Wild Evening Primrose

Wild evening primrose is widely used as a nutritional supplement with several potential health benefits. The plant has long been used a folklore cure, which modern medicine shows has some medicinal applications. Evening primrose gets its name from the fact that its flowers open during the evening hours. As a supplement, it is available in a capsule or oil form.

Background

Wild evening primrose is a native North American plant found throughout the United States. This yellow flower is generally considered a roadside plant. Like many wildflowers, it has a rich history in folklore. According to the Peterson field guide "Medicinal Plants," it was used to treat bruises and sore muscles.

Properties

The health benefits of evening primrose can be traced to a chemical that the plant contain--Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is an essential fatty acid that serves several important roles including metabolism and proper brain function. Your body cannot synthesize GLA. Rather, your diet or supplements have to fulfill your body's needs. Your body uses GLA to make prostaglandins. These hormone-like chemicals give evening primrose its anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits

As a woman, you may consider evening primrose to relieve the symptoms associated with PMS and endometriosis. Some evidence has also shown it as a possible treatment for several skin conditions such as eczema, acne and rosacea, according to Whole Health MD. Some evidence regarding its use to treat hot flashes and other ailments is perhaps more anecdotal in nature. Consult your doctor for information regarding its use for these conditions.

Side Effects

You should always investigate the side effects of any nutritional supplement you take, with wild evening primrose being no exception. There are no known drug interactions, according to Drugs.com. Minor side effects, however, have been reported. These effects include nausea and headache. Severe allergic reactions may cause hives and facial swelling.

Guidelines

As with many supplements, it may take a few months before you begin to realize health benefits of evening primrose. You can take it as a supplement of 1,000 mg three times a day. In order to minimize the possibility of digestive upset, take evening primrose with food. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should avoid taking evening primrose if you have a seizure disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications. The center also advises that pregnant women refrain from taking this supplement because of the possibility of evening primrose and other sources of GLA inducing early labor.