This week I will introduce you to primrose oil and its benefits on women’s health. In today’s article, I will present you evening primrose oil benefits for hormonal balance and how it can help women ease PMS pain, hormonal imbalance and menopause symptoms. It has also many benefits for the skin. You can read this article about it.
Evening primrose is a plant that originates from North and South America. It also grows in some areas in Europe and Asia. It has yellow flowers that open at sunset and close during the day. The oil from primrose seeds is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, including GLA (gamma-linolenic acid).
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is used to treat various conditions such as:
- digestive problems
- sore throats
- bruises
- acne
- improve overall skin health
- minimise breast pain
- reduce hot flashes
- ease bone pain
- reduce nerve pain
- improve heart health
Evening primrose oil benefits for hormonal balance
1. Pre-Menstrual Syndrome and Menopause:
Evening primrose oil supports hormonal balance and research suggests it helps reduce bloating, PMS, water retention, breast tenderness and irritability caused by women’s cycle.
Research believes that women who suffer from PMS might be sensitive to normal prolactin levels in the body. GLA converts to a substance in the body thought to help prevent prolactin from triggering PMS. GLA found in EPO produces prostaglandis, a hormone that generates an inflammatory response and also regulates blood flow.
A recent study found that supplements containing vitamin B-6, vitamin E and EPO was effective in relieving PMS.
2. Hot flashes:
One of the most uncomfortable symptoms of menopause is probably…hot flashes.
Studies found that women who took 500 mg daily of EPO for six weeks had a better experience of menopause than the rest. They experienced less frequent hot flashes, a better sexuality and an improved social life. This might be due to the GLA found in EPO.
3. Hormonal imbalance:
EPO helps maintain a healthy reproductive system by reducing menstrual cramps, bloating, water retention, breast tenderness and irritability during the menstrual cycle.
Despite the limited research existing, some studies have found that EPO might help control the symptoms of low estrogen and taking EPO supplements might boost estrogen’s levels.
How to take Evening Primrose Oil:
You can take capsules or apply it topically. Capsules are easier to administer and you can find various brands which produce evening primrose oil. If you are looking or a brand in EU, I highly recommend this website. If you are from UK, or you are looking for a British brand, check this website. I personally tested both brands and they are highly efficient in reducing PMS pain and improving skin’s appearance.