EVENING PRIMROSE OIL

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OENOTHERA BIENNIS

(Evening Primrose Oil)

Parts Used: Oil.

Properties: An alterative herb that regulates hormonal systems.

Uses of the Herb

Medicinal: Internally for premenstrual and menopausal syndromes, eczema,

acne, brittle nails, hyperactivity in children, rheumatoid arthritis,

coronary artery disease, alcohol-related liver damage, and multiple

sclerosis. Externally for dry skin.

A fatty acid that helps to increase thyroid function in women who are mildly

hypothyroid. Hypothyroidism can cause annovulation and miscarriage. It is

also used to improve cervical mucus and increase estrogen. Most take 1000 mg

per day although you may want to start with up to 3,000 mg per day to build

up your body's store. The most appropriate choice for treatment of

hypothyroidism. But because it may thin the uterine lining, making

implantation more difficult, many take it only prior to ovulation. The real

value of evening primrose lies in the gamma linolenic acid (GLA) content of

its oil. GLA is natural nutrient important for the body to produce

prostaglandiins. EPO may offer temporary relief from conditions linked with

GLA deficiency, including skin disorders, PMS. Evening Primrose oil is

promoted for a wide variety of ailments including reduction of premenstrual

and menopause syndrome symptoms, weight loss without dieting, hypertension,

improved lipids, rheumatoid arthritis, sclerosis, and even hangover

hangovers. GLA can be converted to a hormone-like compound called multiple

prostoglandin E-1. Prostoglandin E-1 helps to increase blood flow, decrease

blood clotting, and reduce inflammation. The claim is that GLA works by

increasing the body's production of prostoglandin E-1 or by correcting a

deficiency of GLA. However, these claims have not been proven and the

long-term safety of consuming large quantities of these oils has not been

established. If you try Evening Primrose Oil, don't take a large amount or

take it for a long time. GLA from seeds or extract is not recommended for

individuals with schizophrenia, as it may increase the risk of temporal lobe

epilepsy. It can be taken in

capsules, pills, or tinctures.. It is usually advisable to purchase a

standardized version of one of these unless buying the raw herb.

Side effects

Side effects from the use of evening primrose oil are almost nonexistent.

Some nausea may be experienced initially because of the oils, but this can

be avoided if it is taken with food. Mild skin rashes or acne can occur

occasionally; otherwise, no problems have been noticed. The recommended

amount of evening primrose oil is between 500–1,000 mg., taken two or three

times daily, with possibly higher doses (4–6 grams daily) in problems such

as arthritis, asthma, or eczema. Most good primrose oils contain about 35–40

mg. of GLA per 500 mg. capsule; thus, we are using a therapeutic amount of

150–250 mg. GLA daily. Usually, I suggest a good-quality vitamin E,

particularly for the premenstrual and breast problems, and specifically the

active d-alpha tocopheral in one or two dosages of 400 IUs each to act with

the GLA.

Precautions

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) gives EPO a class 1 safety

rating, which means it's safe with appropriate use. There have been rare

reports of nausea and headaches from using it. Stomach pain and loose stools

may be indications that your dosage is too high. Talk to your health care

provider about it, and lower your dosage based on his/her instructions.

Taking EPO while breastfeeding is believed to be safe. Breast milk actually

contains both LA and GLA, and it may be a necessary part of a newborn's

diet. Safety during pregnancy has not been determined—talk with your health

care provider.

Taking too much can cause implanting problems, and shedding of the uterine

lining. Be advised and please be careful! And remember, if it is not

broken.... why fix it?!

Follow the directions on the bottle for dosing. Do not take once you have

Ovulated.

Possible Interactions

In animal studies, EPO administered during treatment with cyclosporine, a

medication used to suppress

immune function, may protect against the damage to kidneys that is a

possible side effect of this medication. Consult with your doctor to

determine whether EPO supplementation may be appropriate for you.

If you are taking a class of medications called phenothiazines to treat

schizophrenia, you should not take EPO because it may interact with these

medications and increase the risk of seizures.

Hart