Evening primrose oil comes from a plant native to North America, known as primrose (Oenothera biennis and Oenothera lamarckiana), which to produce the oil its seeds receive a cold pressure treatment.

Its medicinal and healing properties are many (vasodilators, anti-inflammatory, inhibitors of the synthesis of bad cholesterol, etc.) and are a consequence of its richness in fatty acids that are effective for hormonal health, skin, hair and bones.

High in fatty acids

This food is rich in fatty acids, which are necessary for our body to enjoy good health; however, our body cannot synthesize them and therefore needs to get them through the diet. The best known are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which play a crucial role in brain function, as well as normal growth and development.

Evening primrose oil is rich in omega-6 . There must be a balance between the intake of these two fatty acids since an excess of omega-6 in relation to omega-3 can be harmful to health. Intake of omega-3 (e.g. from some fish) is therefore recommended alongside intake of evening primrose oil.

How to take evening primrose oil

This oil is consumed in the form of a supplement, because it is a very sensitive food , and the pearls favor its absorption and dosage. It is recommended to take these pearls with meals, and its effects can take up to 3 months to appear.

Although evening primrose oil is often associated with health benefits for women, in reality, both sexes can benefit from its positive effects.

Benefits and properties of this oil

What are the benefits of this oil? what are the benefits for our health? In the following lines we explain them to you.

1. Premenstrual syndrome

This supplement is associated with women’s consumption because it is beneficial in treating premenstrual syndrome . The reason for this is that it is a food rich in gamma-linolenic acid and therefore increases the production of prostaglandin E1, a hormone with anti-inflammatory effects.

As for premenstrual syndrome, the consumption of this oil positively affects women both physically and mentally. Physically, because it reduces the swelling of the belly and the pain and nausea, as well as the sensitivity of the breasts. Mentally, it prevents depression and irritability.

2. Anti-acne

Acne usually occurs because of a hormonal imbalance, either in adolescents or adults , so to combat this condition, it is necessary to restore this balance. Most creams that are marketed to treat acne act superficially, that is, directly on existing pimples or scars.

However, the omega-6 fatty acids present in evening primrose oil can promote hormone regulation and therefore have a positive effect on acne.

3. Healthy skin

But evening primrose oil not only plays a decisive role in the treatment of acne, but has a positive effect on the skin in general , its cell structure and promotes its elasticity. In addition to the consumption of pearls, their direct application on the face also helps in the healing and scarring process and allows you to enjoy the overall appearance of your skin.

4. Healthy hair

Evening primrose oil not only benefits the skin, but also the hair thanks to hormone stimulation. The essential omega-6 fatty acid has been shown to be effective in combating hair loss or , and experts recommend consumption of 500 milligrams twice a day to see results after two months. It is also possible to apply it directly to the hair along with the shampoo as shown in a study conducted at the University of Maryland.

5. Improves arthritis symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of chronic arthritis that affects the joints, such as the hands, both wrists or both knees . It is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues. Some research concludes that evening primrose oil is a perfect natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.

A study by Arthritis Research UK measured the effects of evening primrose oil in 49 people. According to the results, 94 percent of the participants who received evening primrose oil reported significant improvement in disease-related symptoms, including morning pain and stiffness.

6. Treatment for impotence

Men can also benefit from this oil, as studies suggest that it helps to solve erection problems . This research suggests that it acts as a vasodilator, promoting blood flow in the penis.

7. Support in the treatment of diabetes

Evening primrose has proven to be very useful in the treatment of diabetes , as it maintains the levels of insulin and avoids the side effects of this disease on the nervous system. However, there is still much work to be done in research to obtain conclusive results.

8. Supports stomach health

The stomach also benefits from evening primrose oil , as it protects the digestive mucous membranes and the digestive system in general. It also protects the liver against the harmful effects of alcohol and its anti-inflammatory effect is useful for inflammatory digestive pathologies such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

9. Prevents the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Studies suggest that this substance increases the transmission of nerve impulses, especially dopamine, so it may be effective in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s. Other studies also suggest that essential fatty acids increase dopamine production by improving noradrenaline levels.