Native to North America, Evening Primrose is a flowering plant with multiple virtues of which the Native Americans were true fans; whether as a poultice or as natural remedies for stomach pains for example. Evening Primrose is nowadays widely found in the wild or cultivated in Europe and Asia for its seed... luckily! Indeed, the latter makes it possible to provide an oil rich in so-called essential fatty acids for the body including gamma-linolenic acid, just like Borage vegetable oil. This is also why they are constantly assimilated... The rich composition of fatty acids, vitamin E and triterpenes confers a nutritional, cosmetic and therapeutic role to Evening Primrose oil, for both internal and external use. Latin name: Oenothera biennis L. Part used: seed (first cold pressing)
This article was updated on 24/08/2023- Characteristics and composition
- To support Menopause, Menstrual disorders, Mastalgia
- In case of diabetic neuropathy
- In support of Multiple Sclerosis
- In case of Arthritis, Inflammatory pain
- In case of Eczema, Pruritus, Psoriasis, Darter, Dermatosis
- In case of wrinkles, mature skin
- In case of cholesterol, cardiovascular pathology
- In case of dry skin, sensitive skin
- In case of dry hair, brittle hair, brittle nails, damaged hair
anti-inflammatory :
Evening Primrose vegetable oil is naturally composed of omega-6 fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid. The latter influences the inflammatory process through two modes of action. On the one hand, it is a precursor for the biosynthesis of anti-inflammatory substances, prostaglandins E1. On the other hand, it is an inhibitor of pro-inflammatory substances, leukotrienes A4. Evening primrose oil therefore helps stimulate the synthesis of natural anti-inflammatory hormones while inhibiting that of inflammatory mediators.
skin regenerating :
The rich fatty acid composition of Evening Primrose oil gives it cell regeneration properties.
softening, nourishing :
Evening primrose oil helps bring suppleness and elasticity to the skin. Its sterol composition helps fight against skin aging.
regulator of the hormonal system :
Composed of gamma-linolenic and linoleic acids, Evening Primrose vegetable oil, like that of Borage, would offer a regulatory action on the hormonal system. It is particularly useful to help fight menstrual pain or even hot flashes.
hypocholesterolemic, cardiovascular protector :
The oil from Evening Primrose seeds is exceptionally rich in omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are called essential because they are not synthesized by the body. It is therefore important to find them in your diet. Provided in ideal proportions, these lipids participate in many essential functions for the body.
protector of the osteoarticular system :
Some scientific studies identify the benefit of gamma-linolenic acid for the absorption and fixation of calcium in bones. Evening primrose oil would thus improve bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
This Evening Primrose vegetable oil should be taken with caution and under the advice of a health professional in the event of hormone-dependent pathologies.
Store preferably in a cool place, away from light and heat.
Efficiency: ++++
Evening primrose oil is composed of between 8 and 10% gamma-linolenic acid. The latter is a precursor of type 1 prostaglandins, substances with a anti-inflammatory effect. The latter seem to reduce menstrual pain (breast, lower abdomen, etc.) but not only that. It is on the entire hormonal system that prostaglandins act. Thus, Evening Primrose oil can be used in gynecology during menstrual cycles to regulate pain, mood disorders or even migraines. Also to be tested during the menopause.
ingestion, take 1 to 2 teaspoons per day of Evening Primrose oil distributed before meals. Favor taking it after the period of menstruation until the appearance of the next one.
the essential essential oil for the female hormonal system is Clary Sage.
evening primrose oil is often compared to primrose oil. Borage, the latter can also be used to relieve hormonal disorders.
Efficiency: ++++
Some studies highlight the benefit of taking GLA in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. This pathology is defined by the functional and structural damage to the nerves in a diabetic patient. It therefore mainly results in pain. Evening primrose oil could therefore be useful as a supplement to relieve certain symptoms of this pathology.
ingestion, take 2 teaspoons of Evening Primrose oil per day for several months.
Efficiency: ++++
Studies are underway to define the benefit of supplementing with Evening Primrose oil to relieve certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis. It is the anti-inflammatory effects of Evening Primrose oil that are highlighted here.
Efficiency: +++
Evening primrose oil is obtained from the seeds of the plant. These seeds are particularly rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). It is an omega 6 fatty acid considered essential because it is not directly produced by the body but is obtained through our diet. This AGL is converted into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DLFA), which itself promotes the synthesis of anti-inflammatory compounds. Among them the famous prostaglandins type 1 (PGE 1). Alongside this, AGDL allows the reduction of the synthesis of pro-inflammatory metabolites. In other words, Evening Primrose oil, thanks to its rich AGL composition, allows, in the same way as Borage oil, to fight against inflammation. Research has highlighted the effectiveness of FFAs, particularly in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Numerous clinical studies have shown that FFA supplementation helps reduce pain, inflammation and sensitivity in the joints.
massage a few drops of Evening Primrose oil onto inflamed areas, 2 to 3 times a day. You can also act internally, by ingesting 1 to 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil per day for 3 weeks.
in addition, it is possible to dilute 1 drop ofLemon Eucalyptus with 4 drops of Evening Primrose vegetable oil to relieve joint pain.
