Primrose is a herbaceous perennial plant that is low growing and produces yellow, white, red or purple flowers in the early spring. The plant is edible and can be used in salads or made into tea or wine. Due to over-collecting, some countries have made it illegal to pick the flowers. Both the leaves and roots of the primrose plant are used to create a fragrant oil. Primrose has been considered an excellent remedy for nervous disorders as well as muscular rheumatism, gout and even paralysis. Because the plant functions as a sedative, a tincture of primrose can be used for restlessness and insomnia. One very well known type of this genus is evening primrose, a tall plant that grows in North America. Evening primrose is an edible and highly medicinal plant often used in alternative medicine, and was used by Native Americans and early American settlers. Both the leaves and the roots of the plant can be cooked and eaten and have been considered effective in treating eczema and conditions involving inflammation. Evening primrose is best known for treating women's health issues, such as breast pain, menstruation, post menstrual stress and menopausal symptoms. Evening primrose oil contains gamma linolenic acid or GLA, an essential fatty acid that is high in omega-6, an element believed to have a positive effect on the hardening of arteries, heart disease, cirrhosis, high blood pressure, hormones and skin conditions.
What to Look for
Evening primrose is the most available form of primrose, with an increasing popularity due to its potent medicinal qualities. When shopping for evening primrose, look for the oil extracted from the seeds. The formula can come in capsule form or liquid form, with an average healthy dose ranging from 500 to 2,400 mg. Because evening primrose contains the essential fatty acids required by the body, a balanced formula is ideal if you are not getting your daily levels from adequate food intake.
Primula Vera is another primrose flower that can be eaten, but it is more common to find in England and can be quite hard to get in the U.S.
Common Pitfalls
Do not mistake primrose for evening primrose. They are two distinct plants and it is only the latter is believed to be effective for inflammatory and hormonal treatments, while the former is effective for nervous conditions, rheumatism and gout. Most people can tolerate evening primrose or plain primrose well, but some have particular sensitivities to the plant. Some allergic symptoms include gastrointestinal upset or headaches. Make sure you consult your health care provider before you begin taking any type of primrose to make sure that there are no counter indications. Taking evening primrose instead of looking for foods that contain essential fatty acids is not an alternative for proper nutrition. It is important to eat a balanced diet in addition to your intake of the supplement.
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