If you are considering using turmeric or primrose oil, you should determine whether scientific research supports the use of the spice or the oil for your purposes. People have claimed that both evening primrose oil and turmeric can ease symptoms of a long list of medical conditions, but only a few of these claims show scientific promise. Do not take turmeric or primrose oil for any medical condition without consulting your doctor.
Primrose Oil Claims
Evening primrose oil is extracted from the evening primrose plant. People have experimented with taking evening primrose oil to ease symptoms of a range of medical conditions, including skin disorders, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, alcoholism, rheumatoid arthritis, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, high cholesterol, heart disease and cancer. Women have tried evening primrose oil for shortening labor, treating premenstrual syndrome and easing symptoms of menopause.
Primrose Oil Facts
Evening primrose oil is high in gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. According to the National Institutes of Health, the only treatments for which evening primrose oil might be effective are short-term breast pain and osteoporosis, the latter only when taken in combination with fish oils and calcium. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds to this list eczema and dermatitis, noting that more than 30 studies show its effectiveness in relieving these conditions. Do not take evening primrose oil if you are pregnant.
About Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that has been used as a food colorant and flavoring and an herbal remedy in China, India and Indonesia for centuries. The rhizome of the plant contains curcumin, its active ingredient. According to the American Cancer Society, curcumin might have potential as an anticancer agent, but more clinical research is needed to determine whether and how it might work. Turmeric is also under investigation as a possible treatment for arthritis, ulcers, Alzheimer's disease and high cholesterol and as an aid in the success of kidney transplants. However, as of September 2011, research on turmeric does not endorse any particular medical application. Eating turmeric is probably safe for most people, but taking high doses in capsule or another form may cause stomach upset or ulcers, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Suggestions
You can find turmeric in its powdered form in the spice section of a grocery. To cook with it, add a teaspoon or more to vegetable curries, beans and tofu dishes; it imparts food with a bright gold color. You can also make turmeric into a tea or take it in tincture, capsule or tablet form. Some people make a turmeric paste to spread on the skin.
Evening primrose is available in oil or capsule form and is a common ingredient in medicinal tea blends marketed to women. Keep evening primrose oil refrigerated. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that evening primrose oil should be high-quality, organic, packed in light-resistant bottles and dated to ensure freshness and should contain 8% gamma-linolenic acid.
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