Evening Primrose Oil is extracted from the seeds of a plant that are predominantly found in North America. The plant is a medicinal in nature and has a variety of benefits when used regularly
Primrose Oil is an important component used in healing problems related to digestion, haemorrhoids, inflammation, wounds among others.
Why are they having the medicinal value?
One of the primary reasons for the plant to have medicinal values is because it is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is an omega-6 fatty acid found in plant oils.
How to consume?
Evening primrose oil is generally applied on the body. However, they can also be consumed orally as a supplement, depending on the health condition and prescription as advised by the health practioner.
Various ailments that can be healed using Evening Primrose Oil
- Relief during Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Bloating, irritable and depression are some of the few symptoms that accompany PMS and these can be addressed using evening primrose oil. This is because prolactin levels in the body triggers PMS and the GLA in primrose oil counters that and prevents it to do so.
- Healthy Skin: Presence of GLA helps the skin retain its moisture thus keeping it smooth, firm, and free from rash and wear tear. Since the skin cannot come up with its own GLA, evening prime rose oil supplements when orally taken can help.
- Breast Pain Relief: Apart from PMS symptoms, there are times when people suffer from severe breast pain just before and during their periods. The severity is such that it demobilizes the normal life. The GLA in evening primrose oil reduces the inflammation in the breasts and decreases the pain. Again, one can consume this orally or apply the oil for benefits.
- Relief during Menopause: Again, a very difficult time ensured by women is menopause when the hormones in the body change. Experiencing hot flashes during menopausal times are a common problem and evening primrose oil gives some respite from the hot flashes.
The Side Effects
Additionally, they are also reported to have a good effect in your body like helping in reducing blood pressure, safeguarding the heart, relieving the body of body pain etc. However, there are some side effects that are also attached with them. Mentioned below are them.
When taken orally, they can result in an upset stomach that can result in indigestion. If applied on the body, someone can get an allergy because of the oil leading to rashes and marks. Additionally, the odour of the oil may not suit all and one can develop issues of wheezing and breathing.
Finally, while, the evening primrose oil has a lot of medical benefits, one should first check for its suitability to them and then use it.
This feature was first published in the print version of SUBURB October 2019 issue.
