Evening primrose oil is a rich source of omega-6 essential fatty acids. Evening primrose oil contains linoleic acid as well as GLA – both are essential components of myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibers, and the neuronal cell membrane.
Evening primrose oil is very high in linoleic (70–74%) and γ-linolenic (8–10%) acids, and also contains other fatty acids: palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, and (in smaller amounts) myristic acid, oleopalmitic acid, vaccenic acid, eicosanoic acid, and eicosenoic acid
Today, evening primrose oil dietary supplements are promoted for atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema), rheumatoid arthritis, pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), breast pain, menopause symptoms, and other conditions. Evening primrose oil may also be included in products that are applied to the skin.
Benefits
Skin Health: The GLA contained in the oil is essential for good skin health. Taking the oil by mouth significantly improves skin moisture, roughness, firmness, and elasticity. It aids in the treatment of certain skin conditions too.
Premenstrual Syndrome Alleviation: Primrose oil helps alleviate premenstrual symptoms like; Backache, Fatigue, Breast pain, digestive issues, depression.
Menopausal Relief: It also helps to relieve hot flashes in menopausal women. This includes their severity, frequency, duration and improve their sexuality.
Arthritis Pain Relief: The GLA present in evening primrose oil helps to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis like the pain severity and improve mobility.