Rare and expensive, evening primrose oil is beneficial for health and beauty. Find out how to use it.
Evening primrose, also called evening primrose (from the Latin oenothera biennis), evening primrose or biennial primrose, is a plant known for its various beneficial properties. It opens its flowers only in the evening, and its flowering period is not long.
Different parts of evening primrose are used for different purposes - flowers, leaves, and roots. But the seeds of the plant are especially useful. It is from them that precious oil is obtained by direct cold pressing. Primrose seeds are difficult to obtain and, as a result, the oil is both valuable and not very accessible.
Evening primrose: composition
Interest in evening primrose has increased significantly after studying its chemical composition. It turned out that all parts of the plant are incredibly rich in active substances, among which the following are of particular importance:
- vitamin C and vitamin E;
- flavonoids - quercetin, kaempferol and their glycosides;
- tannins;
- macro- and microelements - potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, selenium;
- amino acids;
- essential fatty acids - linoleic and linolenic;
- polysaccharides.
Each of the listed components is important for the body in its own way, and some of them are completely irreplaceable.
Evening primrose: properties
Thanks to its incredibly rich chemical composition, evening primrose has a complex effect on the body, namely the following properties:
- improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, reduces the risk of blood clots and atherosclerotic plaques;
- normalizes blood pressure;
- reduces cholesterol and blood sugar levels;
- strengthens the immune system;
- positively affects the strength of blood vessels, bones and cell membranes;
- due to the high content of aliphatic acids, it reduces the amount of lipids in the blood;
- participates in fat metabolism, controlling the processes of fat breakdown and formation of fat cells, promotes weight loss;
- helps reduce the manifestations of PMS and menopause, especially in combination with vitamin B6;
- has a beneficial effect on the condition of the genitourinary system;
- eliminates hangover and inhibits liver destruction due to alcohol abuse.
Evening primrose: application
The scope of application of evening primrose is quite wide. Evening primrose long been used as an ornamental, melliferous and fodder plant. Its fleshy root was eaten, and valuable oil was obtained from the seeds. But, perhaps, primrose received the greatest recognition in the field of traditional medicine. Moreover, all parts of the plant were used. For example, an infusion of flowers was used to disinfect wounds, a decoction of the roots was used to treat coughs and tuberculosis, and an infusion of leaves was used to eliminate diarrhea. evening primrose preparations in the complex treatment and prevention of the following diseases:
- varicose veins,
- atherosclerosis,
- allergy,
- arthritis,
- diabetes,
- hypertension,
- stroke,
- heart attack,
- thrombophlebitis,
- kidney diseases,
- hormonal disorders,
- sexual dysfunction,
- cycle disorders in women,
- neurological diseases, including depression,
- excess weight.
Evening primrose: in cosmetology
Due to the high content of essential fatty acids and other active components, it is difficult to overestimate the benefits of evening primrose in the field of cosmetology. It is no secret that in order to get rid of most cosmetic problems, it is very important to determine their root cause, which is often a lack of nutrients. primrose oil orally is ideal . As for external use, primrose will show its best performance here too. It is not for nothing that the oil and extract of this plant are used to enrich creams, masks and tonics. Especially often evening primrose , along with well-known caring natural ingredients such as cocoa butter and Shea butter, is included in anti-aging cosmetics. Evening primrose useful for caring for brittle and peeling nails, as well as for softening the cuticle.
Indications for use
Evening primrose, properties for women, and occasionally men, which brings more benefits than potential harm, is a good additional medicine for various problems.
For example:
- stomach upsets;
- headache, migraines (however, you should first find out the cause of the problem, primrose can provoke a worsening of the problem when the pain is associated with pressure);
- problematic menopause (before taking it, you should check your health for hidden diseases that are contraindications);
- endometriosis (only after consultation with a gynecologist);
- neurosis (after consultation with the attending physician, possibly in combination with other medications);
- high blood pressure;
- irregular, painful, excessively heavy menstruation (you must first check blood clotting, primrose can provoke bleeding);
- rapid, severe fatigue (however, before taking it, anemia, vitamin deficiency, depression should be excluded; these diseases are treated with other methods);
- asthma (as an additional therapy, agreed with the attending physician);
- atherosclerosis (prevention, additional therapy);
- stretch marks (external use in cosmetics);
- furunculosis (applied to cleansed damaged skin);
- atopic dermatitis (external use);
- acne (in cosmetics, mixtures of oils);
- arthritis of rheumatoid type (as an addition to the main treatment);
- varicose veins (internal, external use, more for prevention);
- kidney stones (prevention);
- hemorrhoids (as an additional remedy);
- kidney inflammation (in combination with basic therapy, prevention);
- infectious diseases;
- thrombosis;
- angina;
- increased body temperature (fever);
- viral, bacterial diseases.
