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Evening Primrose Oil: Contraindications, Benefits, Side Effects And Uses

4 years ago
Read Time: 16 minutes
by Kathie Sand
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The plant known as evening primrose or night star (scientific name Oenothera biennis ) gives rise to evening primrose oil , a type of fat with medicinal properties that can even help in the weight loss process.

Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, the native North American plant had already been used centuries ago by American Indians to treat skin problems, injuries, and hemorrhoids .

In recent years, evening primrose oil has been “rediscovered” by the fitness world , as there is evidence that it can improve appetite control and facilitate weight loss.

The best way to take this supplement and obtain its benefits is explained below, as well as its possible side effects.

What is evening primrose oil for?

While the recent emphasis on the product is on weight loss, the truth is that relief for a number of complications can be found in the softgels of the supplement: hormonal imbalance, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis , PMS , inflammations, high blood pressure, eczema, hyperactivity of children and even female infertility; All of these problems can be alleviated with the regular use of evening primrose oil.

Primrose oil properties

Like sunflower oil and safflower oil, evening primrose oil is also made up of essential fatty acids of the omega-6 type . It is a type of fat that the body cannot synthesize and therefore has to be obtained.

The main essential acids of the omega-6 fatty acids found in the night star are GLA (or gamma-linolenic acid) and LA (or linoleic acid). The body can synthesize GLA and gamma-linolenic acid is necessary for the synthesis of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1).

With properties similar to those of hormones, prostaglandin E1 helps reduce or even inhibit inflammation, prevent thrombosis, improve cholesterol levels, and strengthen blood vessel walls.

In the formula of the supplements found on the market, the GLA content is approximately 8-10%, and the LA is 70-72% of the total product. Other fatty acids that make up evening primrose oil are palmitic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid.

Evening primrose oil benefits

Through topical or oral use, evening primrose oil has a number of health benefits. Know the main ones:

Helps to lose weight

Evening primrose oil does not lose weight by itself, but it can be an important component in the weight loss process when combined with a proper diet and physical activity . This is because evening primrose oil:

It can help reduce fat stores by stimulating the body to use the nutrient as an energy source;
It reduces the glycemic value of food and improves blood glucose control, which favors a decrease in appetite;
Rebalances hormonal function, which improves metabolism and makes fluid retention and uncontrolled appetite more difficult;
It has a slower absorption than carbohydrates , which helps slow digestion and prolong the feeling of satiety;
It contains gamma-linolenic acid, which in addition to controlling appetite also prevents the excessive release of insulin, a hormone that stimulates the accumulation of fat in adipocytes (fat cells).

In a study conducted at the University of California , researchers found that obese women who received 890 mg of GLA daily for a year showed less weight gain than volunteers who consumed olive oil .

As all of these women had previously undergone major weight loss, it was concluded that GLA has a positive effect on fighting off the pounds.

Reduce the cholesterol

Researchers have known for many years that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) helps reduce high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), and that this effect is due once again to the action of GLA, which inhibits cholesterol synthesis and triglycerides.

Evening primrose oil also lowers HDL levels , but the trick is to combine it with fish oil (omega-3), which raises the levels of good cholesterol.

Important for healthy skin, hair and bones

In addition to being good for the skin in general, evening primrose oil also strengthens the hairs and prevents osteoporosis.

Skin : Evening primrose oil helps treat a number of skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema. LA and GLA also help prevent and treat structural skin changes associated with aging , such as loss of elasticity, redness, and decreased tone.
Hair : The benefits of evening primrose oil for hair are directly linked to the hormonal rebalancing caused by the supplement. While baldness in men is mainly due to the high sensitivity of the hair follicles to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), women can experience hair loss due to factors such as stress , poor eating habits, excessive exposure to toxins and hormonal imbalance.
Although evening primrose oil does not completely prevent hair loss, GLA helps nourish hair and can be effective in fighting hair loss.
Bones : When combined with fish oil, evening primrose oil can support bone health by increasing calcium absorption . A controlled study found that women who received 6 grams of fish oil combined with evening primrose oil and more than 600 mg of calcium for three years did not show bone loss in the spine.

