Evening primrose oil (EPO) is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose wildflower. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that for centuries the evening primrose flower has been used as medicine and food, by everyone from the early European settlers to Native Americans. Today, most people don't grind the root or boil the leaves to reap the benefits of evening primrose oil. Instead, it is widely available as a supplement.
Eczema
The Mayo Clinic reports that several studies show promise for evening primrose oil in the treatment of eczema. In these studies, evening primrose oil is taken internally, not applied topically. One of the studies that verify EPO's use for eczema is published in the December 1995 edition of "Archives of Disease in Childhood." As the EPO increased the levels of essential fatty acids in the blood, the eczema symptoms decreased.
Treatment For Breast Pain and Menopausal Symptoms
Evening primrose oil is officially licensed to treat breast pain in European countries. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several studies show that EPO is effective for treating breast pain, while other studies are inconclusive. EPO is also used to treat hot flashes. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, however, reports that studies supporting this benefit are contradictory.
Arthritis Treatment
The January 2000 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," reports a study in which EPO was tested in treating arthritis. EPO was found to be effective in reducing inflammation, which significantly affects arthritis symptoms. However, the Mayo Clinic states that further research should be done before recommending evening primrose oil as a treatment for arthritis.
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