Evening primrose oil: properties and uses

The benefits and harms of evening primrose oil are known in traditional medicine and cosmetology. Depending on the method of administration, you can choose the most suitable form of product release - capsules or liquid.

Description and benefits of evening primrose

Evening primrose has several names - evening primrose, evening primrose. It is an ornamental flowering plant characterized by greenish-yellow tubular flowers and dark green leaves. In addition to decorativeness, evening primrose is famous for its beneficial properties. The oil of the primrose plant, the benefits of which have been known for a long time, is used for medicinal purposes. It is obtained from the seeds of a plant by cold pressing or extraction methods.

Composition and calorie content of primrose oil

Medicinal properties and widespread in medicine and cosmetology, primrose oil extract received due to the rich chemical composition shown in the table below.

In the table, the acids that make up primrose oil:

In addition to the listed components, the product contains essential oils, carbohydrates, vitamins C, E, trace elements (sodium, iron, zinc, calcium).

Since the product contains mainly fats, its calorie content per 100 g is high - 900 kcal (or 3767 kJ).

Why primrose oil is useful for women and men

Consuming evening primrose oil is beneficial for both women and men. Regardless of age, it helps to fight various ailments, maintain the body in a healthy state, for example:

• stabilize pressure;
• balance the indicators of glucose, cholesterol;
• improve vision;
• prevent thrombosis;
• to reduce the harm done to the body by the medications taken;
• reduce the breakdown of liver cells when drinking alcohol;
• reduce joint pain in osteoporosis.

Many women often face certain female problems. Taking oil helps to solve most of them - relieve pain during menstruation, menopause symptoms.

Regular intake of primrose oil extract will be a salvation in case of symptoms of prostatitis in men, and will reduce the risk of prostate diseases.

How to use primrose oil medicinally

The rich composition of the product determines its useful properties in the treatment of various diseases.

During pregnancy

The use of evening primrose oil during pregnancy has a positive effect on the development of the baby's brain and nervous system, and the mother avoids severe perineal tears during childbirth.

Despite all the benefits, the product is highly discouraged from taking in the first trimester of pregnancy. At the beginning of the second trimester, it is administered in small dosages and taken at 500-1000 mg daily. Starting from 34 weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended to increase the dose to 1500-2000 mg.

You cannot exceed the dosage, otherwise the oil can harm mother and baby. You can start taking it only after consulting a gynecologist.

Before childbirth

Gynecologists recommend taking it internally and externally. In the first case, the beneficial properties of evening primrose oil in capsules smooth out the muscles and form their elasticity. From 34 weeks of pregnancy, you need to take 1 capsule, from 36 - 2 pcs., From 38 weeks to the very birth - 3 pcs. daily.

When massaging the perineum with primrose oil extract, the skin acquires elasticity, firmness, becomes prepared for high labor loads.

With menopause

The use of evening primrose oil extract significantly alleviates the symptoms that occur in women during menopause: hot flashes, mood swings and irritability, problems associated with bloating, fatigue. To do this, it is enough to take one capsule of the drug with each meal (no more than 6 times a day).

With menopause, you need to undergo treatment in courses, each of which is from 20 to 30 days. It is advisable to take 2-3 courses per year.

With endometriosis

In the fight against endometriosis, it is necessary to take a monthly course of medication based on evening primrose. In specific cases, it can be extended as prescribed by a doctor. Also, the oil intake scheme is developed individually. Usually 2-3 capsules are prescribed daily with meals.

With myoma

Products based on evening primrose oil effectively stop the growth of fibroids, and due to their beneficial properties, they can prevent its formation. The daily dosage of the oil is 500 mg. The exact dosage regimen should be discussed with the attending gynecologist.

With an ovarian cyst

The primrose oil extract can be included in the general vitamin complex prescribed by the gynecologist for the treatment of cysts. Its benefits are due to the presence of gamma-linoleic acid, which restores hormones, Omega-3 and vitamin E, which have an anti-inflammatory effect.

The maximum daily dose of oil extract is 600 mg. The duration of one course of treatment does not exceed 30 days.

