Evening primrose oil is derived from the evening primrose’s seeds. This plant, which is native to North America, has a reputation for containing natural gamma-linolenic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid containing pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
This type of fatty acid is found abundantly in the standard diet but not at the quality the evening primrose plant provides.
The plant has been assigned numerous health benefits including the treatment of many ailments and cosmetic reasons because of its nourishing and restorative properties for the hair and skin.
Health Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil
Here are details on some of the major proven health benefits of evening primrose oil.
1. Reduce Appearance of Wrinkles
Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, which has the attributed ability to smooth wrinkles. The high levels of antioxidants inside evening primrose oil neutralize the damage done by free radicals to the skin and prevent oxidation.
This is the primary cause of wrinkles due to aging. Evening primrose oil can be applied directly to the skin to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles that occur as a result of rough external conditions like pollution, sun exposure, and wind.
This magical oil works from the inside out by nourishing the body with its rich antioxidants and omega fatty acids. Skin experts recommend individuals to take primrose oil supplements twice daily for this purpose.
2. Alleviate Arthritis Symptoms
The gamma-linoleic acid found in evening primrose oil has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Because rheumatoid arthritis is caused by inflammation, the various compounds in the oil help the body form blockers to the inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by the presence of reactive free radicals as a result of excess nitric oxide in the joints. Primrose oil is rich in antioxidants including betulinic, oleanolic, and morolic acid.
These potent antioxidants battle the effects of free radicals and alleviate arthritis symptoms. The administration of this oil shows a reduced swelling of tissues and decreased immune cell response in joint tissues, the main aggravating factor for pain.
3. Get Rid of Acne
Used as a supplement, evening primrose oil can be beneficial in managing skin issues and can get rid of acne altogether. This happens because evening primrose oil has a natural hormone balancing function.
Acne outbreak often happens in teenagers because of the hormonal disruptions that occur in their changing organism.
The omega-6 inside the oil adjusts the hormone levels when taken during the night. The other factor evening primrose oil challenges when dealing with acne is inflammation. Acne is basically skin inflammation.
Gamma linolenic acid found in the oil is a successful remedy for inflammation and rash to the skin. The regenerative properties of evening primrose hasten the formation of new cells.
This prevents the skin around the healing acne to become clogged. With the constant formation of new skin cells, the pores are left breathing, and the skin looks refreshed.
4. Assist with Hair Loss
Evening primrose oil can also assist with hair loss because the fatty acids and antioxidants found inside this oil can boost the overall health of the scalp, nourish the hair follicles, and protect them from external factors.
External factors can cause dandruff and other scalp inflammation that can force the hair to fall off. The anti-inflammatory compounds in the oil tackle these problems.
The linolenic acid inside the oil can nourish the scalp and boost the rates at which the skin and hair regenerate. Primrose oil can be used directly on the scalp.
The oil can be left and massaged into the scalp for fifteen to thirty minutes. Of course, taking evening primrose supplements will additionally boost the effect of the massage.
5. Treats Skin Conditions
Primrose oil treats many different skin conditions. The natural inflammation fighting properties of linolenic acid found in evening primrose oil can be used in both adults and children for treating conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, acne, wrinkles, and dry skin.
The antioxidants inside the oil relieve damage caused by external and internal factors. As treatment is taking place, extra primrose oil can speed up the regeneration of new skin cells.
In the case of psoriasis and similar common skin conditions, the problem stems from hormonal disbalance. The fatty acids inside evening primrose oil manage hormonal levels to improve these skin conditions.
The oil is also potent in removing redness, swelling, and edema, which are typical symptoms of conditions like eczema.
Via: ReadersDigest | MedicalNewsToday
