Evening primrose oil

The benefits of evening primrose oil have been studied for many years. Evening primrose oil can be taken orally or used externally to help with a broad range of medicinal reasons. The oil from the evening primrose plant has so many qualities that help in the healing process of many parts of our body. That active ingredient that lives in the evening primrose plant is called GLA. It is a fatty acid that is found in a few plants but the evening primrose plant has the highest concentration of the wonderful ingredient.

The evening primrose plant can be used orally or externally, both for different reasons. Orally, the evening primrose oil can help with many common ailments. The first condition that the oil has been proven to help many women with is PMS symptoms. Women all around the world have suffered from their monthly cycle, and PMS symptoms can be severe for so many. Evening primrose oil can help to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle along with minimize symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, depression and irritability. When taken orally, evening primrose can also help with regulating cholesterol, help with allergies, asthma, chronic headache pain, bowel problems, arteriosclerosis, and improve prostate health in men. This ingredient has also been known to help improve circulation and lessen symptoms associated with diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

Orally, evening primrose oil can be taken in capsule form or it may be brewed into a tea. When drank as a tea it may be beneficial in helping boost the metabolism. This can help many people stay fit. The evening primrose tea can also be used externally for the skin. When stems and leaves of the plant are brewed the tea becomes a great tool for helping heal dry skin, itching, acne and rashes. Evening primrose can also be used to help with chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. When the oil is used on the skin it may improve the elasticity and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. You can find evening primrose oil in many cosmetic products, including makeup, lotions, soaps and facial creams.

You can find evening primrose oil capsules at your local health food store, pharmacy or online. Although there is proof that the natural ingredient works well for many ailments, you may need to consume the supplement everyday for a couple months before benefits become apparent. Since evening primrose grows naturally in North America, many gardeners may have success growing their own evening primrose plants in their garden. You can eat the flowers, leaves, roots and seeds of the plant for all the same wonderful benefits that you can find in the capsules.

Evening primrose oil seems to have very few side effects but just like any other supplement strange symptoms that occur after taking the supplement should be monitored. If you notice any side effects to evening primrose oil make sure you stop taking the supplement right away. If side effects are severe due to an allergic reaction you should see a doctor as soon as possible. People who suffer from epilepsy should not take evening primrose oil. Also people who have schizophrenia, blood thinning or blood clotting disorders should not consume supplements of evening primrose oil. When used topically, make sure to watch the skin for possible reactions to the ingredient as well. If redness, burning or other skin conditions become noticeable after using the oil, make sure to wash the skin thoroughly and seek medical attention if necessary. If you are currently taking medications for a previous medical condition check with your doctor to make sure it is safe to add the supplement to your diet.

Last updated on Apr 18th, 2010 and filed under Alternative Medicine. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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