Evening primrose oil what does it help

In the 17 th century, it was introduced to England and Europe where it was used for its edible root, leaves and seeds. The oil from Evening Primrose seeds contains two omega-6 essential fatty acids — linoleic acid LA and, most importantly, gamma-linolenic acid GLA.

They are referred to as essential fatty acids because your body does not manufacture them, so they need to be included in your diet. GLA is an important anti-inflammatory fatty acid for the body. This in turn converts to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 PGE1 which fights inflammation. It is also a potent vasodilator which means it dilates the blood vessels and also helps thin the blood.

Having enough nutrients like magnesium, zinc, vitamins B3, B6 and C are important to help support this conversion. Because of its GLA contents, Evening Primrose oil can support joint discomfort as well as skin health challenges. Aloe vera is kind of the Superman of the botanical world, but is it safe to use on your face?

You bet. You just have to do it the right way. Jasmine tea is made from jasmine blossoms and green tea. So drinking jasmine tea offers the same great antioxidants as green tea that can help…. Aah, ginger tea. A heck of a wake-up call and a delicious sip to boot — but how do its traditionally acclaimed benefits shape up under the microscope? Elderberry might help you fortify your immune system — and gummies are a tasty, accessible way to top up your antioxidant levels.

But which is best? Meadowsweet herb has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Here's what we know about it's safety and effectiveness and how to use it. Elderberry has an age-old rep in traditional medicine — but do the benefits hold up in research? Not always, but it can still play a role in wellness.

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Here are 13 science-supported benefits of adding EPO to your daily routine. Share on Pinterest. It could cool your night sweats. It soothes eczema. Per the study, GLA is necessary for ideal skin structure and function. How to use: For PMS, take 6 to 12 capsules mg to 6, mg one to four times daily for up to 10 months.

Start with the smallest dose possible, and increase as needed to relieve symptoms. If you experience breast pain so severe during your period that it interferes with your life, taking EPO may help.

According to a study , the GLA in EPO is thought to reduce inflammation and help inhibit prostaglandins that cause cyclical breast pain. How to use: Take 1 to 3 grams g or 2. You can also take 1, mg of vitamin E for 6 months. EPO may reduce the severity of hot flashes , one of the most uncomfortable side effects of menopause.

A later study , however, came to a different conclusion. The study found that women who took mg daily of EPO for six weeks experienced less frequent, less severe, and shorter hot flashes. Women also had improved marks for social activity, relations with others, and sexuality on a questionnaire on how hot flashes impact daily life.

More research is needed. According to a study , those taking EPO had a slightly higher systolic blood pressure. Heart disease kills more than , people in the United States each year. Hundreds of thousands more are living with the condition. Some people are turning to natural remedies, such as EPO, to help. According to a study on rats, EPO is anti-inflammatory and helps reduce blood cholesterol. Use with caution if you take other medications that affect the heart.

This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Evening primrose. Products and services. Evening primrose By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again.

Show references Evening primrose oil. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Accessed Aug.