Beneficial Effects of Evening Extract Primrose

Evening primrose oil and evening primrose are derived from a wildflower called Evening Primrose. This is found in North America and has been used by Native American tribes. This is not actually a Primrose but is very similar in appearance to the English Primrose. This is full of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is an essential fatty acid.

Other Names

• Evening primrose has many names, all of which refer to the same herb. Names include oil of evening primrose, king's cure-all, sun drop, fever plant, Oenothera biennis and night willow herb. All of these names mean the same herb; this is why it is so imperative to speak with your doctor before taking any supplement because of the many names that different herbs fall under.

Reducing the Risk of Disease

• Heart and circulatory diseases plague many people today. While no herbal supplement can claim to heal, many people have used evening primrose to treat and reduce risk of heart and circulatory diseases because it can lower cholesterol and decrease platelet aggregation. A clinical study done in England showed that evening primrose oil treatment was significant in lowering in-plasma cholesterol. Platelet aggregation causes blood clots, and evening primrose can decrease platelet aggregation therefore decreasing the risk of blood clots.

Women's Health Benefits

• Evening primrose has been used to help control symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms such as tension, headaches, cramping, diarrhea, irritability, cramping, water retention and breast soreness are common among women who have PMS (premenstrual syndrome). In another double blind study in a London hospital, women took either a placebo or evening primrose supplements. Of the women who took the supplements 61 percent had complete relieve of the symptoms of PMS. Women who have breast tenderness and soreness can also benefit from taking evening primrose. Women trying to get pregnant have been known to use evening primrose oil to increase cervical mucus, which helps sperm to reach the egg.

Side Effects

• Side effects for evening primrose are uncommon but include headache, indigestion, nausea and soft stools. Allergic reaction can also occur, which has symptoms of tongue or throat swelling, itchiness, hives and swelling of the face. Should you experience any of these symptoms, contact your health care professional.

Warning

• Contact your doctor before taking evening primrose if you have schizophrenia or a seizure disorder. Also talk to your doctor before adding any supplements if you are taking any prescribed medication.

  Do not give any herbal treatments to children without consulting a doctor. Remember that all herbal supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. This means that they are not checked for safety, purity or effectiveness.