Evening primrose oil benefits

Evening primrose oil benefits are purportedly amazing. This special oil is taken from the evening primrose plant which grows in Asia, Europe, and N. America. It is a plant whose seeds hold concentrated fatty oil that has been purported by herbalists and others to have tremendous healing and nutritional capabilities. Its flower opens at dusk, hence its name.

In days gone by, it was used by early American settlers for treatment from everything from hemorrhoids, sore throats, and bruises. It's literally been used for hundreds of years as a therapeutic agent and as an herbal medicine.

Evening Primrose Oil Benefits

Evening primrose oil has been found to be helpful with a number of ailments. Its seeds are rich in an essential fatty acid (EFA) called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid and once digested, it exerts potent anti-inflammatory as well as other healing actions. The body is able to do this as the GLA is converted into substances called prostaglandins -- those substances are where the anti-inflammatory properties are located. It is these dense stores of GLA that make evening primrose oil so valuable.

These hormonelike compounds help regulate body functions as well as controlling inflammation. Cell membranes as well rely on GLA. The core evening primrose oil benefits are:

1. Relieves discomforts of PMS, endometriosis, fibrocystic breasts, and menstruation. It is a potent herbal remedy for women as those found with PMS have also been found to have low levels of GLA in their system.
2. It may help to curb carbohydrate cravings
3. Eases joint pain and swelling for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.
4. Prevents and can even cure nerve damage associated with diabetes
5. Helps skin conditions such as acne, rosacea; improves hair luster
6. Helps alleviate inflammation associated with lupus.
7. Assists in minimizing Alzheimer's memory loss.
8. Helps hold off the effects of aging --- something which everyone is interested in.
9. Promotes blood flow, thus treating and helping penile blood flow. Also, improves uterine functionality; its dense GLA richness may also help eliminate female infertility.

Precautions & Guidelines

While there is no data available as to the safety of long-term use of evening primrose oil, there have literally almost no reports of allergic or negative reactions to it -- even though it's been a well-used supplement for over 30 years. It appears to be a very safe supplement. Nevertheless, of those participating in various studies for evening primrose oil, approximately 2% experienced stomach discomfort and bloating.

If you're pregnant or nursing, you should refrain from taking it unless your doctor sanctions its use. Experts suggest using it three times a day (with meals) at approximately 1,000 mg dosage limits -- maximum dosages should be no more than 1,300 mg. three times a day. You can find it in oil, capsule and softgel form.

When you take it, take it with food as this ensures good absorption of the GLA and minimizes the possible side effect of stomach upset.

The Perfect Supplement?

There is no one perfect food or herb (except for perhaps bee pollen or goji berries). Even though the uses for evening primrose are substantial, we need something more. (If you're interested in what vitamin supplement I take, click on the preceding link.)

I've been studying herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, health & fitness, and alternative health supplements for literally almost 25 years. After years of experimentation and research, I'm happy to pass on to you what I've learned.

Yours in health, hope, and harmony,
Nutritional-Supplement-Bible.com