Improve acne

Although most acne treatments focus on symptoms , the best way to solve the problem is by “attacking” its causes. And the main one is known to be hormonal dysfunction, a villain who acts in silence.

So instead of resorting to topical creams, a good advice is to ingest evening primrose oil, which in addition to rebalancing hormones, GLA also participates in the cellular structure and increases the elasticity of the skin, improving the appearance as a whole. .

Control blood pressure

Evening primrose oil helps reduce pressure because:

inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol;
reduces inflammation;
strengthens the walls of the arteries.

This prevents clots from clogging the arteries and improves blood flow, making it easier for blood to pass through the vessels.

Relieves pain from rheumatoid arthritis

Clinical studies with patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have shown promising results from using evening primrose oil as a natural treatment for the disease.

In a study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases , researchers were able to observe that patients who received a supplement of evening primrose oil pure or in combination with fish oil showed significant improvement in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

After 12 months of daily use of evening primrose oil (with or without fish oil), the participants had significantly reduced their use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

According to the authors, a possible explanation for the results would be exactly the performance of GLA, which is converted to prostaglandins, and these in turn fight inflammation that causes pain and inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Attention deficit

Children and adults may have an improvement in attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) symptoms with evening primrose oil treatment.

And the explanation , though not fully proven by science, appears to be simple: ADHD patients are often deficient in several essential fatty acids, including omega-6s.

Although the results have not been very significant, some improvement was seen in children with ADHD who received evening primrose oil during a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology .

More pronounced results were seen when evening primrose oil was combined with EPA and DHA, two omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in fish such as sardines and salmon.

Improves symptoms of PMS and menopause

These are probably two of the main benefits of evening primrose oil, which works through gamma-linolenic acid. GLA can not only reduce inflammation, but it also regulates the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle.

Women suffering from the strongest PMS symptoms or menopause may have low LA conversion and GLA deficiency, a situation that can be improved with regular use of evening primrose oil.

According to a study published in the specialized journal Lipids, evening primrose oil can help reduce undesirable effects such as swelling, breast tenderness, mood swings, headaches and acne.

A survey of 56 menopausal women, and published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics , showed improvement in hot flashes with the use of evening primrose oil for one week.

For more information we have an article on Evening Primrose Oil in Menopause

Improve eczema

Eczema treatment is one of the most scientifically researched evening primrose oil benefits. More than 30 human studies show the properties of primrose oil in the treatment of eczema and dermatitis.

A meta-analysis of 26 clinical studies involving 1,207 people confirmed that evening primrose oil is very effective in reducing the most common symptoms of skin disorders , such as itching, edema (fluid retention and swelling), redness and the formation of scabs.

In many cases, eczema appears exactly when the body has difficulty converting fatty acids into gamma-linolenic acid, hence supplementation with evening primrose oil, rich in GLA and LA (which, as we have seen, can be converted into GLA), is beneficial.

It is beneficial for patients with diabetes

By improving glucose control and reducing insulin release , evening primrose oil becomes a great ally for those who have diabetes.

The supplement also helps relieve other symptoms associated with the disease, such as neuropathic pain (as a result of complications of the myelin sheath covering the nerve injury).

For female infertility

Whether it’s from stress, poor diet, pollution, or even excess toxins in the body, the truth is that fertility rates continue to rise. Evening primrose oil can help solve some of the causes of the problem.

There are a number of studies that have shown a direct relationship between GLA use and increased cervical mucus production, an essential factor for human reproduction. That’s because sperm have a harder time “getting to the finish line” when there is little or no fluid in the cervical canal.

Omega-6 fatty acids are also essential for the contraction and relaxation of muscle tissue, helping to tone the muscles of the uterus for pregnancy.

For the best results in treating infertility, the recommendation is to take three 500 mg capsules of evening primrose oil daily.

Other benefits

Other uses for evening primrose oil include:

Reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms;
Protection of the cardiovascular system;
Improvement of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

How to take evening primrose oil?

The best way to take evening primrose oil is with water or juice (avoid this second option if you are trying to lose weight or do not want to risk abdominal bloating).

If you are on a diet you should take evening primrose oil before meals, but for other conditions the recommendation is to ingest the capsules after getting up from the table.

