Evening Primrose is a common wildflower found in North America, Europe and
parts of Asia . This plant was used by Native Americans, evening primrose
has also been used medicinally in Europe since the seventeenth century. Over
the last 20 years, this oil has once again become popular for its medicinal
properties and is now a common dietary supplement.
Description of Evening primrose
essential oil:
Solvent-free, cold-pressed evening primrose oil extracted from the seeds of
the Evening Primrose plant
Appearance : Liquid or in the form of capsules.
Aroma : Slight lemon scent
Color : Light yellow
Chemical constituents: Evening primrose essential oil has
various chemical compounds that include Gamma-Linolenic Acid and Linoleic
Acid, Polyunsaturated fatty Acid.
Extraction: It is extracted by the expression of the
seeds.
Aromatherapy uses:
It provides nutritional support and to treat against conditions such as
sore throats, stomachaches, hemorrhoids, and bruises. It was given for
stomach and liver complaints as well as disorders of the female reproductive
system. More recently, the discovery of antioxidant and other properties of
the seed oil has focused attention on its usefulness in treating a range of
diseases and disorders, including as an anti-inflammatory, and for
premenstrual syndrome (PMS), rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis,
ulcerative colitis, menopausal problems and heart disease.
Pharmaceutical uses:
Oil cure, treat or prevent practically everything-from rheumatoid
arthritis, breast pain, hot flushes, premenstrual syndrome, eczema,
psoriasis, dermatitis and dry skin, relief of allergies, reducing joint
inflammation and swelling asociated with arthritis, promoting healthy heart
function, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Evening Primrose Oil
contain two essential fatty acids: gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) an essential
fatty acid that the body does not manufacture and linoleic acid (LA). Both
GLA and LA are said to aid in the reduction of pain and inflammation. The
oil is said to have an effect in lowering blood pressure and in preventing
the clumping of platelets, it has been recommended in treating cirrhosis of
the liver and is most commonly taken for premenstrual problems.
Flavorings
The leaves of primrose can be cooked and eaten as greens. The roots can be
boiled like potatoes and eaten. The flowers are sweet and can be used in
salads or as a garnishings. The young seedpods can be steamed and the ripe
seeds can be roasted in an oven for 15 to 20 min. at 350°C and used on
bread or in salads. The roasted seeds can be sprinkled like pepper.
The seed contains 28% of a drying oil. It is edible and a very good source
of gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that is not found in many
plant sources and has numerous vital functions in the body. The seed
contains 28% of a drying oil. It is edible and a very good source of
gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that is not found in many
plant sources and has numerous vital functions in the body. It has been a
very well food supplement and is relished . It is also taken internally in
the treatment of eczema, acne, brittle nails, rheumatoid arthritis and
alcohol-related liver damage. Regular consumption of the oil helps to reduce
blood cholesterol levels and lower the blood pressure.
A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of obesity and
bowel pains.
Cosmetics and Toiletries:
The oil from the seed is added to toiletries and cosmetic preparation. It
is often combined with vitamin E to prevent oxidation. A finely ground
powder made from the flowering stems is used cosmetically in face-masks to
counteract reddened skins. It helps in healing skin irritations. It also
increases skin hydration and moisturizes dry, aging and chapped skin. It is
used in dilution with other essential oils used for massaging.
It is also used in the preparation of soaps, perfumes and other products.
A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers of primrose used in
dyeing process.