In addition, thanks to its composition, primrose is able to enrich the body with essential microelements.
Evening primrose: for skin
It is worth mentioning separately that the exceptional composition of evening primrose is simply ideal for the skin. It not only helps to increase the elasticity and firmness of the skin, but also has a proven therapeutic effect. The oil of this plant is effective for many skin diseases accompanied by dryness, redness and itching. These primarily include:
- eczema,
- psoriasis,
- neurodermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis.
Evening primrose oil plays an important role in protecting the skin from the aggressive effects of the sun. That is why it, along with argan oil and grape seed oil, is a common component of sunscreen lotions.
Evening primrose: for hair
Evening primrose is an ideal hair product. In this regard, it will be an excellent alternative to many exotic oils, such as coconut oil. When used regularly, this natural remedy works as follows:
- relieves irritation and regenerates the scalp;
- eliminates dry skin, helps cope with dandruff;
- improves nutrition of hair follicles;
- restores damaged hair;
- prevents hair loss.
use evening primrose oil in two ways:
- add it to shampoo and hair conditioner;
- prepare masks based on it.
Here are some tried and tested homemade recipes that you can use at home:
- for hair growth and hair loss: mix 5 ml of heated evening primrose with 15 ml of warm almond oil, add a few drops of rosemary and ylang-ylang essential oils, apply to the scalp for 30 minutes.
- to get rid of dandruff and seborrhea: mix 6-7 ml of primrose oil and jojoba oil, add 5 drops of tea tree oil and thoroughly rub the mixture into the scalp, leave overnight. for hair restoration: mix 5 ml of evening primrose oil and black cumin oil, add a few drops of orange and rosewood essential oils, apply to the entire length of the hair for at least half an hour.
Treatment options
Evening primrose, the properties of which differ depending on the form of application, is prepared at home in several ways.
Herbal tea
The drink is prepared from dried leaves, inflorescences or a mixture thereof.
Preparation:
- Measure out 20 g of raw material and knead it with your hands.
- Brew the dry mass like tea with 300 ml of boiling water.
- The solution is allowed to stand for 30 minutes, then the precipitate is filtered off.
Drink twice a day in courses of 15 days for hormonal imbalance, severe menopause, and hematopoietic disorders. A one-time dose helps eliminate spasms, has an expectorant effect, and stabilizes the nervous system.
Decoction
The roots of the plant are more difficult to release useful substances, so they are subjected to longer processing.
Preparation of the decoction:
- Grind the dried raw materials, measure out 1 tbsp. l.
- Place primrose root powder in a cooking vessel and add 200 ml of cold water.
- Slowly bring to a boil, simmer on low heat for no longer than 5 minutes.
- Infuse the decoction covered for about an hour.
The strained mixture is taken in portions before each meal, drinking the entire amount per day.
Tincture
An alcoholic extract of evening primrose acts faster than aqueous extracts, but may be contraindicated due to the presence of alcohol. The drug has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant effect, and is used for severe diarrhea.
To prepare, mix dry, crushed raw materials and high-quality vodka in a ratio of 1:5, pour into a glass container and seal tightly. Leave the mixture for at least 15 days, shaking the contents periodically. Take the product 20–30 drops depending on the condition, but not more than 4 times a day.
Oil
This form of the drug is difficult to obtain at home, so pharmaceutical versions of the drug are used for treatment. It is permissible to season cold dishes with vegetable fat, making sure there is no overdose, using no more than 1 tsp. in 1 day.
The oil provides the body with essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, which has a positive effect on all functions and organs.
The extract is also used for nervous disorders, to improve brain function and stabilize the emotional background. Evening primrose oil is drunk 1 tsp. a day half an hour before meals. In the absence of contraindications, it is permissible to mix the product with honey to improve the taste.
Evening primrose: for face
The nourishing, moisturizing and softening properties of evening primrose make it effective in the field of facial care. Primrose oil copes well with skin problems such as:
- inflammation, inflammation
- redness,
- dryness and flaking,
- pigmentation,
- excessive activity of the sebaceous glands.