And as you saw at the beginning of this article, evening primrose oil can be combined with fish oil, which is also in the form of omega-3 supplements, for best results.

Evening Primrose / Primrose Oil: Recommended Amount

To ensure all the benefits of evening primrose oil, a daily dose of 500 mg to 1,000 mg of supplement is recommended. Take a look at the dosages for specific conditions:

Weight loss : to reduce appetite and speed up metabolism, 500mg capsules are recommended twice a day, just before breakfast and lunch;
Eczema : 1,300 mg / 2 times a day;
TPM : 3 to 4 grams daily;
Infertility treatment : 500 mg / 3 times a day;
Hormonal balance : 1,500 mg per day from the first day of the menstrual cycle until ovulation;
Hair loss : 500 mg / 2 times a day;
Acne : 1,300 mg / 2 times a day;
Rheumatoid arthritis : 500 mg / 2 times a day;
Osteoporosis : 6 grams a day (combining the oil with a source of calcium);
Skin health : 500 mg / 2 times a day

Evening primrose oil side effects

According to the Mayo Clinic , evening primrose oil appears to be quite safe when used orally. There are, however, some reports of side effects associated with the oil, such as:

Abdominal pain and nausea;
Diarrhea (more common in cases of excessive consumption of the supplement);
Headaches;
Increased risk of seizures in epileptic patients;
Allergic reaction to the night star (very rare effect);
Increased risk of bleeding;
Increased clotting time (effect also caused by other omega-6 type fatty acid supplements).

It is noteworthy that since it is quite caloric (each capsule contains around 10 calories), evening primrose oil can cause weight gain when consumed in excess.

Primrose oil contraindications

Although it is indicated for women who are trying to conceive, doctors advise against the use of evening primrose oil for pregnant women . This is because, as we have seen, the product acts on the uterine muscle and also interferes with the hormonal regulation of future mothers.

Evening primrose oil should also be avoided by people suffering from schizophrenia, epilepsy and clotting disorders.

If you are using hormone therapy, talk to your doctor before you start consuming evening primrose oil every day.

Where to buy evening primrose oil

Being something quite common to find it at a very good price, it is best to look at offers on amazon , we put the most updated of the moment:

Club Vits Evening Primrose Oil 500mg – 365 Capsules GRIP SEAL BAG
Evening Primrose Oil 500mg – 200 Capsules
Tablet Bargains – Evening Primrose Oil 500mg – 360 Capsules
Fairvital – 90 soft evening primrose oil capsules (500 mg) – Rich in GLA – With natural vitamin E
Seven Seas Borage Oil & Evening Primrose Oil Night Capsules – 60 X 500 Mg (Pack of 6)
Accepted Evening Primrose 400 capsules of 500 mg. of Nature Essential
Evening Primrose Oil 500 mg | For heart, skin and hair health and hormone balances | 180 capsules | SimplySupplements
Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg Epsilon (100 Capsules)
Evening Primrose – 100% Pure Cold Pressed Carrier Oil – 100ml
ONAGRA oil 1000 mgr 200 pearls !! // S. Premenstrual and more .. (One a day)
Vegepa Omega-3-6 Supplement, Wild Fish Oil with Organic Evening Primrose Oil, 560mg Omega-3 EPA with GLA for Balanced Omega-3-6 Fatty Acid Intake, Pharmaceutical Grade, with Vitamin E for Protection Antioxidant, 70% Concentration, Molecularly Distilled for Exceptional Purity, Batch Tested, Clinically Tested Best-Selling Formula, 60 Capsules
Set of Two Glass Bottles of 100% pure and natural Organic Evening Primrose Seed Oil. 2 glass bottles of 100 ml each. Cold pressed. Extra virgin. Origin Italy. Fast shipping from Spain.
BIO Evening Primrose – 100% Pure Cold Pressed Carrier Oil – Certified Organic – 100ml
Organic Evening Primrose Carrier Oil – 125ml – 100% Pure

Evening primrose pearls

In the first place, evening primrose pearls are extracted from the plant that bears the same name, but it must be considered that here in the pearls the concentrations of their properties are much higher, so their benefits are fundamental and necessary for the entire operation normal of the human body that by itself cannot produce them.

