liver damage in people with hepatitis B .

Does evening primrose oil affect liver function?

It's not clear if this benefit results from evening primrose or fish oil. Liver cancer. Early research shows that taking 18 grams of evening primrose per day does not affect liver size or survival in people with liver cancer. Symptoms of menopause.

What is evening primrose oil good for?

What is evening primrose oil (EPO) good for? This oil is high in essential fatty acids — which provide the building blocks for cell membranes and a variety of hormones and hormone-like substances.

Why do women take evening primrose oil?

What are the benefits of taking evening primrose oil capsules? For starters, women around the world take evening primrose oil to naturally treat PMS symptoms because of its essential fatty acid content. Getting enough omega-6 fatty acids, such as LA and GLA, is shown to support overall hormonal function within the body.

Why is primrose oil good for psoriasis?

An evening primrose oil benefit is its ability to help naturally treat psoriasis — because the essential fatty acids help with hormone balance and digestion.

What is the oil of the evening primrose plant?

Evening primrose oil ( Oenothera biennis) is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. The oil contains the beneficial fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid.

How long does primrose oil sit on hair?

To help treat hair loss: You can apply evening primrose oil directly to the scalp and hair. Let it sit for 30 minutes as a rich, hydrating mask, and then wash your hair as you normally would.

Why do blue foxes use primrose oil?

An animal study done at the Department of Animal Nutrition and Management included male and female blue foxes that were given evening primrose oil during mating season in order to measure its effect on reproductive performance.

How long does it take for primrose oil to work?

When using evening primrose oil for symptoms of arthritis, it may take one to three months for benefits to appear. ( 12)

What Is Evening Primrose Oil?

It’s an extract from the seed of the evening primrose plant. However, this one can be difficult to add into your diet. When taking evening primrose oil in supplement form, it’s important to know how to manage the timing of the supplement. This is why we are discussing when to take evening primrose oil. Proper timing can make all the difference in the world.

What is primrose oil used for?

Proper timing can make all the difference in the world. Evening primrose oil is used for skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It’s also commonly used for rheamatoid arthritis, weak bones, Raynaud’s syndrome, MS, cancer, high cholesterol, heart disease, dyspraxia, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, chronic pain, ...

Is primrose oil a miracle worker?

Evening primrose oil is basically a miracle worker…in case you haven’t figured that out by now. Evening primrose oil contains omega-6 essential fatty. One in particular is gamma linolenic acid or GLA, which is also found in other plant based oils.

Can primrose oil help with PMS?

Women can use primrose oil to naturally treat PMS symptoms.

Is primrose oil safe for breastfeeding?

Especially if you would be take evening primrose oil for one of the serious conditions previously discussed. Possibly unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Is primrose oil good for you?

Evening Primrose Oil can be a very beneficial supplement for people of all ages. If you are planning on supplementing your diet, remember to note when to take Evening Primrose Oil.

What is evening primrose oil used for?

Modern medicine uses the oil extract from evening primrose seeds in supplements to treat eczema, breast pain, and menopausal symptoms. Evening primrose oil (EPO) is high in ...

How to treat menopause with EPO?

While there have been some success stories using EPO as an effective menopause treatment, traditional treatment options and lifestyle changes shouldn’t be ignored. Eat whole foods, sleep in a cool room with a fan, and keep cooling gels and cold rice packs handy for the back of your neck.

Is it safe to take EPO oil for long periods of time?

Short-term use of EPO has been shown to be safe. However, it is not recommended that you take this oil supplement for long periods of time.

Can you take EPO topically?

EPO can be taken orally or applied topically. It’s important to discuss your dosage with your health care provider. If the dosage is too high, you could experience painful side effects.

Is EPO safe for menopause?

Trusted Source. on relieving menopause symptoms explained that herbal products, including EPO, aren’t reliable solutions . It also explained that using this product in conjunction with other medical treatment can cause adverse effects such as bleeding.

Can you use primrose oil for hot flashes?

If you’ve had breast cancer and find that evening primrose oil relieves hot flashes or is otherwise helpful to you, there’s no reason not to continue using it.

Is primrose oil good for hair?

Very hard to come by in the diet, GLA is an effective anti-inflammatory agent with none of the side-effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. It also promotes healthy growth of skin , hair, and nails.

Is evening primrose oil estrogen?

I can find no evidence suggesting that evening primrose oil has estrogen-like effects or that it increases breast cancer risk or risk of recurrence. I did come across a report suggesting that GLA might actually augment ...

How to use evening primrose oil?

