Evening Primrose Oil: Health Benefits

Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. It is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Commonly found in health food stores and online retailers.
Applicable for
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

evening primrose oil FAQ


Image credit: purebodynaturals.com

What are the benefits of evening primrose oil?

Evening primrose oil benefits include helping manage female hormonal balance issues like PMS and menopause; fertility; skin concerns including eczema, psoriasis and acne; arthritis; and osteoporosis. In capsules form, it can be used both internally and externally depending on your health goals.

Is evening primrose oil a liquid or a capsule?

Evening primrose oil is most often taken as a capsule but sometimes comes as a liquid. Evening primrose oil is a rich source of Omega-6 essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), which are beneficial for easing PMS and menopause-related symptoms, as well as helping with skin conditions.

What does evening primrose oil look like?

It has yellow flowers that open at sunset and close during the day. The oil from evening primrose seeds contains omega-6 fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Native Americans made poultices from the evening primrose plant for bruises and wounds and used its stem and leaf juices as topical remedies for skin inflammations.

Where can I get evening primrose oil?

Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Evening primrose is a plant with yellow flowers. Evening primrose oil extracted from plant seeds is usually sold in capsules. The supplement contains the fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

What is evening primrose oil?

Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of Oenothera biennis, a plant native to North America and South America. It gets its name from its yellow blossoms, which bloom in the evening. The oil contains linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and other omega-6 fatty acids.

Does evening primrose oil contain gamma linolenic acid?

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a plant native to the Americas. Its yellow flowers open at sunset. The oil in its seeds contains omega-6 fatty acids. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid ( GLA ). GLA is an omega-6 essential fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

evening primrose oil References

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