In this sense, it is necessary to note that every person who consumes and ingests evening primrose pearls will obtain benefits for each area or specific zone of their body, at the moment these pearls enter our body it obtains elements that help all our systems work, it is mainly used by millions of women in the world.

Benefits of evening primrose pearls

Initially, evening primrose pearls have beneficial properties for women, and in general terms on the reproductive system, for this reason it is recognized worldwide as the plant of women, since it helps and increases fertility in women helping them to conceive and achieve pregnancy that they have searched for long periods of time in their lives.

In this case, you will be consuming a completely natural product that does not have proven side effects, because everything that it contributes to our organism are beneficial properties for it, I want to mention that its contribution in cases of fertility has had an effect on most of the cases where this has been consumed.

In the meantime, it also helps for those women who cannot bear the pain that premenstrual syndrome generates and causes, because evening primrose pearls are something of great benefit that calms and relieves in great proportions the pain that women may be suffering, without forgetting that quickly attacks abdominal pain from this syndrome.

Likewise, it can control the pains of menstruation, helping this process in your body to become as regular as possible, providing its benefits to all the people who need it most, in this way in women it has another characteristic that controls and alleviates all the symptoms that menopause generates such as hot flashes.

What are evening primrose pearls made of?

It should be noted that these fabulous and beneficial pearls are made from or based on the so-called and world-renowned evening primrose pearls that are extracted from the plant that has this name and that is native to North America, and that among its many uses stand out the obvious and real improvements of various female and male disorders.

Since in men it also provides benefits and its properties in this case help them to improve their immune system and avoid possible diseases that may affect them, therefore evening primrose pearls are also used in men, improving their health, acne that some suffer, the skin and its different diseases.

Therefore, the use of evening primrose pearls dates back millions of years, of course , in the case of the natives they acquired them from the plant, but we humans of this 21st century can ingest it in these pearls that bring higher concentrations. of its vitamins and its different properties that benefit us.

Some specialist or traditional doctors used them to be able to effectively treat different problems in women, but in recent years it has also been incorporated by current medicine, it has been inserted in the varied sector of dietetics and also in that of women. herbalism and all its natural products that they offer and sell there.

Since then it has found the best way to bring them to you, in different presentations that will give you improvements to each area of your body that even you can not imagine, since evening primrose pearls currently come in the form of tiny tablets that can be disposed of. very simple and easy way and are assimilated by the body.

This great product is based on the evening primrose plant and the oil that is extracted from there, and these contain a large and high concentration of active principles, such as fatty acids that are essential for the body and as well as different types of minerals that are of great benefit to millions of people around the world.

I want to emphasize that these fatty acids that we are talking about are essential for the human body, since these evening primrose pearls are used and used to achieve pregnancies and in other circumstances to carry out skin regeneration through the prostaglandin hormone and thus be able to reinforce the special function of the muscles.

What are evening primrose pearls for?

In this perspective described there are many more properties that we have not mentioned in evening primrose pearls, because they can be used to treat various types of diseases of women but also men, this due to their particular way of manufacture and with this they can be added to a specific eating plan on a daily basis.

In this way, when ingested on a daily basis you are benefiting your body in a complete way and this will also have positive effects on the circulatory system, because it improves blood circulation and this leads to many benefits for people of the male sex, such as we can evidence its use is also important to them.

With this obvious improvement in blood circulation, a better blood flow will be obtained that will be directed towards improving the functioning of each of the organs, likewise improves the erection of the penis and this increases the chances that women remain pregnant women, obviously its effects on men have great aspects.

In addition to this, evening primrose pearls have many positive effects that will be applied on hair loss, which in some people are very high and also treats alopecia, in this case, the hair follicles are elaborated and irrigated with many more nutrients and for both organic molecules will translate or enhance in people giving lush hairs.

In addition to this, all those people who have problems that are related to weakness and various problems in their nails will also be reached by the benefits that evening primrose pearls provide, it is evident then that these pearls help humans and especially women can improve every area of their body with this product.

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Kathie Sand

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

Evening Primrose Oil: Contraindications, Benefits, Side Effects And Uses

What is evening primrose oil for?

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