Evening primrose oil: properties and benefits of an extraordinary oil
Oenothera biennis, commonly known as evening primrose, is a plant belonging to the Onagraceae family, native to North America. From this plant with its appearance similar to that of a primrose, an oil with truly extraordinary properties is obtained.
The evening primrose grows in regions with a temperate climate and is easy to find in uncultivated fields, especially on sandy soils, with its reddish streaked stem, many bright green leaves and beautiful bright yellow flowers that open at dusk. It is no coincidence, in fact, that the evening primrose is also called "beautiful at night": its flowers appear in the middle of the night giving off a very sweet and pleasant smell, and then last only 30 hours. Once their life cycle is over, these flowers give life to dark seeds and it is from these seeds that the famous evening primrose oil is obtained, which has always been known for its many properties.
Already the American Indians used to cultivate the evening primrose to use its roots for medicinal purposes, but in Europe it only spread in the seventeenth century, especially in England, where it became a very popular medicine. The oil was first extracted in 1919, when the plant's active ingredient, omega-6, was isolated.
Let's find out together what are the properties and benefits of this truly exceptional oil which, among its many qualities, also has that of being a powerful anti-inflammatory, just like these foods:
What is evening primrose oil used for? Properties and benefits
Evening primrose oil is very rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-6 series: these are essential acids that form a fundamental part of the phospholipids of cell membranes. Furthermore, it contains very important amino acids such as leucine, lysine and glycine, vitamins (in particularly vitamin C) and minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Given its properties, evening primrose oil is a panacea for our cardiovascular system. In fact, it is the omega-6s that ensure proper circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease. This oil works as a vasodilator, preventing the formation of clots. in the blood, regulating blood pressure and protecting us from blood clots and arteriosclerosis. It also reduces bad cholesterol, regulates the level of triglycerides in the blood and stabilizes insulin levels, making it excellent for diabetes.
The anti-inflammatory power of evening primrose oil is also one of its main properties: it is very useful in case of problems or diseases of the bones or joints, helping in the treatment against tears and muscle pain. It acts as an immunostimulant and is therefore an excellent ally also in case of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Even the gastrointestinal tract will thank you if you start using this oil: in fact it has the property of protecting the mucous membrane of the stomach and improving intestinal motility in case of constipation. Also valuable in the case of colon inflammation.
Precycle, Fertility and Pregnancy: Does Evening Primrose Oil Help You Get Pregnant?
There is no doubt: evening primrose oil is a formidable ally for women! Its fatty acids, in fact, help regulate all the different female hormonal processes. It is therefore a panacea for relieving precycle disorders, from breast pain to abdominal swelling, also preventing water retention. Acting directly on prolactin, responsible for PMS, it reduces all its effects, from those already mentioned to headaches, mood swings and depressive disorders.
Evening primrose oil also acts as a regulator of ovulation processes, increasing a woman's fertility and consequently helping her to become pregnant more easily. It will therefore be particularly recommended for those suffering from endometriosis and ovarian cysts. important preventive function also for mammary cysts, preventing the formation of nodules.
Finally, it can also be useful for relieving the symptoms of menopause.
The benefits of evening primrose oil on skin and hair
Evening primrose oil is a real panacea for our skin, try it! Its anti-inflammatory effect is excellent for treating psoriasis problems, decreasing itching and burning. It can also be useful in the treatment of eczema, hives and dermatitis, as well as for acne: applied regularly, it reduces pimples and inflammation by preventing the accumulation of fats in the pores. Evening primrose oil can also be considered an excellent anti-wrinkle to be applied every evening, perhaps together with a specific moisturizer. Finally, it is particularly suitable for dry skin.
This miraculous oil can then help to strengthen our hair by preventing its loss, due in most cases to reasons of stress and, therefore, hormonal imbalance. It is recommended to take 500 milligrams per day for a treatment of one couple of months. It can also be applied directly to the scalp with a massage.
Pure, in capsules or in pearls: how to use evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil can be purchased in pharmacies or herbalists and it is possible to find it both pure and in the form of pearls to be ingested, much more practical if you do not need a specific external use. It is essential to choose a safe product, which does not use chemical solvents and is obtained by cold pressing the seeds, preferably from organic crops. It is recommended to take 2-4 pearls per day, depending on the case, for a period of at least a couple of months.
If, on the other hand, you wish to use it on the skin, it is better to choose bottles with the pure product, to be massaged on damp skin in the affected areas, after taking a bath.
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