
Precautions
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. When taken in appropriate amounts short term, oral use of evening primrose oil is most likely safe.
Does evening primrose really work?
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.
What are the benefits of taking evening primrose?
Evening primrose oil is an excellent solution to many beauty and health issues.It’s best known for its capacity to alleviate menopausal symptoms, induce labor, and balance the hormone levels.This oil will bring a lot of benefits to your skin, hair, and health if used regularly.
What are the benefits of evening primrose oil capsules?
Evening primrose provides protection and hydration for the skin, in addition to relieving pain and inflammation. It also restores dry skin, which makes evening primrose oil a good ally to maintain a smooth and clear complexion.
What is evening primrose good for?

What are the benefits of taking evening primrose oil capsules?
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, studies show supplementing with evening primrose oil can reduce pain severity and improve mobility. It also helps with symptoms like morning stiffness better than medication alone.
What does evening primrose oil do for a woman?
It may help relieve PMS symptoms An older study suggests EPO is highly effective in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as: depression. irritability. bloating.
What does evening primrose do to 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.
Can Evening Primrose be taken during menstruation?
Many women find that Evening Primrose Oil supplements taken before and during menstruation, as well as during the menopause, can be of benefit in helping to alleviate the associated negative symptoms of PMS.
Does primrose oil cause weight gain?
Evening primrose oil is touted as a weight loss solution As you know by now, EPO contains GLA, which is an omega-3 fatty acid. Research suggests balancing your omega-3 and omega-6 intake reduces your risk of obesity.
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 side effects of evening primrose oil?
What are the risks of taking evening primrose oil?Headache.Stomach upset.Nausea.Dizziness.Rash.
How fast does evening primrose 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.
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.
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 boost ovulation?
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.
Does evening primrose oil increase estrogen?
Evening Primrose Oil has estrogenic properties will stimulate your uterus, causing irregular menstrual cycles.
What Is Evening Primrose?
Evening primrose is a plant also known as Primrose Seed Oil, Aceite de Onagra, Acide Cis-linoléique, Cis-Linoleic Acid, EPO, Fever Plant, Herbe-aux...
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use this product if you are allergic to evening primrose or if you have: 1. a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or 2. if you are...
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 t...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra evening primrose to make up the missed dose.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Evening Primrose?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.Avoid using evening primrose together with ot...
Evening Primrose Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.A...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Evening Primrose?
Do not take evening primrose without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: 1. a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jant...
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 the purpose of primrose oil capsules?
Evening primrose oil capsules are sometimes taken to help treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Symptoms associated with this condition include bloating and breast pain, as well as irritability, mood swings, depression and anxiety.
Is evening primrose oil safe?
However, research is lacking to support the benefits of evening primrose capsules. Check with your health care provider before taking any supplements to make sure they're safe for you. Read more: The Side Effects of Evening Primrose ...
Can primrose oil cause pregnancy?
Evening primrose oil can also cause complications in pregnancy and can interact negatively with other medications. Talk to your health care provider before taking this supplement. 00:00. 00:00 00:00. GO LIVE.
Is primrose oil safe to take?
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that taking evening primrose oil intermittently is likely safe for most people, although it can cause gastrointestinal upset in some. However, there is no research to demonstrate that long-term intake of this supplement is safe.
Is primrose oil good for eczema?
Evening primrose oil has been used to treat eczema, an inflammatory condition of the skin. However, according to a study published in 2013 by the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, a review of the research has concluded that it's not effective as a treatment for eczema, and further research is not recommended. The review also reported that side effects of taking evening primrose oil for more than one year can include increased risk of inflammation in the body, blood clot development and suppression of the immune system.
Does primrose oil help with breast pain?
A study published in 2017 by the Journal of Education and Health Promotion suggests that evening primrose oil can help decrease breast pain. However, other supplements, such as flaxseed ...
What is primrose oil good for?
Enhancing the skin’s overall health is one of the most important beauty benefits of evening primrose oil[20]. This oil is an excellent moisturizer. It makes your skin soft while providing it with essential fats and nutrients, making the skin look radiant and youthful . This oil also comes with anti-inflammatory properties that work wonders in easing redness, rashes, and swelling on the skin. All you need to do is mixing evening primrose oil with shea butter in equal amounts and apply to your skin nightly before sleeping. Every morning, you’ll get up with beautiful and healthy skin
How does primrose oil help with heart disease?