Evening primrose oil should be used cautiously if you have certain medical conditions. Among them: 1 Evening primrose oil may increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulants ("blood thinners"). 2 If you have upcoming surgery, you should stop taking evening primrose oil two weeks beforehand to prevent excessive bleeding. 3 Pregnant women should not take evening primrose oil, since it may increase the risk of miscarriage or induced labor.

What Is Evening Primrose Oil Used For?

Evening primrose oil has been promoted as an effective treatment for a variety of ailments, including eczema and breast pain, since the 1930s. 2  Many of these potential benefits are attributed to GLA, a fatty acid found in soybeans, walnuts, seeds, and vegetable oils (like rapeseed, canola, and linseed oil). Some the claims are better supported by research than others.

How long does primrose oil last in the refrigerator?

Although primrose oil can keep for up to six months in the refrigerator, for greatest efficacy, buy only as much as you can use within three months.

How long does primrose oil help with hot flashes?

While the body of evidence remains mixed, a 2013 study in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that a daily, 500-milligram dose of evening primrose oil provided modest relief of hot flashes after six weeks.

Does primrose oil interact with medications?

Evening primrose oil can interact with a significant number of medications, either reducing the drug's efficacy or triggering side effects. 3  These include:

Can primrose oil cause nausea?

In some cases, primrose oil may cause side effects such as stomach upset, headache, nausea , and diarrhea. 2  Most of the side effects are low-grade and resolve on their own once the treatment is stopped. Evening primrose oil should be used cautiously if you have certain medical conditions. Among them:

Does primrose oil affect bone density?

According to the research, women given primrose oil, fish oil, and calcium experienced an increase of femoral (thigh) bone density of 1.3 percent (versus a loss of 2.3 percent in the placebo group). 6  While the bone density of the lumbar spine remained unchanged in primrose oil group, the placebo group experienced a decrease in bone density of 3.2 percent.

How should I take evening primrose?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

What should I avoid while taking evening primrose?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What is evening primrose used for?

Evening primrose has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating nerve damage caused by diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Is it safe to take primrose for a year?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Although not all side effects are known, evening primrose is thought to be likely safe for most people when used for up to a year.

Can primrose be combined with other plants?

Evening primrose may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat these conditions .

Is evening primrose a regulated product?

Evening primrose is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs.

Is evening primrose a medicine?

It is not certain whether evening primrose is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Evening primrose should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Evening primrose is often sold as an herbal supplement.

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1.Evening Primrose Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

Url:https://www.drugs.com/mtm/evening-primrose.html

16 hours ago  · Although not all side effects are known, evening primrose is thought to be likely safe for most people when used for up to a year. Stop using evening primrose and call your …

2.Evening primrose - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-evening-primrose/art-20364500

8 hours ago Evening primrose oil may raise the risk of bleeding among people who take anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. It may also raise the risk of seizuresas well as serious nausea and ...

3.Evening Primrose Oil: Uses and Risks - WebMD

Url:https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/evening-primrose-oil-uses-and-risks

33 hours ago People use evening primrose oil for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause symptoms, arthritis, high cholesterol, acne, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific …

4.Videos of Is Evening Primrose Safe To Take

Url:/videos/search?q=is+evening+primrose+safe+to+take&qpvt=is+evening+primrose+safe+to+take&FORM=VDRE

13 hours ago  · Taking evening primrose oil, along with fish oil and calcium, seems to decrease bone loss and increase bone density in elderly people with osteoporosis. In one controlled trial, …

5.Evening Primrose Oil: Benefits, Use, and More - Healthline

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/evening-primrose-oil

3 hours ago  · Risks of Evening Primrose Oil. Evening primrose oil is a relatively safe supplement. However, just like any supplement, there are some risks to consider. It is always …

6.EVENING PRIMROSE OIL - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Url:https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1006/evening-primrose-oil

32 hours ago  · Modern medicine uses the oil extract from evening primrose seeds in supplements to treat eczema, breast pain, and menopausal symptoms. Evening primrose oil (EPO) is high in …

7.Evening Primrose Oil Benefits, Side Effects and How to …

Url:https://draxe.com/essential-oils/evening-primrose-oil/

33 hours ago Evening primrose oil ( Oenothera biennis) is a natural source of GLA (gamma linolenic acid), an essential fatty acid. Very hard to come by in the diet, GLA is an effective anti-inflammatory …

8.When To Take Evening Primrose Oil – Supplement Timing

Url:https://www.supplementtiming.com/when-to-take-evening-primrose-oil/

27 hours ago  · Evening primrose oil may increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. If you have upcoming surgery, you should stop taking evening primrose oil about …

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Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/evening-primrose-oil-menopause

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