In addition, evening primrose has a pronounced rejuvenating effect. It helps improve the firmness and elasticity of facial skin and smoothes out fine wrinkles. The regenerative qualities of evening primrose oil allow it to be used as a restorative agent after such aggressive manipulations as mechanical facial cleansing and peeling. Moreover, in 99% of cases it does not cause negative reactions and is perfect even for caring for sensitive skin.
Possible harm
In fairness, it is worth highlighting not only the enormous benefits of such a drug, but also the possible harm from taking it. First of all, we note that this drug is very well tolerated by the body, and side effects are extremely rare.
and in cases of significant excess dosage.
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There are also very few contraindications to taking the drug. Such contraindications include:
- Individual intolerance to the drug, tendency to allergic reactions.
- Anemia.
- Epilepsy.
This concludes the list of contraindications. When taken correctly, the drug almost never causes side effects.
Dietary supplement Solgar
Evening primrose oil is very popular on women's forums.
This remedy has proven its effectiveness in the fight against female diseases and in preparation for childbirth.
Numerous reviews on forums indicate the benefits of Solgar evening primrose oil for women.
The drug eliminates disruptions in the menstrual cycle, regulates the level of hormones in the body, eliminates pain during menstruation, and fights many diseases, female and not only.
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Solgar evening primrose oil can be used not only by pregnant women. The drug is effective in the fight against vitamin deficiency. It can be used for preventive purposes during seasonal exacerbations of colds. The oil activates the body's protective properties.
For men, this remedy will also be very useful as a natural stimulant of male power and effective prevention of prostate diseases.
.
Important!
Before you start taking this drug while you are expecting a baby, you should definitely consult with an experienced specialist.
Evening primrose: during pregnancy
Many doctors agree that evening primrose , or rather its oil, is simply irreplaceable during pregnancy. First of all, this is due to its ability to restore a woman’s hormonal levels, especially if she previously used hormonal contraceptives. Evening primrose is one of the most effective ways to combat one of the most common pregnancy problems - stretch marks. Primrose oil an important role in the development of the fetus. It has been proven that the polyunsaturated fatty acids included in its composition have a beneficial effect on the formation of the child’s brain and nervous system. The only contraindication to the use of evening primrose during pregnancy is intolerance to its components; in all other cases, this plant will benefit both mother and baby.
Combination of Evening Primrose with other remedies
Evening primrose is combined with all medications except those used to treat epilepsy, schizophrenia, and those that affect blood pressure. Without consulting a doctor, you should not take primrose and antidepressants at the same time.
You should combine hormonal drugs with primrose with caution; it is advisable to first coordinate this combination with a gynecologist. Caution is necessary when taking blood thinning medications simultaneously.
Anesthesia during surgery can interact with primrose, so it is advisable to stop taking it a week before the date of surgery. There was no incompatibility of evening primrose with iron supplements, analgesics and basic vitamin complexes. Evening primrose also does not affect homeopathic medicines.
Evening primrose: for childbirth
Evening primrose is no less useful for childbirth itself. It is, in fact, a supplier of building material for the production of prostaglandins - the main stimulants of labor. Therefore, oral administration of preparations based on evening primrose is recommended for postterm pregnancy and in the presence of scars on the cervix. In addition, the use of evening primrose helps increase the elasticity of the birth canal and pelvic ligaments, which, in turn, promotes quick and easy delivery. It is important to note that in cases of cervical insufficiency, threatened miscarriage and previous premature birth, the use of evening primrose is strictly contraindicated.
Drugs from the pharmacy
Evening primrose oil is available for sale in two forms: basic (for external use) and preparations created for oral administration. It is prohibited to use carrier oil internally. Evening primrose extract is often sold in capsules, which eliminates dosing errors, simplifies administration, and eliminates odor and taste. Capsules have different dosages from 450 to 1300 mg.
A convenient form for internal administration is a capsulated drug, most often produced in a dosage of 500 mg. Use evening primrose extract from 1 to 5 capsules per day, swallowed with food. After every 2 weeks of treatment, it is necessary to take a break in treatment of the same duration.
Popular Evening Primrose Supplements:
- Ginocomfort (60 capsules), Russian production;
- evening primrose oil (60 or 180 capsules), from Solgar (USA);
- Arabian Secrets – a mixture of primrose and argan oils (15 capsules), produced in Russia from Arabian raw materials;
- primrose oil from the American manufacturer Nature's Bounty (60 capsules, 1000 mg each).
Prices for fat extract depend on the place of production, dosage, number of capsules in the package and range from 250 to 1500 rubles. Natural liquid evening primrose oil for oral administration cannot cost less than 800 rubles per 100 ml, since the raw materials are rare, and production is energy-intensive and gives a small yield of the product.
