Oenothera biennis
Have you or a loved one ever suffered from premenstrual or menopausal symptoms such as cramps, bloating, breast pain or hot flashes, or the embarrassment of skin conditions such as acne or eczema? Do you live with chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis or painful diabetic neuropathy? If so, there may be relief in sight for you.
This week’s spotlight is on Mother Nature’s remarkable gift, Oenothera biennis, known as evening primrose. Commonly called evening star, sun drop, hog weed, donkeys’ herb, fever plant, field primrose, gardeners’ ham, or German rampion, herbalists during the 17th century referred to it as the “King’s-cure-all” and considered it a panacea for treating most ailments. It is believed to have originated in Mexico and Central America some 70,000 years ago and subsequently spread across North America to Europe. It was wildly naturalized and can now be found growing all over the world in temperate and subtropical climates.
Evening primrose is a biennial plant that grows up to five feet tall and blooms from late spring to late summer. The leaves are two to seven inches long, produced in a tight rosette the first year, and spirally on a stem the second year. The beautiful yellow blooms are one to two inches in diameter produced on a tall spike that only last until the following noon. They open visibly fast every evening producing an interesting spectacle, hence the name “evening primrose.” It is the fruit, however, an oblong “hairy” capsule containing numerous long seeds that is the most prized part of this most amazing gift.
Today the most common and effective medicinal use of this herb is an oil cold pressed from the seeds of the plant. Evening primrose oil (EPO) is either ingested in an encapsulated form as a dietary supplement or applied topically. The oil contains one of the highest concentrations known of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that is largely responsible for the incredible healing properties of this plant, one of only a few plants that contain it at all. The GLA, linoleic acid and other nutrients in this oil are essential for cell structure and improve the elasticity of the skin. These fatty acids also help to regulate hormones and have anti-inflammatory properties that improve nerve function aiding problems ranging from PMS to migraine headaches. The hormone balancing effect contributes to healthy breast tissue.
MEDICINAL USES. Some of the conditions EPO may help include:
PMS, menopause, and menstruation
By interfering with the production of inflammatory prostaglandins released during menstruation, the GLA in evening primrose oil can help to lessen menstrual cramps. It may also minimize premenstrual breast tenderness, irritable bowel flare-ups, and carbohydrate cravings, and help to control endometriosis-associated inflammation. Many PMS sufferers are found to have unusually low levels of GLA in their systems, which is why supplements might help so much. In women with fibrocystic breasts, the oil’s essential fatty acids can minimize breast inflammation and promote the absorption of iodine; a mineral that can be present in abnormally low levels in women with this condition. In menopause, it is widely reported that evening primrose oil reduces hot flashes and increases feelings of wellbeing.
Eczema
In some cases, eczema develops when the body has problems converting dietary fats into GLA. Getting supplemental GLA from evening primrose oil may therefore be helpful. Some studies indicate that this oil can outperform a placebo in relieving eczema-related inflammation, as well as the itching, oozing, and flaking associated with this condition. By taking GLA, eczema sufferers may tolerate reduced doses of steroid creams and drugs, many of which cause unpleasant side effects.
Acne and rosacea
By working to dilute sebum, a thick oily substance that is overly secreted in some people with acne, the essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil may reduce the risk of pores becoming clogged and lesions developing. The oil’s EFAs help treat rosacea by reducing inflammation, controlling cells’ use of nutrients and by producing prostaglandins, which stimulate the contraction of blood vessels.
Joint pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis
Supplementation with evening primrose oil and other sources of GLA has been shown to lessen the joint pain and swelling of this crippling disease. A six-month study reported fewer signs of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers taking capsules containing GLA than in those taking a placebo. In another trial, the number of tender joints and swollen joints dropped significantly with GLA but not with a placebo.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Research indicates that the GLA in evening primrose oil can help prevent, and in some cases even reverse, the nerve damage (neuropathy) so commonly seen with diabetes. In a year-long study, such symptoms as numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in participants with mild diabetic neuropathy were less marked in those who took evening primrose oil than in those who took a placebo.
Nails, scalp, and hair
The rich stores of essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil not only prevent nails from cracking but also help to keep them generally healthy. In addition, the essential fatty acids nourish the scalp, making the supplement potentially valuable in treating a variety of hair problems.
PRECAUTIONS. Crooked House always recommends that you be mindful of possible interactions that may occur if you are under the care of a physician and taking certain drugs. Some of those include:
Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants): EPO may raise the risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and clopidogrel (Plavix).
Blood pressure medications: EPO may lower blood pressure in some people, although researchers have not confirmed this link. If you take medications to treat high blood pressure, ask your doctor before taking EPO.
Phenothizines: People who take a class of medications called phenothiazines to treat schizophrenia should not take EPO because it may increase the risk of seizures.
Medications to control seizures: EPO may lower the threshold for seizures, so people who are prone to seizures should not take it.
Antidepressants: EPO may interact with some antidepressants, including selective serotonin uptake inhibitors, such as:
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
CULTIVATION. Growing evening primrose is very easy. It prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) well-drained, sandy soils and requires full sun, however, it is very hardy and will thrive in almost any soil or situation. It provides a wonderful splash of summer color in anyone’s garden, and the flowers attract pollinating insects, along with moths and bats. The seeds are also a good food source for birds. You should remember it is effectively a wild plant and once introduced, if seeds are allowed to be scattered, you may find it trying to take over.
HARVESTING AND STORAGE. Seeds ripen from August to October and should be collected and processed then if being pressed for oil. Harvest the flowers in full bloom, but be quick. They will be gone the next day. Gather leaves and stem “bark” when flowering stems have grown. Leaves and seeds can be dried. Dig up the roots in the second year.
CULINARY USES. Every part of this plant is edible. The leaves can be cooked and eaten as greens. The roots can be boiled like potatoes and allegedly taste like sweet parsnips. The flowers are sweet and can be used in salads or as a garnish. The young seedpods can be steamed, and the ripe seeds can be roasted in an oven for 15 to 20 min. at 350° and used on bread or in salads. You can also sprinkle the roasted seeds over any dish like pepper.
So there you have it. Herbal health alternatives and options, as well as educating those who want to learn to take control of their health, is the mission of the Crooked House. If you have an interest in learning more about the incredible healing powers of plants and herbs that could be growing outside your door, check out our Herbal Life 101 online course. You won’t be sorry you did.