Acid reflux --- or gastroesophageal reflux, as it's sometimes called --- is basically the back flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. It's often the result of problems with the lower esophageal sphincter, which sits at the base of your esophagus. Sometimes, the LES improperly closes or opens without cause, allowing acids to escape the stomach and irritate the esophageal walls. This leads to heartburn and a sour taste at the back of your mouth, among other symptoms. To prevent the back flow of stomach acid, most people turn to over-the-counter medications, while others use alternative remedies. Evening primrose doesn't appear to be one of them. Talk to your doctor before taking this or any other extract or supplement to improve acid reflux.
Evening Primrose
No evidence exists that suggests evening primrose has any effect on acid reflux. Neither the University of Maryland Medical Center nor the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center lists evening primrose as a purported treatment for this condition. Any beneficial results in the treatment of acid reflux are anecdotal at best.
Effects
For evening primrose to improve acid reflux, it must reduce, neutralize or inhibit stomach acids. Research doesn't indicate that this oil provides any of these effects. This isn't to say evening primrose doesn't hold any benefit to your health. In fact, it's a good source of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid, which are both considered essential fatty acids. These acids don't, however, do anything to treat or improve symptoms associated with acid reflux.
Warning
Like any other extract, evening primrose isn't without potential side effects. Though rare, you may experience nausea, abdominal pain and headache from its use. It may also adversely interact with prescription medications, such as phenothiazines, antiplatelets and anticoagulants. Evening primrose may increase the blood-thinning effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, as well. Talk to your doctor before using evening primrose to treat acid reflux --- or any other condition, for that matter.
Recommendations
Instead of self-prescribing evening primrose to treat acid reflux, consult a doctor. Medical professionals can often suggest the best form of treatment for you. Antacids can help neutralize stomach acids, while proton pump inhibitors can block acid production, thereby reducing the likelihood of acid reflux. You may also find some benefit in H-2-receptor blockers, which reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. Besides medications, you may also see an improvement by losing a few extra pounds, eating smaller meals and avoiding foods that trigger the back flow of stomach acids.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- Mayo Clinic; Heartburn; May 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Evening Primrose Oil; October 2008
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Evening Primrose Oil; July 2010
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