Evening primrose is a wildflower commonly found in the United States. Historically the plant served as a part of the human diet, and an oil derived from the flower is used medicinally. Not all medicinal uses of evening primrose oil have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Before using the herbal supplement to improve your health, speak with a doctor.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose is a biennial herb that produces yellow flowers and small, brown seeds. The fast-growing plant can reach a height of 5 feet. Evening primrose grows wild in most areas of the United States except for the Southwest and western mountain ranges.
Medicinal Uses
Evening primrose oil, derived mainly from the seeds of the plant, has many medicinal uses, including treating eczema, arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, menopause symptoms, allergies, asthma, high cholesterol, cancer and diabetes. However, studies investigating its use have been limited and do not conclusively demonstrate its efficacy for many of these uses. It does appear to be somewhat beneficial in treating eczema, breast pain and arthritis, reports the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Dosage
When used as a herbal supplement, evening primrose oil can be consumed directly or in capsules containing the oil. Suggested adult dosage is 2 to 8 g daily, notes the University of Maryland medical Center. For severe conditions, higher dosages are allowable, in consultation with a medical practitioner. Children's dosage is between 2 and 4 g, but always speak with a medical professional before giving the supplement to a child.
Side Effects
Most people can safely tolerate evening primrose oil without any side effects. Possible side effects include nausea, stomach pain and headaches, but these are generally mild, suggests NCCAM. If you experience stomach pain and loose stools or diarrhea, this could indicate you are taking too much of the supplement and need to lower your dosage.
Warnings
Women who are pregnant should not use evening primrose oil because on an increased risk of complications, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It should not be used by people with bleeding disorders because of the risk of severe bleeding.
Drug Interactions
Evening primrose oil may affect how certain medications work in the body. For example, it should not be taken with blood-thinning drugs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can thin the blood, according to Drugs.com. People with schizophrenia who take phenothizine medications also should not use the supplement because it may cause seizures, according to the UMMC.
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