For many women, evening primrose oil is a popular supplement to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, evening primrose oil offers more benefits than just relieving women’s problems. KIM KUMAR discovers.

If you think evening primrose oil is a ‘girly’ supplement, beneficial only for ladies, then you might be interested to know that the Native Americans, including their fearsome warriors, used to utilize this plant for medicinal purposes.

Whether applied externally to wounds or ingested to ward off infections, they were the first to discover its benefits. It was even used as a sedative, pain killer and diuretic.

Throughout history, often for upset stomach and respiratory infections, the flowery plant has served a dual role as food and medicine. Native Americans ate the boiled, nutty-flavored root, and used leaf poultices from the plant for bruises and haemorrhoids. When European settlers came to America, they brought it back to their homeland as food.

Evening primrose oil (EPO) was not examined closely, however, until 1919, when the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content was reported in Germany, its beneficial effects began to be recorded.

The curative secret of EPO is found within the seeds. Oil from these seeds is a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids (or linolenic acid), which cannot be synthesized by the body. It is deemed ‘essential’ because the body must have it.

The omega-6 fatty acid derived from evening primrose is known as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Oil is extracted from the seeds and prepared as medicine using a chemical called hexane. The seeds contain up to 25 percent essential fatty acids, including linolenic acid (LA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Both LA and GLA belong to the omega-6 family of fatty acids. EPO is available as oil or in capsules. Remember, EPO products should be kept in the refrigerator and out of direct sunlight to prevent the oil from becoming rancid.

Today, EPO is used primarily to relieve the itchiness associated with certain skin conditions such as eczema and to ease breast tenderness from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or other causes. Those who suffer from skin conditions might find relief in taking EPO supplements. It has been shown as effective in dealing with acne, rosacea and eczema. The theory is that the GLA in EPO helps to control inflammation, as well as the itching and redness.

How does it help with PMS? The GLA contained in EPO is thought to interfere with the inflammatory prostaglandins, which are released during the menstrual cycle, thereby easing cramping and other common symptoms.

The anti-inflammatory properties of EPO is thought to ease pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Another benefit is its reputed ability to help prevent nerve damage associated with diabetes. In one recent clinical study, those who took EPO supplements reported less tingling, numbness and sensation loss than those who did not.

That’s only part of EPO’s touted benefits. It is considered to be potentially useful for the treatment of many conditions including:

• Allergies, particularly skin rash or hives
• Eczema and psoriasis, including redness and scaling in addition to itching
• PMS, as EPO might help to alleviate a bloated abdomen and breast discomfort, as well as, reducing irritability and depression
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cholesterol and blood pressure. It has been shown to reduce high serum cholesterol and blood pressure, but may take several weeks to achieve.
• Dry eyes
• Peripheral neuropathy, a nerve condition experienced as numbness and tingling, or lack of sensation in the feet and/or legs from diabetes
• Weight loss, particularly if you have a family history of obesity
• Alcoholism, by helping to reduce cravings and preventing liver damage. EPO may make withdrawal easier, and reduce post-drinking depression.

Herbs have been a natural solution to many ailments, helping to boost the body’s natural defences and treating disease. Do note, however, that just because it is natural, it does not mean that it is automatically safe. Herbs contain active substances that might interact with other medication or supplements, and too high a dosage can trigger some unpleasant side effects.

If you are to take an EPO supplement, take it with care and follow the recommend guidelines on dosage. It is best if you refer to a doctor before you begin to consume any evening primrose supplement.

However, people who are pregnant or have epilepsy are advised to avoid EPO. It should not be taken with drugs that increase the risk of seizures, drugs that lower blood pressure, phenothiazine drugs (which are used to treat mental and emotional disorders) or anaesthesia.