Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, and typically contains about 25% essential fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid. The oil also contains another type of fatty acid called linolenic acid (LA). The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 2 to 8 grams of evening primrose oil per day from an extract standardized to contain 8% GLA, but, as with any complementary therapy, check with your doctor before adding evening primrose oil to your health-care regimen.
Skin Irritation
People who have eczema may experience reductions in itching, scaly skin, and redness by taking evening primrose oil, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Evening primrose oil may also help soothe and heal skin irritation caused by allergies and hives, and reduce symptoms of skin discomfort including crusting, fluid retention, swelling, and redness.
Breast Issues
Evening primrose oil is used to treat breast pain in Europe, but Medline Plus, an online health information resource maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, reports that, as of 2010, more research was needed before it can recommend evening primrose oil as a treatment for women with breast-health issues. There was, however, some evidence that evening primrose oil can help breast pain, breast cysts, and even breast cancer.
PMS and Menopause
There's some evidence that evening primrose oil may be beneficial for premenstrual and menopausal symptoms, according to the UMMC. Though as of 2010 more research was needed, evening primrose oil appears to provide relief for bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness in premenstrual women, and may relieve hot flashes in menopausal women.
Arthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation's Arthritis Today supplement guide, the GLA in evening primrose oil may reduce inflammation, joint pain, stiffness, and swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis, though more research was needed in this area as of 2010. GLA may also help relieve the symptoms of arthritis-related conditions, including Sjögren's syndrome and Raynaud's phenomenon.
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