What is Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)?

Evening Primrose oil is a dietary supplement extracted from seeds of the Evening Primrose Plant (Oenothera Biennis). Evening Primrose seeds have very high levels of the essential fatty acid “gamma-linolenic acid” (GLA) also known as “omega 6”. The oil contains up to 15% GLA and 70% linolenic acid, which the body turns GLA. The body eventually convert GLA into prostaglandins, hormones necessary for a number of important functions; controlling inflammation in some cases and promoting in others.
The remarkably rich stores of GLA in EPO are what make it so valuable in healing.
It is commonly used to nourish nails,skin, scalp and hairs and keep them generally healthy. It may take 4-6 months to see effects for skin, hair and nail problems.
EPO is crucial for maintaining a joint’s cell structure and function. Ease joint pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis. Taking EPO with fish oil and calcium seems to decrease bone loss and increase bone density in elderly people with osteoporosis.
It may help to relieve the discomfort of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and endometrosis by interfering with the production of inflammatory prostaglandins released during menstruation, lessen menstrual cramps, minimize breast tenderness and carbohydrate cravings. It is sometimes used to alleviate mastalgia (breast pain). It may also help those who are unable to conceive by improving uterine function.
EPO is primarily used to treat symptoms of skin conditions. To alleviate itchiness caused by dermatitis. To reduce the symptoms of eczema, in some cases, eczema develops when the body has problems converting dietary fats into GLA. Getting supplemental GLA from EPO may therefore be helpful. It also help to treat acne and rosacea by reducing inflammation, controlling cells use of nutrients and by producing prostaglandins which stimulate the contraction of blood vessels.
It helps to combat damage from multiple sclerosis by minimizing the inflammation associated with the progressive nerve disorder and also prevent diabetes-associated nerve damage.
It lessen numbness and tingling by helping to keep the myelin sheaths that cover nerve fibers healthy and communication between the brain and nerve cells functioning smoothly. It treat Alzheimer’s-related memory deficiencies by boosting the transmission of nerve impulses, it may also be valuable in treating this progressive brain disorder.
It can help prevent blood vessel narrowing, often as a consequence of plaque build up from high cholesterol. It lowers blood pressure in people taking medication for high blood pressure.
EPO helps counter impotence and female infertility by promoting blood flow. The oil is often taken with vitamin C and ginkgo Biloba for this purpose.
It protect against the effects of aging, as the body ages, it loses its ability to convert dietary fat into GLA. Taking EPO  can help to compensate for any deficiencies in GLA.
It prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. GLA prompts the brain to produce a specific type of prostaglandins called prostaglandins E which work to prevent withdrawal symptoms such as depression and seizures by indirectly protecting the liver and the nervous system.
According to arthritis research UK, people who suffer from epilepsy should not take Evening Primrose Oil as it may increase their risk of seizures.
EPO should be avoided while taking anticoagulant(blood thinner) such as warfarin, aspirin and clopidogrel because it may increase risk of bleeding in patient and also interact adversely with a number of antidepressants. A small amount of vitamin E added to EPO reportedly slows the rapid breakdown of important fatty acids, opt for vitamin E-enhanced products when possible.
Evening Primrose Oil is available in form of liquids, oil and soft gel capsules.
Dosage for capsules is 1000mg to be taken twice daily (generally considered safe)
Child dose is half adult dose.
EPO is likely safe when taken with food in suggested doses as it will not only help ensure good absorption of GLA but possibly minimize any unpleasant side effects. Common side effects include bloating, abdominal upset, nausea and soft stool.
Evening Primrose Oil is available in the nearest pharmacy store close to you. Go get yours and start the use.