Evening Primrose Oil

Introduction

In your search for dietary supplements that will be able to be of best help to you, you may have encountered evening primrose oil.  You may be wondering how evening primrose oil may be of benefit to you, how evening primrose oil may fit into an overall diet and health program that includes dietary supplements.

Through this article you will be provided with basic information about how evening primrose oil can fit into an overall diet and health program that includes dietary supplements.

What is Evening Primrose Oil?

Evening primrose is a small yellow wildflower called oenothera biennis, and is an attractive herb that grows in mild climates of North American and Europe as well as many other areas of the world. This evening primrose grows up to about seven feet in height and has a unique characteristic about it.  The evening primrose plant blooms throughout the summer but the flowers each last only one day. They open when the sun goes down and dye when the sunlight comes.  Thereby getting the name “Evening Primrose”.  The seeds of the evening primrose plant are used to produce the volatile oil that is used in medicines and cosmetics.  Evening primrose has been used medicinally for centuries.  The oil is pressed and extracted from the seed and is rich in linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid.

The Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids are plentiful in foods, nuts and seeds and are known as the good fats.  They are called essential because the body does not make these on its own they must be derived from our diets.

The Positive Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose is believed to have very positive health and medicinal capabilities.  Because of the essential fatty acids that are in the evening primrose they may affect how the body maintains weight and fights diseases like cancer and heart disease.  Additionally the essential fatty acids may also be connected with reducing the inflammatory conditions of diseases like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.  In all, evening primrose oil has been claimed to treat, cure or prevent practically everything from arthritis, eczema and other skin problems, hot flashes, premenstrual syndrome, cancer, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

Research Into the Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil

As of yet, many of the studies about evening primrose oil have not been substantiated enough by sound clinical studies and research to prove any of the claims that are made however, continued studies are taking place that are hopeful of this proof. 

There are both oral and topical forms of evening primrose oil on the market.  Topical applications may help with the treating of acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin disorders.  As a topical application, evening primrose oil has a very moisturizing effect on the skin.