The Tiny Seed Has Many Benefits

Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) is captured from small seeds of the vibrant yellow flowers native to North America which only bloom at night. The musty-smelling oil has a fine texture, which is very vulnerable to heat. Much of the oil production is done by solvent extraction, often with hexane. The resulting oil is golden yellow and mostly identical in chemical composition to that found within the seed.

The oil is usually available in capsule form; however, it is also available in bottles. Capsules may be the best source as the tiny seeds produce minute amounts of the oil, making it expensive, and the oil is highly vulnerable to oxidation.

Evening primrose oil contains vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, especially gamma linolenic acid (GLA). The body uses GLA to manufacture hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which are involved in the healthy functioning of body tissue in various areas including combatting pain and inflammation, regulating menstruation (See HC 011112-423 which covers a clinical trial on cyclical mastalgia), and controlling cholesterol levels. The oil is mainly used as a nutritional supplement for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, arthritis, PMS, menopause, diabetes, and benign breast disease.

Applied externally, the oil makes a superb moisturizer and is often used in beauty care products. Evening primrose oil can also be rubbed into the skin of babies and children and is said to have a relaxing effect.

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