From neuropathy in diabetes mellitus

The benefits and harms of evening primrose oil in the treatment of neuropathy in diabetics have not yet been fully understood, despite the fact that it can relieve many of the symptoms of the disease (weakness, tingling and numbness of the limbs, etc.). The result is achieved only after a long course. Its duration can be up to a year. The first effect is noticeable after six months of constant treatment. The maximum daily dosage of the drug for diabetes is 480 mg, it is taken with meals.

The oil is especially harmful to people taking blood thinners, hematomas and bleeding may occur.

With sclerosis and memory impairment

Evening primrose oil shows its beneficial properties in the treatment of disorders of the brain: it helps to improve memory, coordination of movements, and supports intelligence. Therefore, evening primrose is effectively used in the treatment of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and sclerosis.

When primrose oil is consumed, essential medicines continue to be taken as directed by a physician. The course of treatment is 1 month. During the year, the patient must undergo several such courses, their exact number and dosage are prescribed by the doctor on an individual basis.

The use of evening primrose oil in cosmetology

In cosmetology, primrose oil has found its widespread use. It is applied topically mixed with other oils.Primrose is especially effective and beneficial as a component of cosmetics for skin and hair care.

For facial skin

The beneficial properties of evening primrose oil in facial skin care are due to the content of linoleic acid. This component restores and softens dry skin, smoothes wrinkles, nourishes and moisturizes the skin. Below are a few recipes for facial skin care masks.

Recipe 1. The benefits of primrose in the care of dry skin

It is necessary to mix oils:

• evening primrose - 1 tsp;
• shi - 1 tsp;
• jojoba - 2 tsp;
• avocado - 1 tsp

Add 2 drops of geranium, lavender and chamomile oils to the composition. The beneficial mixture is applied daily as a day and night cream. In a short time, the appearance of the skin will improve.

Recipe 2. Useful properties of evening primrose in the fight against pigmentation and freckles

To prepare the composition, you will need to mix the following oils:

• primroses - 2 tsp;
• cocoa - 1 tsp;
• safflower - 5 drops;
• lemon - 2 drops;
• rosewood - 2 drops;
• petitgrain - 2 drops.

The mixture is applied only to areas of pigmentation.

For hair

Evening primrose oil is especially beneficial for hair due to the tocopherone it contains. A substance that strengthens and nourishes the hair follicles, therefore it is often used in the fight against hair loss. Also, masks and applications based on it will help improve the appearance of the hair. Below are recipes for masks in which the beneficial properties of evening primrose are most effectively manifested.

Recipe 1. Benefits of evening primrose from hair loss

To combat this problem, you must:

• prepare a mask - mix and heat primrose oil (5 ml), macadamia (15 ml), rosemary (3 drops), ylang-ylang (5 drops);
• massage the beneficial composition into the scalp with circular movements and leave for half an hour;
• wash off the mask with shampoo.

Recipe 2. Useful properties of evening primrose in the fight against dandruff

In this case, the mask is prepared and used according to the following scheme:

• mix evening primrose and jojoba oils (7 ml each), add 5 drops of tea tree oil;
• the composition is applied with massaging movements for 5 minutes;
• the procedure is carried out in the evening, the mask is left overnight, in the morning it is washed off with shampoo.

What preparations contain primrose oil

In pharmacies, you can buy drugs, one of the active ingredients of which is primrose oil. For the treatment of female diseases, gynecologists often prescribe various dietary supplements, for example, "Ginokomfort" or "Femikaps". In case of problems with the cardiovascular system, it is recommended to take "Solgar". In addition to the above on the pharmacy shelves, there are many other drugs, additives and cosmetics based on the oil extract of evening primrose.

Harm of evening primrose oil and contraindications

The agent can cause harm only with individual intolerance. There are special groups of people for whom the use of oil is undesirable, such as patients with schizophrenia, epilepsy, and systemic blood diseases.

Patients with psoriasis should be treated with extreme caution when using this product. Use it only after consulting your doctor. If the dosage is not observed, an allergic reaction may occur.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of evening primrose oil in various fields of medicine and cosmetology have long been proven. Its use in the treatment of a specific disease should definitely be discussed with your doctor. This is the only way to get the maximum benefit for the body without harming it.

Reviews of gynecologists