Evening Primrose Oil

Evening Primrose Oil for Women

Women who are experiencing symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) that are severe enough to affect their everyday lives can get relief by taking an evening primrose oil product that contains between 8-10% GLA. Research conducted on this product has found that women who use it report less breast pain, cramping and bloating in the days leading up to their monthly period. Symptoms of depression that occur in the days leading up to the start of menstruation may also be alleviated when women take evening primrose oil.

Pregnant women may look to this product to prevent pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension). It may also be helpful in lowering blood pressure in a patient who has been diagnosed with this condition. Before taking evening primrose oil for this purpose, the patient should discuss her plans with her doctor or midwife.

A woman who has gone past her due date may be interested in using evening primrose oil as a way to induce labor. The evening primrose oil is a source of prostaglandins, which cause the uterus to soften and ripen in preparation for labor. They are not likely to work if the woman's body is not at the point where labor is imminent.

Some midwives will recommend taking evening primrose oil starting at the 34th week of pregnancy and increasing the amount taken starting at the 38th week. At this point, the pregnant woman may be advised to insert one or two capsules into her vagina each day at bedtime. This may be a more effective way to encouraging the cervix to soften in preparation for labor, since the evening primrose oil will come directly into contact with its tissue. You should not take any of these steps with out the knowledge of your chosen medical professional.

Evening Primrose Oil Benefits

The GLA in evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to alleviate the symptoms of a number of health concerns.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Using this supplement may help patients living with rheumatoid arthritis. Some people who have tried it report a that the swelling in their joints decreases, which helps to relieve the pain associated with this disorder.
• Diabetes patients may also benefit from taking evening primrose oil. The disease can lead to nerve damage, and evening primrose oil can help to prevent it from occurring. A study conducted on patients found that using this product is beneficial, and may be able to reverse nerve damage in some patients. People who tried it over the course of a 12-month study reported feeling less tingling and numbness than before they started using the evening primrose oil.
• Skin Issues: This product can also be used to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema. People who use it for eczema may be able to use smaller amounts of topical creams containing steroids. Evening primrose oil helps to dilute sebum, which is a thick oil produced by the body. When pores become clogged with sebum, this condition leads to the development of blackheads and pimples.

Evening Primrose Oil Dosage

Many people take two, 500 ml capsules of evening primrose oil per day, but some individuals find that a higher dose (between three and six capsules) is more effective. Your health care provider can recommend the appropriate dosage for your individual concerns.

Taking Vitamin C is recommended for those people using evening primrose oil, since it helps to enhance the benefits of using this supplement. Vitamin E helps to reduce the likelihood of side effects from this essential oil.

Evening Primrose Oil Side Effects

Some reported mild side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea and headaches. Evening primrose oil is not recommended for women who are either pregnant or breast feeding. Patients who are using medications that thin the blood, such as Aspirin or Warfarin, should not use it. Epilepsy patients are also cautioned against using evening primrose oil.

It's always a good idea to let your doctor or health care provider know what health supplements you are taking. Use the free supplement finder to compare and buy evening primrose oil now!