Efficiency: +++
Evening primrose oil is particularly rich in linoleic acid but also in gamma-linolenic acid, direct precursors of anti-inflammatory compounds. A set of metabolic chains will lead to the synthesis of prostaglandins type 1 (PGE 1). In this way, Evening Primrose oil has been widely studied for its beneficial effects in inflammatory pathologies including dermatological problems. Among them, theatopic eczema, psoriasis, and in general dermatoses can be taken care of by Evening Primrose vegetable oil. In this case, vegetable oil can be used cutaneously directly on the area in question but also orally.
massage a few drops of Evening Primrose oil morning and evening on your skin in the affected areas. It is also possible to act internally by ingesting 1 to 2 teaspoons of Evening Primrose oil every day for 3 weeks.
in case of dermatoses, it is possible to combine anti-inflammatory, healing and soothing essential oils with Evening Primrose vegetable oil. Roman chamomile, Geranium Rosat, Lavender Aspic or Fine Lavender will be ideal allies.
In case of eczema, psoriasis or other skin disorders, the Calophyll Inophyl, there Borage or even the Perilla could be very useful.
Efficiency: +++
The high content of linoleic and gamma linolenic acids is of real benefit to the skin. This composition allows restructure cell membranes while ensuring their fluidity. In addition to this rich composition of essential fatty acids, Evening Primrose oil is composed of vitamin E. These provide properties anti-oxidants very useful for combating wrinkles. Thus, Evening Primrose oil will be widely used in anti-wrinkle care, to regenerate the skin and provide it with care and radiance.
massage a few drops of Evening Primrose oil morning and evening on your skin.
against wrinkles and stretch marks, you can add a few drops of essential oil of Geranium Rosat, of Cistus or else Fine Lavender to your Evening Primrose oil to increase its effectiveness.
the oil of Rosehip is very useful for maintaining good skin elasticity and cell regeneration. Other vegetable oils can also be used in this case such as Hemp, THE Apricot kernels or even the Prickly Pear Seeds.
Efficiency: ++
As mentioned previously, Evening Primrose oil is rich in GLA, an essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to these properties, AGL has proven effective in cases of cardiovascular disorders. AGL significantly reduces LDL cholesterol, but also blood pressure and triglyceride levels. It also seems that Evening Primrose oil promotes good blood circulation. It can be used to prevent thrombosis since it reduces the aggregation of fatty substances on the walls of blood vessels.
ingestion, take 1 to 2 teaspoons per day of Evening Primrose oil before meals.
In case of cardiovascular disorders, essential oils ofYlang ylang complete or evenItalian Helichrysum can be used cutaneously. In this case, dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 4 drops of Evening Primrose oil and apply to the inside of the wrists for example. Be careful, however, for all of these pathologies, medical advice is essential.
Efficiency: ++
Evening primrose oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. It will therefore be perfectly suited to dry, sensitive and weakened skin, both on the face and the body. It restores suppleness and elasticity to dry skin once nourished.
massage a few drops of Evening Primrose oil morning and evening on your skin.
In case of dry skin, vegetable oil Raspberry seeds is very nourishing just like that of Baobab. Sensitive skin may also benefit from oil.Almond or Cassis.
Efficiency: ++
Just as it is suitable for dry skin, Evening Primrose oil will also be suitable for brittle hair and/or nails. Evening primrose oil is used in this case by direct application or orally to strengthen your hair and nails.
massage a few drops of Evening Primrose oil onto the lengths and ends to nourish the hair or directly onto the nails to strengthen them.
in order to reinforce these effects, add a few drops ofcomplete Ylang Ylang essential oil for a natural and powerful anti-dry and brittle hair treatment.
other vegetable oils help nourish the hair in depth, shea Butter or the oil of Jojoba for example are excellent. The oil of Castor is ideal for strengthening nails.
We regularly find these two vegetable oils assimilated for the same applications. Thanks to their similarity in composition, these two oils both have interesting anti-inflammatory and hormonal regulating properties. To date, numerous studies exist on the use of Evening Primrose oil for hormonal regulation, while Borage oil remains very little studied. We do know, however, that Borage oil contains a much larger quantity of gamma-linolenic acid, which would make it much more effective in relieving inflammatory pain such as stomach pain, breast pain, joint pain, etc. More studies are expected on the subject to confirm the better effectiveness of Borage oil compared to Evening Primrose oil.
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Publication: Rezapour-Firouzi, S., Arefhosseini, SR, Mehdi, F., Mehrangiz, E., Baradaran, B., Sadeghihokmabad, E., . . . Zamani, F. (2013). Immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects of Hot-nature diet and co-supplemented hemp seed, evening primrose oils intervention in multiple sclerosis patients. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 21(5), 473–480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2013.06.006
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Publication: Montserrat-de la Paz, S., García-Giménez, M., Ángel-Martín, M., Pérez-Camino, M., & Fernández Arche, A. (2014). Long-chain fatty alcohols from evening primrose oil inhibit the inflammatory response in murine peritoneal macrophages. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 151(1), 131–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.10.012
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