Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose is being now grown for the oil contained in its seeds, which are rich in the essential gamma-linoleinc acid (GLA), a very valuable fatty acid that is not synthesized by the body but performs numerous vital bodily functions such as neurotransmitter synthesis, maintaining healthy skin, and is found in few other plants.

It is thought to be helpful for the cardio vascular system, and has been used as a treatment for menopause symptoms and a variety of other conditions such as eczema, cirrhosis, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure.

Studies have suggested that evening primrose oil helps relieve pain and inflammation, such as occurs in rheumatoid arthritis, and has a positive effect on the uterine muscles, nervous system and metabolism.

The fatty acid GLA is used to help prevent hardening of the arteries and heart disease, It is also thought to have a positive effect on sex hormone response including the hormones estrogen and testosterone.

It is sometimes used during pregnancy try to shorten the duration of labor. It has also been used in the treatment of cancer and diabetes.

The leaves and bark are astringent and sedative. They are used to treat gastro-intestinal disorders, whooping cough and asthma. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of obesity.