Evening primrose: oil
By far the most important raw material obtained from evening primrose is oil. It contains the bulk of the beneficial substances that this plant is so rich in. Primrose oil is obtained from the seeds by cold pressing. Thus, all the value is retained in it. It is worth saying that, although the output of oil is quite a lot, the seeds themselves are not so easy to obtain, which is why its cost is so high. The peculiarity of evening primrose oil is that, in comparison with other vegetable oils, such as olive or linseed oil, it has a minimal content of oleic acid and at the same time is very rich in linoleic acid (up to 80% of the total content) and various types of linolenic acid. In general, in terms of characteristics primrose oil is very close to fish oil, not only in composition, but also in smell and color. As a rule, it is used very rarely in concentrated form. In most cases, it is used in a mixture with a base oil that has suitable characteristics.
Side effects
The properties of evening primrose are beneficial for women, but side effects occur occasionally. The reason for the appearance is excess dose, individual intolerance, poor quality product.
The most common side effects are:
- Skin rash, itching, swelling. If this effect occurs, it is advisable to stop taking it. Ignoring this symptom can provoke a serious allergic attack.
- Decreased blood pressure. Herbs or medications that increase blood pressure will help to avoid unpleasant consequences, but it is advisable to exclude primrose if such an effect is detected. When a decrease in pressure is a desired effect, constant monitoring is still necessary - too strong a decrease will negatively affect your health in any case.
- Headache, nausea, upset stomach. To avoid trouble, it is advised to start taking minimal doses along with a large amount of food, and do not consume on an empty stomach. If the symptoms do not stop, you must stop using primrose.
- Rash, irritation when applying primrose oil to sunburn. The symptom is not dangerous, but it is advisable to choose another remedy if such a reaction occurs.
- Increased risk of bleeding, therefore it is advisable to abstain from primrose if there is a tendency to bleeding without primrose. When used to treat menstrual irregularities such as painful, heavy periods, the chances of relieving symptoms are equal to the chances of making the situation worse.
- Increased risk of epileptic seizures in people who have undergone anesthesia, patients with schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Because of this, this category of people is prohibited from consuming primrose.
There are no other side effects, or these are rare individual deviations that have not yet been officially studied. Side effects are usually treated symptomatically by stopping taking evening primrose. However, severe cases require consultation with a doctor.
Evening primrose: capsules
The most common form of dosage preparations of evening primrose are gelatin capsules with plant oil. Depending on the manufacturer, the content of the active component in each capsule may differ, although the standard 500 mg package is predominantly used. This form of release is preferable for several reasons:
- capsules are easier to take because... of primrose oil itself cannot be called pleasant;
- Using capsules, it is more convenient to maintain the dosage;
- in capsules, the oil does not come into contact with air and, therefore, does not oxidize and does not lose its qualities.
Evening primrose: instructions
Any evening primrose must be accompanied by instructions detailing the dosage and method of use . Most annotations indicate a standard dosage of 0.5 to 3 g of primrose oil per day. As a rule, this amount is quite sufficient for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. Some sources recommend starting taking medications with a minimum dose, carefully monitoring the body's reaction. This, by the way, applies to all natural remedies, no matter how strong allergens they are considered to be. If there are no negative consequences, the dosage of the drug can be increased to the required amount, but it should not be consumed in excess of the specified norms.
Evening primrose: how to take
To maximize evening primrose For better absorption, it is recommended to divide the daily dose into 3 doses and consume 30 minutes before meals. This therapy is carried out in courses lasting 1 month, no more than 1-2 times a year. During pregnancy, primrose oil is taken according to the following scheme: at 34-35 weeks - 1 capsule (500 mg) per day, at 36-37 weeks - 2 capsules, and starting from 38 weeks - 3 capsules.
Overdose
The condition occurs when more than 1500 ml of the substance is consumed per day; occasionally, due to individual characteristics, an overdose can occur when exceeding 1000 ml. An overdose is expressed by pronounced side effects that did not occur when taking the recommended doses. Vomiting, nausea, severe stomach upset, headache and weakness are also common.
In case of overdose, I recommend stopping taking primrose and treating the symptoms. However, in severe cases or if it is impossible to cope on your own, consult a doctor.
Evening primrose: buy, price
Here is such a large assortment of forms, dosages and manufacturers of evening primrose :
Buy capsules, evening primrose oil!
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