Evening primrose oil regulates hormones and protects heart health |
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Evening primrose (lat. - Oenothera biennis) is a biennial plant that looks like a shrub and is up to 150 cm tall.
Beautiful yellow flowers open only in the dark and remain open throughout the night.
They attract many insects and butterflies take care of pollinating them.
Before morning, flowers fade, and the next evening the new flowers adorn the plant.
That is why this plant is called evening primrose.
This plant is originally from North America, where it grows on sandy soil in the central and eastern part of the continent.
Outside of its natural habitat, this plant is cultivated in Europe.
It blooms from early spring to late summer.
This plant is medicinal, and the young leaves and the roots of the plants are edible.
Traditionally, Indians used it as a natural remedy for skin problems, treating wounds, asthma, colds and flu.
What makes evening primrose oil so special
Evening primrose oil contains two important unsaturated fatty acids: cis-linoleic (70%) and gamma-linolenic acid (15%).
Therefore, this plant can be considered the richest natural source of essential fatty acids.
Among other ingredients there are amino acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and vitamin E.
It is important to note that our body cannot produce cis-linolenic acid, so it is necessary to take it through our food.
Gamma-linolenic acid, one of omega 6 fatty acids, can be produced in our bodies from nutrients that are found in food, but only in ideal conditions.
Unfortunately, with our busy lifestyle and unhealthy diet we do not provide a sufficient amount of unsaturated fatty acids to the body.
Health benefits of evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and reduces the likelihood of blood clots, which protects the body against heart disease and stroke.
This oil has an antidepressant effect, and is very useful in the treatment of alcoholism, which is often associated with depression.
It provides a certain amount of protection to kidneys and liver by preventing enzyme blockage caused by alcohol.
It is recommended to people who suffer from diabetic neuropathy, which can cause pain and tingling in the hands and feet.
It also improves concentration and behaviour of children with hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder. It helps regulate our sex hormones - estrogen and testosterone.
Furthermore, it is also one of the allies in the fight against infertility and impotence as it improves circulation and allows better blood flow throughout the body.
Unsaturated fatty acids enhance the function of the uterus, which can help with fertility.
Treatment with evening primrose oil is effective against chronic fatigue.
It relieves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Evening primrose oil displays antioxidant activity by preventing the formation of free radicals, which are the most common culprits for aging and the development of many degenerative diseases.
In addition, it helps to regulate our body weight.
Improves women's health
Evening primrose oil has particularly good effect on the women's body.
It relieves menstrual problems, reduces the incidence of depressive states, mood swings and headaches.
Primrose oil also soothes breast tenderness, swelling and bloating.
During menopause, it can be used instead of hormone therapy.
Great for the skin
Evening primrose oil is a major ally in the fight against chronic inflammatory diseases and skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema and neurodermatitis.
It is great for nourishing dry and mature skin and slowing down the aging process.
It helps treating scaly and cracked skin prone to itching. It is also beneficial for hair and nails. Evening primrose oil prevents dandruff and promotes wound healing.
Usage
Evening primrose oil is obtained by cold pressing of the ripe seeds.
Oil is clinically tested to make sure it is safe for oral use. In the market you can find it in liquid form or in capsules.
As a rule, primrose oil is taken in doses of one teaspoon three times a day, after meals.
For even better results, it is recommended to take some supplements that act synergistically with primrose oil. These are vitamins C and B6, magnesium, zinc and niacin.
After one cycle of usage (21 days) it is recommended to take a break of at least 2 weeks.
In the treatment of skin problems, best results are achieved when used orally and topically, directly applied to the skin.
Side effects are very rare and can manifest as nausea, rash or diarrhea.
Epileptics should not take evening primrose oil.
Evening primrose oil is, due to the large share of unsaturated fatty acids, less stable than other oils and is subject to rapid deterioration.
So keep it in a cool, dark place.
Remedy for acne and rosacea
- 20 ml of marigold macerate in almond oil
- 5 ml of wild rose vegetable oil
- 5 ml of primrose oil
- 4 drops of Cistus ladanifer (Rock Rose) essential oil
- 6 drops of carrot seed essential oil
- 4 drops of German chamomile essential oil
- 4 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil
Stir the mixture well and apply it to the skin two times a day.
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