10 Health and Beauty Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil

Botanical Name: Oenother Biennis                                    Active Ingredient: Gamma-linolenic acid

Botanical Name: Oenother Biennis                                    Active Ingredient: Gamma-linolenic acid

1. IMPROVES ELASTICITY OF THE SKIN/ REDUCE FINE LINES

Gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, has been known to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. You would apply the oil topically over time to get the best results.

If you ingest the pill itself, it could also possibly aid in filling the skin up with the fatty acid needed to plump out potential wrinkles and increase elasticity and durability.

2. LIGHTENS DARK UNDER EYE CIRCLES

Dark circles under the eye can be caused by many factors that need to be addressed in addition to using EPO (Evening Primrose Oil). 

Get some sleep and find ways to promote blood circulation to that area of the body. You can do so by using a warm compress following the application of this oil to your under eye area. 

Also make sure you are taking at least a daily multivitamin. This is to rule out vitamin deficiency. Check out my evening primrose under eye treatment post for additional information regarding my under eye routine.

3. REDUCES ACNE

As we now know, EPO contains omega-6 fatty acids. When it comes to acne, these fatty acids work towards regulating hormones in the body (also a reason why women going through menopause tend to reach for Evening Primrose).

There is literature out there that suggests there are other types of omega-6 fatty acids that we consume too much of, and are not beneficial to the skin. This looks to be true from the research I have done, but GLA, the omega-6 fatty acid found in evening primrose oil is not that. GLA is the good omega-6. (If I've confused you, go here...Life Extension Foundation for some clarification. But come back to me.. ♥)

As a result, this herbal wonder can help reduce acne when you ingest the pill itself daily. To help increase the effects, try taking it in conjunction with fish oil pills. I take one of each with my dinner every day. It's almost too simple.

I've actually noticed a difference in my skin. On days I haven't done much cleansing and upkeep with my skin routines, my skin still looks good. Then I realize that I have been taking my EPO regularly so that might be why. (I've also significantly increased my water intake).

4. SOFTENS ROUGH SKIN

When you apply Evening Primrose Oil to the skin, it results in softer, smoother skin. The oil helps regenerate new skin cells and combats dry skin. When I rinse with cool water, my skin feels so good. My facial routine involves exfoliation, which I would suggest pairing with the EPO. 

5. NOURISHES SCALP, HAIR AND NAILS

The fatty acids present will nourish and strengthen hair and nails. It prevents the nails from cracking and becoming brittle. The scalp will benefit as well, meaning you might see some scalp conditions begin to clear up. Taking this with other supplements will really boost the benefits. 

6. FERTILITY ENHANCEMENT

Evening Primrose has been used to increase cervical mucous, which is needed for sperm to swim freely through the cervix. Some women have low levels of cervical fluid, making it more difficult for the sperm to reach its destination. 

If trying to conceive: Take 1500-3000 mg one to two times daily, from day 1 to 14 in the cycle. Once pregnant, you must discontinue this method.  If you aren't actively trying to conceive, but want to get everything down there nice and healthy, then take the recommended dose on the bottle daily throughout the entire month. 

This information came from Natural Fertility Info and you can also check out this article on Conceive Easy for more information regarding this method. 

7. CONTRIBUTES HEALTHY BREAST TISSUE

Back to GLA, Gamma-linolenic acid, which is the omega-6 fatty acid that works wonders for the female body (and every body). In addition to fighting acne, menopause and infertility, evening primrose balances hormones for the benefit of breast health. The fatty acids can also minimize breast inflammation. 

8. EASES JOINT PAIN AND SWELLING OF ARTHRITIS

Being a natural anti-inflammatory, EPO can be used to help treat symptoms of arthritis. It is best to use evening primrose oil in conjunction with other joint health supplements to increase chances of noticeable results. 

When dealing with herbs, supplements and vitamins for healing and prevention, you must approach these methods knowing that it may or may not work depending on factors that you may or may not have accounted for. 

It is best to continue use over a consistent period of time, keeping watch for any side effects (which you shouldn't experience too much if at all with EPO, as it has very mild possible side effects, which I'll get into at the end of this post).

9. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

The anti-inflammatory properties of this wonderful flower are a result of GLA, the active ingredient in evening primrose oil. When the body has increased anti-inflammatory agents flowing around, there can be many potential benefits in every area of the body.

10. PREVENT & REVERSE NERVE DAMAGE FROM DIABETES

It has been found that this herb can potentially improve nerve functioning and relieve pain symptoms related to diabetic neuropathy. I'm going to direct you to an article on WebMD regarding this topic.

As with most of the benefits on this list, there is additional research to be done in order to solidify strong evidence in favor of evening primrose. This means that it is safer to tell people as a whole that it may or may not work for you, depending on what you need it for. 

ALWAYS BE CAUTIOUS

You should approach everything with caution, do an adequate amount of research, (multiple sources including reputable sources) and if one thing doesn't work, try using it in conjunction with something else. Be sure to gather a list of all potential side effects, cross examine any potential adverse reactions with other medicines/ supplements you are taking. 

Stay on the look out and keep note of any changes in your body, good or bad, and discontinue use if you feel you should. In the end, no one knows your body better than you do. Go to the doctor regularly and be sure to tell them what supplements you take. 

CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USE IF...

  • You are on any blood thinning medications
  • You have schizophrenia
  • You are on anti-depressants
  • You are pregnant/ breast feeding
  • You have a bleeding disorder
  • You have a history of seizures
  • You have any upcoming surgeries

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects are rare and mild, but mostly show when you overdo dosages.

  • Mild Nausea
  • Headache
  • Stomach Pain
  • Loose Stool

I'm not a health care professional, just someone who knows a lot about alternative medicine. I don't claim to know everything nor claim the guaranteed results of this supplement. I use it myself, topically, and internally (1000 mg a day internally). 

I simply wanted to share information that you can use at your own will. I suggest reading more information on the subject and if you want to jump right in, then do so. If you need to talk to a doctor first, then do so. You are in control. I hope you get the results you are looking for.   

Naturopathically yours,

Aziza

 

Beauty, SkincareAzizaComment