Evening primrose oil (EPO) is extracted from the seeds of North American evening primrose blooms. It has long been used to cure diseases such as bruises, hemorrhoids, and sore throats.
The therapeutic properties of EPO may be attributed to its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) concentration. GLA is a kind of omega-6 fatty acid that may be found in plant oils.
Evening primrose oil has a high nutritional profile and can aid in hair development. Furthermore, it has demonstrated great efficacy in the treatment of alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss. In the United States, this illness affects more than 2.1% of people.
What Is Evening Primrose?
Evening primrose is a blooming plant that is also known as night willowherb. It is most common in Europe and North America, but it has recently become available in appropriate temperatures on six continents.
This oil has grown to be renowned for its medicinal effects throughout the years, leading to its use in a variety of lifestyle-enhancing products. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and other fatty acids are found in this oil.
Health Benefits
Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a kind of omega-6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties. GLA is widely used as a form of medication.Increases Antioxidants
Hair loss is caused by a lack of antioxidants in the scalp. Evening primrose oil has antioxidants that can help with this problem. Antioxidants are not only necessary for hair regeneration, but they also aid with a variety of other physiological conditions, such as skin dryness.Nourishes The Skin
Evening primrose oil is high in important nutrients and antioxidants, which not only boost the condition of your scalp and hair but also nourish the skin. When applied to your scalp, it may enhance scalp health and encourage hair growth. Massage the scalp may help enhance blood flow in the scalp, which may benefit in hair development.Improves Speed Of Hair Regrowth
Tocotrienol, often known as vitamin E, is a key component of evening primrose oil. An experimental study done in 2010 discovered that consuming vitamin E supplements improves human hair regeneration. Evening primrose oil, when taken as a supplement, can be quite helpful in raising your body’s vitamin E levels. This vitamin E may also be beneficial in hastening hair regeneration.Reduces Hair Damage
Scalp inflammation is a primary cause of hair loss. Some study has shown that sterols extracted from evening primrose oil can help decrease scalp irritation. Sterols alleviate inflammation by typically lowering cholesterol levels in the human body.Promotes Shaft Elongation
The efficacy of any oil that encourages hair regrowth is entirely dependent on its ingredients. Arachidonic acid is found in evening primrose oil. Arachidonic acid has been shown to lengthen human hair shafts and increase hair growth in mice.It may help ease acne
Some believe that the GLA in EPO can improve acne by lowering skin inflammation and the amount of skin cells that create lesions. It may also aid in the retention of moisture by the skin.
An earlier study from 2014 discovered that GLA supplementation decreased both inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions.
However, bigger, longer trials are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of evening primrose oil.
It may help minimize breast pain
EPO may be used by some persons to treat cyclical breast discomfort. Some feel that the GLA in EPO helps to decrease inflammation and block prostaglandins, which cause cyclical breast discomfort.
However, a 2021 review of literature indicated that EPO was only as beneficial as a placebo when compared to topical NSAIDs, danazol, or vitamin E.
The authors also mentioned that EPO is unlikely to have any negative side effects. So it might be safe to give it a shot.
MIMI (Multi ion mask insert)
- Can be worn with any facemask and provides additional heavy-duty protection.
- Adult & Youth Sizes Available
It may help improve heart health
Every year, more than 600,000 individuals in the United States are killed by heart disease. Hundreds of thousands of people are affected by the disease. Some patients are turning to natural therapies, such as EPO, for assistance.
A review of literature published in 2020 indicated that EPO may have a favorable effect on cholesterol levels, while several studies were unclear. More study is needed to support the use of EPO to promote heart health.
It may help ease bone pain
Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory illness, is a common cause of bone discomfort. A tiny 2017 research found that the GLA in EPO might potentially alleviate rheumatoid arthritis discomfort without creating undesired side effects.Side effects and risks
EPO is usually regarded as safe for most people to use in the short term. Long-term safety has not been determined.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not inspect supplements for quality. When selecting EPO, do your homework on both the supplement and the firm offering it. Choosing one that has been third-party certified may be safer.
Taking the smallest dosage feasible may aid in avoiding adverse effects.
EPO has not had enough study to confirm its safety during pregnancy or nursing.
When Should You See A Dermatologist?
Consult a dermatologist if you believe that evening primrose essential oil has had no effect after eight weeks of use, or if you are suffering new and unexpected hair loss. You should also consult a dermatologist if you have excessive skin dryness, irritation, rashes, or other skin-related issues. These might be the result of an allergic response to the oil or other underlying skin problems.
Evening primrose oil includes several components that aid in hormonal balance and hair development. It can be useful whether taken as a supplement or used topically. Whatever method you choose, be sure to use a safe product on your hair. For example, if you have hormonal troubles, you should take it orally, but if you have an irritated or itchy scalp, you should massage the oil topically. The oil has no negative effects, but if you are using any other drugs, you should see your doctor before using it.
Bottom Line
There is some evidence that EPO may improve various diseases on its alone or as a supplement, but additional study is needed. EPO should not be used in place of a doctor-recommended treatment strategy until the verdict is clear.
There is no uniform EPO dose. The majority of dose recommendations are based on study findings. Discuss the dangers and advantages of taking EPO with your doctor and seek advice on the right dosage.
