Acne affects more Americans than any other skin condition, according to the Acne Resource Center Online. You can find a multitude of treatment methods on the market, including natural treatments such as evening primrose. To ensure your safety, consult your doctor prior to starting any herbal or alternative remedy.
Description
Evening primrose is a wildflower that grows all over the United States. Its yellow flowers bloom after sunset between the months of June and September. During its second year of growth, overcast days can also cause the flowers to bloom. The seeds of this wildflower produce the oil used to treat a variety of conditions, including allergies, pre-menstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms and skin conditions such as eczema or acne, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This oil contains the health-promoting, essential fatty acid known as gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. You can find evening primrose in an oil applied to the skin or in a capsule that you ingest, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Effectiveness on Acne
People suffering from PMS, diabetes and skin conditions like eczema and acne may not produce enough GLA because of a metabolic block, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Some patients have reported a reduction in acne when they supplement their diet with evening primrose to replace the GLA they lack. However, MedlinePlus states that research has failed to show conclusive results as to the effectiveness of evening primrose in treating acne.
Dosage
Adults should take no more than 4 g of evening primrose oil that contains between 300 mg and 360 mg of GLA a day, according to George Nemecz, Ph.D., an assistant professor of biochemistry at the Campbell University School of Pharmacy. However, some doctors may recommend a slightly higher dose for certain types of acne and other skin conditions. The recommended daily dose for children ranges from 2 g to 4 g of evening primrose oil each day. Consult your health care adviser to determine the best dose for your acne. Patients often take a capsule form of evening primrose, but you can also take the oil form of primrose using a dropper.
Side Effects
When recommended doses are taken, evening primrose oil does not usually cause any serious side effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The mild and rare side effects of evening primrose include stomach pain, headache and nausea. A high dosage may cause increased stomach pain and loose stools. People with seizure disorders, blood-clotting problems or undergoing surgery should avoid using evening primrose oil.
Drug Interactions
Evening primrose may interact with other medications. Because evening primrose may slow the blood's ability to clot, do not take it while also taking anticoagulants, anti-platelet drugs or NSAIDs, including Plavix, Voltaren, ibuprofen, naproxen, Fragmin, warfarin, Lovenox and heparin, says MedlinePlus. Use caution when taking evening primrose if you will have anesthesia for surgery or take phenthiazines such as Thorazine, Stelazin and Mellaril.
Member Comments