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 parts of Europe and Asia, and which has the curious note that it only blooms at night. Native Americans used to make evening primrose oil poultice 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 for inflammation of the throat.
In fact, the popularity of evening primrose oil is not a purely recent thing; Already in the XNUMXth century, the oil was so well known in Europe that at one point it was called "The King's Cure". 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 cataloged as "the plant of women", 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 the 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 bothersome symptoms of this period.
How is the evening primrose oil?
Evening primrose oil is commonly 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 is involved in various cell 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 in blood coagulation processes. Gamma-linolenic acid must be ingested or consumed as our bodies do not produce this particular type of substance.
Indications 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 generate are avoided. However, the traditional way of using it has been to take it for the duration of your period, starting a day or two before your period.
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. Also, 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, as 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 to treat the so-called "Premenstrual Syndrome", since it relieves symptoms such as irritability, depression, mood swings, skin rashes due to hormonal imbalances, headache, decrease in self-esteem, irregular periods and belly swelling.
Some researchers believe that women who experience PMS are often more sensitive to normal levels of prolactin 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 evening primrose oil in milligrams to be taken several times a day for a few months. The expert usually starts with the lowest possible dose of evening primrose oil, and progressively increases the amount as the patient's symptoms are relieved.
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 ovarian cysts, that it improves the condition of the ovules and that, by increasing cervical fluid, it allows the sperm to reach the ovule 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 thought to be helpful in treating acne by reducing skin inflammation and the number of damaged cells. It can also help retain moisture in the skin. It has also been reported to work to relieve cheilitis, or inflammation at the corners of the lips, caused by an acne drug called Isotretinoin.
- In the treatment of eczema. Evening primrose oil is approved for use in some countries 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 investigations reveal 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 the ideal maintenance and function of the dermis. Since the skin cannot produce gamma-linolenic acid on its own, consuming evening primrose oil contributes to this goal.
- To reduce symptoms of menopause. Evening primrose oil can reduce the intensity of hot flashes, one of the most bothersome 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. Similarly, women who have consumed evening primrose oil for some time, report in various questionnaires to have improved their predisposition to social activity, their relationships with others and even their sexuality.
- To improve heart problems. Heart disease is 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. For this reason, it has been pointed out that the oil is an anti-inflammatory and therefore it would be useful to reduce cholesterol in the blood. Most people with heart disease also have inflammation in the body, although it has not been proven that inflammation causes heart disease. In any case, taking care of the general state of 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 can be useful to reduce it. However -for the sake of truth- it should be noted that this possible use of evening primrose oil is still under investigation. Evening primrose oil is thought to have no immediate effect on this symptom, but needs continuous use over a period of months before beneficial effects begin to be seen.
As will be noted, our ancestors were not so far off in calling evening primrose oil "The king's cure-all." Contemporary research supports its use in many fields, especially in alleviating the symptoms of the female menstrual cycle. Of course, much remains to be studied and these subsequent studies will help us to better define the action limits of the product.
Final Recommendations on the consumption of Evening Primrose Oil
After all that we have exposed, however, it is necessary to make some final recommendations for those who use evening primrose oil.
Today evening primrose oil is considered safe for use in treatments for adults, less is known about how safe it is for use in 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 gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness. In that case, its use should be discontinued.
As also happens 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 point out that this article is purely informative and is not considered to be in any way a substitute for proper consultation with a doctor or specialist in the field.
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