6 Benefits Of Evening Primrose Oil You Should Know About

Haven’t heard of Evening Primrose oil yet?

Extracted from the seeds of evening primrose, a flower that blooms in the evening, evening primrose oil is an amazing healer. It has been proven to be an effective remedy for acne, eczema, PMS, menopausal symptoms and high blood pressure.

The oil exhibits anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, analgesic properties. This makes it an excellent therapy for painful conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, breast pain and rheumatoid arthritis. It has been used for centuries to treat bruises and wounds. Maybe that’s why in Europe, it was named ‘King’s cure-all’.

It contains linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and vitamin E.

# It can help clear up acne

Evening primrose oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe acne bursts outs. A 2014 study reported that when people suffering from acne were given primrose oil, they reported fewer lesions. It can also help in healing red rashes, swelling and itchy feeling.

# It may help ease eczema

Evening primrose oil is also found effective in treating eczema, an inflammatory skin condition. A study showed that topical application of the oil can improve the skin’s epidermis. It also improves your skin elasticity, moisture and firmness.

# It may help relieve PMS symptoms

Studies found that evening primrose oil is highly effective in treating premenstrual syndrome symptoms including depression, irritability, bloating, menstrual cramps and breast tenderness. Researchers say that PMS symptoms occur because of the prolactin levels in the body. Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) in primrose can help prevent prolactin from triggering PMS symptoms.

# It can help minimize breast pain

Breast pain or breast tenderness is a very common symptom of PMS that occurs a week before the period. It can be so severe that it may interfere with normal functioning. According to a study, the GLA in evening primrose oil can reduce inflammation and inhibit prostaglandins that cause cyclical breast pain. A study reported that women taking a daily dose of evening primrose oil and vitamin E for six months reported decreased severity of cyclical breast pain.

# It may help combat menopausal symptoms

Some studies show that evening primrose oil may help reduce the severity of hot flashes. It is one of the most common and most uncomfortable side effects of menopause. A study concluded that women who took 500 mg evening primrose oil daily for six weeks experienced less frequent and less severe hot flashes.

# It may help improve heart health

Evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce blood cholesterol. Inflammation is one of the major contributors to cardiovascular diseases.