The evening primrose: the «woman plant»

The evening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.) is a plant robust, with numerous, lanceolate leaves, covered with hairs and large and showy yellow flowers, which tend to open at dusk. For this reason In English it is known as evening primrose («night spring»).

The name primrose, by which it is sometimes referred to as a direct translation, can lead to confusion with the true primrose or primrose (Primula veris).

Native to the eastern United States, Today it grows in much of Europeincluding Catalonia and Cantabria.

He evening primrose oilobtained by cold pressing the seeds of the evening primrose, cannot be missing in any herbalist today due to its wide therapeutic possibilities.

Of this oil it has been demonstrated numerous medicinal attributesespecially for skin care and as support in women’s health: as a hormonal regulator, it improves problems associated with menstruation or menopause.

The therapeutic virtues attributed to evening primrose oil are numerous, but not all of them still have scientific consensus. Further clinical studies will be required to confirm or rule out its usefulness.

Medicinal properties of evening primrose

The evening primrose seeds They are very rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic and palmitic acid; although linoleic acid (72%) and gamma-linolenic acid (11%) stand out above all, precursors of prostaglandins E1.

These substances are involved in many metabolic and physiological processes. The lack of this type of fat can lead to the appearance of organic anomalies, such as circulatory disorders or nervous and dermatological alterations.

The active ingredient in evening primrose oil is FFA, which allows the body to synthesize anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. In this way, it can reduce the inflammation and pain of rheumatoid arthritis, and the swelling that causes the pain and discomfort of PMS. Hence their importance: they act as immune system balancerscell regenerators, blood flow stimulators and hormonal regulators.

What is evening primrose for?

The main uses of evening primrose oil are:

• As hormonal regulatorbecause it helps alleviate the effects that are triggered by an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone.
• To relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndromesuch as muscle cramps, breast tenderness and headache, as well as for restore normal menstrual cycle.
• To improve the disorders that accompany menopausesuch as hot flashes, vaginal and epidermal dryness, muscle discomfort, irritability, insomnia and lack of energy.
• Due to its vasodilating effect, in the prevention of strokes and arteriosclerosisand is indicated in people with high cardiovascular risk.
• Help keep the cholesterol and the blood pressurealways in combination with diet and in cases of mild or moderate hyperlipidemia.
• In case of rheumatoid arthritis, since it is also attributed a powerful anti-inflammatory action and antirheumaticas a reinforcement treatment.
• As support in degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosissince it improves communication between neurons and regulates the release of neurotransmitters in the brain.
• As resource to increase autoimmune defenses and reduce the incidence of allergies such as pollinosis. It has been proven very useful for combat symptoms such as persistent itching, the presence of pimples, hives, eye irritation and dry tear duct. Furthermore, it can be a support for people suffering from asthma.
• Applied externally, it reveals itself as a excellent ally for skin and hair. Its emollient and dermoprotective properties make it an effective skin repairer for treat skin impurities such as atopic eczema, wrinkles, dry skin, such as preventative of skin aging, for juvenile acne, pimples, seborrheic dermatitis, erythema or redness of the skin and brittle nails and hair, as well as for fight dandruff. The oil or emulsion is applied topically to the affected or friction area as if it were a lotion, but also the oil beads internally.

How to take it and in what dosage

Evening primrose oil is very sensitive to oxidation, which is why It is usually associated with vitamin Ewhich helps slow down this process and provides an antioxidant effect.

• It is mainly found in bottles of gelatin pearls, of which you should take between 3 and 6 daily (4-8 grams), depending on the condition. The dosage and frequency should be determined by the doctor or nutrition specialist.
  • For dermatological and gynecological problems, rheumatism, high blood pressure and cholesterol, 3 pearls a day are recommended.
  • For asthma and to prevent vascular disorders, there can be up to 5.
  • For hypernervous children or to treat pimple problems in minors, doses should not exceed 3 grams daily.
  • For arthritis, 2 pearls are taken a day and after three months it is reduced to 1.
• For dermatological problems it is usually used evening primrose oil in massage or scrubbingalthough crushed or pulverized seeds can also be used. The oil is applied once a day.
• This oil serves as dressing in vegetables or salads, but for that it is expensive. A compact dough is made with the cooked root, which is spread on slices of bread.
• Also sold in capsules, tablets and liquid extract. This extract can be combined with white willow and black currant, and pour 10 drops into orange juice to drink twice a day in case of painful menstruations.
• The evening primrose seeds They can be taken mixed with yogurt and a pinch of honey: a dessert spoon is enough for the cholesterol.

Precautions and contraindications

Should not be taken if followed estrogen or anticoagulant treatments.

Some cases have been described of headaches, abdominal pain and nausea as side effects.

can interact with antidepressants, antipsychotics (prolixin), anticoagulants, weight loss medications, antivirals or drugs for schizophrenia.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”