Uses for Evening Primrose Oil
Uses for evening primrose oil are varied and some are quite surprising. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine gives insight into the many reasons to adopt this product into your daily routine. With planning and precaution, this supplement offers promising benefits.

Skin Problems
Evening primrose oil can treat some forms of skin problems. The essential oil is beneficial for promoting healthy results for people with the following conditions:
• Allergic reactions that cause itchy hives or rashes
• Eczema symptoms including scaling and itchiness
• Dermatitis
• Edema symptoms including swelling and reddening of the skin
Female Conditions
Evening primrose oil can be effective in treating the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Women may feel relief from bloating, breast tenderness, and mood problems.
Mastalgia (breast pain) is a troublesome condition that may be alleviated with the use of the essential oil. While there are confilicting studies on its effectiveness, EPO is the primary therapeutic intervention used for the condition in the United Kingdom.
Some assert that evening primrose oil can treat some of the symptoms of menopause, especially hot flashes. However, no scientific evidence supports the claim.
Medical Conditions
It is always necessary to consult a physician before adopting any treatment for medical conditions. This applies to evening primrose oil as well. The approach may be useful as a complementary approach to treating certain conditions or it may be an alternative to medicine, depending on the individual’s circumstances and the medical advice offered by his doctor.
Diabetic neuropathy involves physical sensations in the legs and feet. People who have this condition may benefit from using evening primrose oil to treat the sensations including:
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Pain
• Burning
Arthritis is a painful condition that motivates people to try various interventions for relief. There is no evidence that evening primrose oil can benefit people with arthritis in spite of studies researching the supplement’s possibilities. Some assert that the oil can alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis in spite of the lack of clinical evidence.
Other conditions that may be treated with the complementary medicine include multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, heart disease, breast cysts and breast cancer. Some suggest that the essential oil can be used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Taking Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil may be taken as a topical treatment or as a supplement taken orally. The product is available in capsules for internal use. Side effects are not common and they tend to be mild. Some may feel headachy, nauseous or have stomach discomfort. The dosage should be reduced if loose bowel movements accompany stomach pain.
As with any herbal supplement, it is necessary to discuss possible side effects with a physician. It is also extremely important to consider possible interactions with prescription medications. Evening primrose oil may interact with some meds adversely.
Evening primrose oil is a natural supplement that is available as oil or in capsules. The type of supplement chosen depends on the specific conditions being treated.
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Eric Cho. June 1st, 2009
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