Primrose oil has long been used as food and medicine, usually for upset stomach and respiratory infections, but its effectiveness remains uncertain. In fact, prescription forms of primrose oil in the United Kingdom have recently been removed from the market because of questionable efficacy. Primrose oil is currently being studied for fibrocystic breast disease, or breast lumps, but there is insufficient information to recommend it for this use. Consult with your doctor before using primrose oil medicinally.
Treatment
Breast lumps may be a sign of fibrocystic breast disease, which is a condition that is not life-threatening but can be bothersome for many women. Symptoms, including tender and painful breasts, can vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. If you have breast lumps, you should see your doctor to be properly diagnosed and to rule out the possibility of cancer. Self-care steps that may relieve symptoms include a low-fat diet and supplements, including primrose oil.
Preparations and Dosing
Primrose oil is available as oil or in capsules. You should keep primrose oil products in the refrigerator and out of direct sunlight to prevent the oil from becoming rancid. Also, buy primrose oil supplements packaged in light-resistant containers, refrigerated and marked with a freshness date. Supplements should be standardized to contain 8 percent gamma-linolenic acid, the active component of primrose oil. The usual dose for fibrocystic breast disease is 3 grams per day for at least six months.
Effectiveness
If you have breast lumps, primrose may help to alleviate some symptoms. Preliminary human studies in women with fibrocystic breast disease showed that primrose oil decreased symptoms, but only slightly. Although some research studies showed no benefit, most research reports show that supplementation with primrose oil produces at least some reduction in symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease.
Considerations
Primrose oil is generally safe but may rarely cause some mild side effects, including headache, nausea and indigestion. If you have stomach pain or soft stools, this may be a sign that the dose is too high. You should not take primrose oil if you have a seizure disorder because primrose oil may provoke seizures. Also, avoid primrose oil if you have a blood disorder.
