Information on Evening Primrose Oil

Information on Evening Primrose Oil

The oil extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose has been found to have many beneficial effects, including: inducing weight loss without dieting; lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure; alleviating arthritis; healing or improving eczema and acne (with zinc); and relieving premenstrual tension and irritable bowel syndrome.

EPO has also been found to be a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This is a fatty acid which is the starting point in the body for the production of prostaglandins (PGs), hormone-like compounds that regulate various bodily functions. Specific type of PGs perform diverse and sometimes contrasting roles - and their balance is vital for health. For example, PGE1 inhibits blood clotting and increases urination, while PGE2 accelerates blood clotting and increases water retention. Deficiencies of PGs can cause many and varied conditions such as heart disease and hypertension, arthritis, menstrual cramps, allergies, asthma and migraines. Available in capsules in health food stores and pharmacies.