The evening primrose plant is native to North America, though it also grows in Europe and areas of the Southern hemisphere. The yellow flowers bloom in the evening, and the oils from evening primrose contain the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Evening primrose oil may benefit a number of women's health complaints, including menopausal symptoms, although there is insufficient evidence to support these claims. Always consult with your doctor prior to using any kind of supplement or herb for health reasons.
Hot Flashes
The gamma-linolenic acid in evening primrose oil may help improve hot flashes. According to Power Surge, a website devoted to issues surrounding menopause, GLA can influence prostaglandin production to reduce the severity of menopausal hot flashes. The site recommends taking 2 to 4 capsules of evening primrose oil daily. Consult with your health care provider prior to taking evening primrose oil for hot flashes.
General Discomforts
According to Botanical.com, evening primrose oil can reduce bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, weight gain, back pain and dry skin, as well as some of the psychological symptoms of menopause such as depression, irritability and anxiety.
Breast Cancer
According to Health Guidance, the GLA found in evening primrose oil may inhibit the cancer gene that is responsible for up to 30 percent of all breast cancers. Evening primrose oil may also increase the effectiveness of the breast cancer treatment drug Herceptin by almost 40-fold. Furthermore, GLA may also affect cancer cells while protecting normal body cells. Consult with your health care provider prior to taking evening primrose oil to treat or prevent breast cancer.
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