What is the evening primrose oil?
Evening primrose oil is made from the flower seeds of a plant native to North and South America that also grows in some places in Europe and Asia, and whose curious note is the fact that it only blooms at night. Native Americans often made evening primrose oil poultices for wounds, and also used the plant's stems and leaf juices as topical remedies for skin inflammations. Likewise, among them, the juices of the plant were taken for gastrointestinal problems and throat inflammation.
In fact, the popularity of evening primrose oil is not something purely recent; Already in the 17th century, the oil was so well known in Europe that at one point it was called “The King's Curator”. For many generations, the oil has been used traditionally to treat hemorrhoids, bruises, and the aforementioned various digestive problems and sore throats.
Over the years, in the same way, evening primrose has been classified as “the woman's plant”, because in addition to the uses already mentioned, it has also been used to treat the female menstrual cycle in a range that goes from different symptoms premenstrual to the typical effects of menopause.
Specifically, evening primrose oil has recently become popular to regulate women's menstrual cycles and reduce annoying symptoms of this period.
How is the evening primrose oil?
Evening primrose oil is typically used in two ways: as a traditional supplement consumed in pearl form and applied topically.
What exactly does evening primrose oil contain?
Evening primrose oil contains GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), vitamin E and Omega 6. GLA is a polysaturated fatty acid that intervenes in various cellular functions and body processes, and has been considered a natural anti-inflammatory. Among other functions of GLA we can mention the maintenance of the skin, the regulation of the hormonal system and blood clotting processes. Gamma-linolenic acid must be ingested or consumed since our bodies do not produce this particular type of substance.
Directions to take evening primrose oil
In the case of the menstrual cycle, evening primrose oil is taken in capsules or pearls that are usually found in natural product stores. The exact dose in milligrams must be determined by a doctor because in this way the inconveniences that an excess of it can cause are avoided. In any case, the traditional way of using it has been to take it for the duration of the period, starting one or two days before it.
On the other hand, in addition to taking evening primrose oil daily, in regulating the menstrual cycle it is necessary to incorporate two other measures into the daily routine. The first is the reduction of sugars and fats in the diet, a measure that is not only useful in other aspects of healthy living, but also here. Likewise, it should be noted that certain doctors recommend the consumption of certain foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as pineapples, pumpkins and cherries. The second is to try to control stress or anxiety, since several studies have shown that this factor destabilizes the female menstrual process. Thus, evening primrose oil is a factor that works best in conjunction with other daily care measures.
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evening primrose oil and premenstrual syndrome
Evening primrose oil has also been considered effective in treating the so-called “Premenstrual Syndrome”, since it relieves symptoms such as irritability, depression, mood swings, skin rashes due to hormonal imbalances, headache, decreased blood pressure. self-esteem, irregular periods and bloating.
Some researchers believe that women who experience PMS are often more sensitive to normal prolactin levels in the body. Gamma-linolenic acid appears to be converted in the body to another substance called prostaglandin E1, which is thought to prevent prolactin from causing PMS.
In this case, it is the doctor who will determine the dose of onager oil in milligrams that should be taken several times a day for a few months. The expert usually starts with the lowest possible dose of onager oil, and progressively increases the amount as the patient's symptoms ease.
Other effects on women
Traditionally, evening primrose oil has also been related to other aspects related to fertility in women. Specifically, it has been said that it reduces the possibility of cysts in the ovary, that it improves the condition of the eggs and that, by increasing cervical flow, it allows the sperm to reach the egg more easily.
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Other benefits of evening primrose oil
In addition to those already mentioned, evening primrose oil has other healthy effects. Let's mention a few.
- In treatment for acne. The gamma-linolenic acid in evening primrose oil is believed to be useful in treating acne by reducing skin inflammation and the number of damaged cells. It can also help retain skin moisture. It has also been reported to work to relieve cheilitis, or inflammation in the corners of the mouth, caused by an anti-acne drug called Isotretinoin.
- In the treatment of eczema. In some countries, evening primrose oil is approved for use as a treatment for eczema, an inflammatory skin condition. It should be clarified, however, that this use of evening primrose oil is still under investigation.
- To improve the overall health of the skin. Various research reveals that the consumption of gamma-linolenic acid acts against the formation of wrinkles in the skin, and also has benefits for its elasticity, firmness and moisture. It is a fact that the gamma-linolenic acid present in evening primrose oil is essential for ideal maintenance and functioning of the dermis. Since the skin cannot produce gamma-linolenic acid itself, consuming evening primrose oil contributes to this goal.
- To reduce symptoms of menopause. Evening primrose oil can reduce the intensity of heat waves, one of the most annoying side effects of menopause. There is research that suggests that oral consumption of evening primrose oil for several weeks can reduce the frequency, severity and duration of the famous heat waves. Likewise, women who have consumed evening primrose oil for a period of time report in various questionnaires that they have improved their predisposition to social activity, their relationships with others and even their sexuality.
- To improve heart problems. Heart diseases are one of the main causes of death in the world and hence, in recent years, in various countries additional help has been sought in traditional treatments such as evening primrose oil. It has therefore been pointed out that the oil is an anti-inflammatory and therefore would be useful for reducing blood cholesterol. Most people with heart disease also show inflammation in the body, although it has not been proven that this inflammation causes heart disease. In any case, taking care of your general health and a correct diet will always be recommended.
- To reduce breast pain. In some cases of PMS, some women suffer from breast pain. There is evidence that the consumption of evening primrose oil may be useful in reducing it. However - for the sake of truth - it should be noted that this possible use of evening primrose oil is still in the research phase. It is believed that evening primrose oil does not have immediate effects on this symptom, but that its continuous use is necessary for a period of months before beneficial effects begin to be seen.
As will be seen, our ancestors were not so wrong when calling evening primrose oil “The king's cure-all.” Contemporary research supports its use in many fields, especially in relieving symptoms of the female menstrual cycle. Of course, there is still much to study and these subsequent studies will help us better specify the limits of action of the product.
Final Recommendations on the consumption of Evening Primrose Oil
After everything we have explained, however, it is necessary to make some final recommendations for those who use evening primrose oil.
Today it is considered that evening primrose oil is safe to use in treatments for adults, less is known about how safe its use is in the case of children.
Generally, evening primrose oil is usually well tolerated by most organisms. Like any substance, it can sometimes have negative side effects in the form of some gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness. In that case, its use should be discontinued.
As is also the case with any dietary supplement, if a person is taking any previous medication, before starting to consume it it is necessary to speak with the respective doctor.
Finally, let us note that this article is purely informational and is in no way considered a substitute for proper consultation with a doctor or specialist in the field.
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