Which is appropriate, since Evening Primrose is a wildflower. The official plant name is Oenothera Biennis. Now that sounds just like a Barbie princess. Here comes the beautiful Oenothera Biennis......gliding though a field of wildflowers..... in her lovely Evening Primrose gown......by Bob Mackie......but I digress....or is that regress?
Evening Primrose oil is a wonderful substance, full of omega-6 fatty acids. It is taken from the seeds of the Barbie, oops, I mean Oenothera Biennis, plant. The benefits of Evening Primrose oil are nothing short of mystical. It is a very special herb with healing powers.
Although there is a distinct lack of scientific evidence to support the beneficial use of Evening Primrose oil for diseases other than eczema and arthritis, there are numerous studies underway for alternative uses and it is already being used to treat a wide array of ailments.
One of the most popular claims that Evening Primrose oil makes is that of maintaining youth and preventing disease. Barbie has never been sick a day in her life (the days she spent being tortured by my evil older brothers don’t count) and didn’t she just turn 50 with nary a wrinkle? Proof this stuff works? Hmmmm…..
Evening Primrose oil is also often used to treat the symptoms of PMS and menopause. Barbie never gets cramps and she will never get menopause!
Evening Primrose oil is also being used to maintain healthy breasts.
Not to worry though. There are plenty of Evening Primrose benefits for the men too. After all, it would be unfair to treat Barbie and not Ken.
Among the many, many touted benefits and uses of Evening Primrose Oil, which is both an anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxidant are:
- Regulation of hormones
- Improvement of nerve function
- Facilitation of insulin absorbtion
- Treatment of chronic and migraine headaches
- Treatment of dry, itchy skin
- Improvement of high cholesterol
- Treatment of Acne
- Strengthening of hair and nails (have you ever seen a Barbie with bad hair?)
- Treatment of joint pain and arthritis
- Reduction of eczema symptoms
- Treatment of memory deficiencies (specifically Alzheimer’s related)
- Treament of damage caused by multiple sclerosis
- Prevention of alcohol withdrawal symptoms
The benefits of evening Primrose oil even include treating impotence in men by promoting blood flow and female infertility by improving uterine function.
So, as you can see, Evening Primrose oil has a variety of uses and benefits. However it is not for everyone. We can't all be Barbie. (cries...)
You should consult a doctor first before using anything, but if you suffer from epilepsy, are taking anticoagulants, blood pressure or blood cholesterol medicine, or estrogen or other hormones, do not take Evening Primrose. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should not use Evening Primrose oil either.
Evening Primrose oil is available in supplement, lotion, cream and soap form. To reap any dietary benefits, the oil must be taken internally. It is available over the counter in pill or gelcap form.
