Evening primrose oil comes from a plant native to North America, known as evening primrose or primrose (Oenothera biennis and Oenothera lamarckiana), whose seeds receive a cold pressure treatment to produce oil.
Its medicinal and healing properties are many (vasodilators, anti-inflammatory, inhibitors of bad cholesterol synthesis, etc.) and are a consequence of its richness in fatty acids that are effective for hormonal health, skin, hair and bones.
This food is rich in fatty acids, which are necessary for our body to enjoy good health; However, our body cannot synthesize them and, therefore, needs to obtain them through diet. The best known are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which play a crucial role in brain function, as well as normal growth and development.
Evening primrose oil is rich in omega-6 There must be a balance between the intake of these two fatty acids since excess omega-6 in relation to omega 3 can be harmful to health. Therefore, the intake of omega-3 (for example, from some fish) is recommended along with the intake of evening primrose oil.
How to take evening primrose oil
This oil is consumed in the form of a supplement, as it is a very sensitive food, and the pearls favor its absorption and dosage. It is recommended to take these pearls with meals, and their effects may take up to 3 months to appear.
Although evening primrose oil is often associated with health benefits for women, in reality, both sexes can benefit from its positive effects.
Benefits and properties of this oil
What are the benefits of this oil? What advantages does it have for our health? In the following lines we explain them to you.
1. Premenstrual syndrome
This supplement is associated with women’s consumption because it is beneficial for treating premenstrual syndrome The reason for this is that it is a food rich in gamma-linoleic acid and, consequently, increases the production of prostaglandin E1, a hormone with anti-inflammatory effects.
Regarding premenstrual syndrome, the consumption of this oil positively affects women both physically and mentally. Physically, because it reduces belly swelling and pain and nausea, as well as breast sensitivity. Mentally, it prevents depression and irritability.
2. Anti-acne
Acne usually occurs due to a hormonal imbalance, whether in adolescents or adults, so to combat this condition, it is necessary to restore this balance. Most creams marketed to treat acne act superficially, that is, directly on existing pimples or scars.
However, the omega-6 fatty acids present in evening primrose oil can promote hormonal regulation and therefore have a positive effect on acne.
But evening primrose oil not only plays a decisive role in the treatment of acne, but also has a positive effect on the skin in general, its cellular structure and promotes its elasticity. In addition to the consumption of pearls, their direct application on the face also helps in the healing and healing process and allows you to enjoy the general appearance of your skin.
4. Healthy hair
Evening primrose oil not only benefits the skin, but also the hair thanks to hormonal stimulation. The essential omega-6 fatty acid has been shown to be effective in the fight against hair loss either, and experts recommend consuming 500 milligrams twice a day to see results after two months. It is also possible to apply it directly to the hair along with shampoo, according to a study conducted at the University of Maryland.
5. Improves arthritis symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of chronic arthritis that affects joints, such as the hands, both wrists, or both knees It is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues. Some research concludes that evening primrose oil is a perfect natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.
A study conducted by Arthritis Research UK measured the effects of evening primrose oil in 49 people. According to the results, 94 percent of participants who received evening primrose oil reported a significant improvement in symptoms related to the disease, including morning pain and stiffness.
6. Treatment against impotence
Men can also benefit from this oil, since Studies suggest that it helps solve erection problems These research suggests that it acts as a vasodilator, promoting blood flow to the penis.
7. Support in the treatment of diabetes
Evening primrose has proven to be very useful in the treatment of diabetes, as it maintains insulin levels and avoids the side effects of this disease on the nervous system. However, there is still a lot of research work to obtain conclusive results.
8. Promotes stomach health
The stomach also benefits from evening primrose oil, as it protects the digestive mucous membranes and the digestive system in general. It also protects the liver against the harmful effects of alcohol and its anti-inflammatory effect is useful for inflammatory digestive pathologies such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
9. Prevents the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Studies suggest that this substance increases the transmission of nerve impulses, especially dopamine, so it may be effective in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s. Likewise, other studies suggest that essential fatty acids increase dopamine production by improving norepinephrine levels.
I’m Emily Williams Jones, a psychologist specializing in mental health with a focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. With a Ph.D. in Psychology, my career has spanned research, clinical practice and private counseling. I’m dedicated to helping individuals overcome anxiety, depression and trauma by offering a personalized, evidence-based approach that combines the latest research with compassionate care.