A study in 2014 on rats showed that evening primrose oil is an anti-inflammatory agent, and it assists in reducing blood cholesterol[3]. This oil reduces cholesterol and blood pressure, which, in turn, maintains heart health. It additionally protects the body against stroke and heart diseases by decreasing the prevalence of blood clots. For this treatment, take around 10 to 30 ml of EPO for four months to improve heart health. For proper dosage, consult a doctor.
Why is primrose oil used in labor?
11. Induce Labor. Evening primrose oil has been used by midwives to prepare the cervix for labor[19] for centuries.
Does EPO help with breast pain?
Taking EPO may help to relieve breast pain. As a study in 2010, the gamma-linolenic acid present in EPO may help soother inflammation and prevent prostaglandins causing cyclical breast pain[4]. This study also found that using evening primrose oil and vitamin E every day for six months lowered the severity of cyclical breast pain. For this purpose, you can take about 2.4 ml or 1 to 3g of EPO every day.
Does primrose oil help with diabetes?
Evening primrose oil has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic animals and humans[5]. It is excellent for preventing the common symptoms and complications of diabetes. It helps alleviate nerve pain and inhibit nerve damage by lowering the tingling and numbness thanks to its gamma-linolenic acid. According to a 1990 study, supplementing with GLA improved parameters in mild diabetic neuropathy[6], consisting of hot and cold thresholds, tendon reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength. Apart from that, it helps to decrease blood pressure[7], as it acts as a vasodilator.
Does primrose oil help with osteoporosis?
Regular consumption of evening primrose oil will help reduce the risk of fractures in people with osteoporosis. It may help improve bone mineral density that, in turn, makes your bones healthier and stronger[8]. According to several studies, the gamma-linolenic acid found in evening primrose oil is potent for managing osteoporosis.
Is primrose oil good for menopause?
Evening primrose oil is an excellent solution to many beauty and health issues. It’s best known for its capacity to alleviate menopausal symptoms, induce labor, and balance the hormone levels. This oil will bring a lot of benefits to your skin, hair, and health if used regularly. Keep reading this article to discover more about ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why do people take evening primrose?
Some people take evening primrose by mouth for chronic fatigue syndrome ( CFS ), asthma, nerve damage related to diabetes, attention deficit - hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ), and obesity. Evening primrose is also taken by mouth for stomach and intestinal disorders including ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and peptic ulcer disease.
What is evening primrose oil used for?
Evening primrose is applied to the skin for eczema ( atopic dermatitis ). 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.
How long does it take for primrose to work?
Early research suggests that taking 2 grams of evening primrose twice daily for 12 weeks improves itchy skin in some people with disorders affecting bile flow in the liver. Improvement seems to take place within 1-2 weeks of starting treatment. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Why was evening primrose withdrawn from the FDA?
The licenses were withdrawn because the agency concluded that there is not enough evidence that they are effective. The manufacturer disagreed, but it hasn't published studies yet to prove the effectiveness of evening primrose for these uses.
How long does it take for evening primrose to help with asthma?
Several small studies show that taking 15-20 mL or 4-6 grams of evening primrose daily for up to 16 weeks does not improve asthma symptoms. Attention deficit -hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD). Taking evening primrose, up to 4 grams daily for 4-6 weeks, does not seem to improve ADHD symptoms in children.
What is the oil from evening primrose?
The oil from the seeds of evening primrose is used to make medicine . Evening primrose is taken by mouth for skin disorders such as eczema ( atopic dermatitis ), psoriasis, acne, and dry, itchy, or thickened skin (ichthyosis).
Does primrose help with liver problems?
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Evening primrose might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking evening primrose along with some medications that are changed by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of these medications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What fatty acids are good for acne?
Getting a proper balance of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids from healthy sources (like evening primrose oil) may help to overcome and prevent acne. ( 8) These fatty acids also play a role in cell structure, improving nerve function and promoting skin elasticity.
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.
