The Basics of Evening Primrose Oil

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Evening Primrose Oil

Source: Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by Clare Hanrahan

Description

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a tall, hardy, native biennial of the

Onagraceae family. Its Latin name is derived from the Greek word oinos for

wine and thera for hunt and reflects the folk belief that the herb could

minimize the ill effect of over-indulgence in wine following a hunt.

The plant thrives in dry, sunny meadows, and is abundant in many parts of the

world. The leaves of the first-year plant form a bright-green, basal rosette. In

the second year, the coarse, erect stalk reaches up to 4 ft (1.2 m) high with

hairy, alternate, lanceolate leaves with a distinctive mid rib. Leaves grow from

3-6 in (7.6-15.2 cm) long. The blossoms are pale yellow with a slight lemon

scent and a cup-like shape. They grow in clusters along the flower stalk, and

bloom from June to September, opening at dusk to attract pollinating insects

and night-flying moths. These phosphorescent blossoms inspired a common

name for the herb, evening star. The seeds grow within an oblong, hairy

capsule. The root is large and fleshy.

General use

The medicinal components of evening primrose are found in the seed-

extracted oil, which contains essential fatty acids including gamma linoleic

acid (GLA). GLA is often deficient in the Western diet and is needed to

encourage the production of prostraglandins. Low levels of essential fatty

acids may increase the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), diabetes,

etc. Evening primrose oil has been used to treat PMS and menopausal

discomfort such as breast tenderness, asthma, and has been shown to

reduce high blood cholesterol levels.

Research conducted in Great Britain has indicated that evening primrose oil

can also be medicinally useful in the treatment of nerve disorders, such as

multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis . The essential oil does appear to

be of some benefit in cases of alcohol poisoning and in alleviating hangovers,

and to ease symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The oil can also help relieve dry

eyes, brittle nails, and acne when combined with zinc. When taken as a

supplement, evening primrose has helped to promote weight loss.

Traditionally, Native Americans valued evening primrose as a treatment for

bruises and cuts. The Flambeau Ojibwe tribe soaked the whole plant in warm

water to make a poultice for healing bruises and to overcome skin problems.

The mucilaginous juice in the stem and leaf can be applied externally to

soothe skin irritations, or may be eaten to relieve digestive discomfort and for

its stimulating effect on the liver and spleen. The astringent properties of the

plant are helpful to soothe inflamed tissue. The plant has sedative properties

and has been used to decrease hyperactivity in children.

The entire plant is edible. The root from the first year growth is a nutritious

pot

herb. Boiled roots taste somewhat like parsnips.

Preparations

Evening primrose oil is prepared commercially and widely available in health

food stores. The extract should be stored in a cool, dry place in order to avoid

spoilage. Capsules are also available. Correct dosage should be decided in

consultation with a practitioner.

An ointment can be prepared by mixing one part of the diced plant with four

parts of heated petroleum jelly. Stored in a tightly closed container and

refrigerated, the preparation will maintain its effectiveness. Apply as needed

to soothe the skin.

Precautions

Use by persons with epilepsy is discouraged. Physicians should be consulted

before using evening primrose oil on children.

Side effects

There have been some reports of headache, nausea, and skin rash after

using evening primrose preparations.

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