What is evening primrose oil good for?
Omega-6 content
The oil is thought to work mainly through its high content of linoleic acid and gamma-linoleic acid, which are omega-6 fatty acids, although it is also rich in other compounds, including vitamin E.
Areas of research
Despite its nutritional qualities, its long term safety profile, and its documented history in traditional use, research has not identified any clear benefits of evening primrose oil supplementation.
Despite this, there is a growing body of research into evening primrose oil and conditions such as dermatitis, arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, menopause symptoms and gastrointestinal upset, for example.
When should I take evening primrose oil?
Evening primrose oil can potentially cause side effects such as nausea or bloating when taken on an empty stomach. In addition to that, one of the main reasons why people take evening primrose oil is due to its omega-6 fatty acid content, and it is known that fatty acids are best absorbed when taken with a meal, especially one that contains healthy dietary fats.
There does not appear to be any conclusive time of day that is optimal for taking evening primrose oil, so you can fit it into your schedule with whichever meal is most suitable, at any time of day.
What else pairs well with evening primrose oil?
Also taken with omega-3
Being a source of omega-6 fatty acids, evening primrose oil is often taken in combination with omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil or krill oil, in order to maintain a balanced ratio between omega-3s and omega-6s.Also taken with vitex, for premenstrual syndrome and hormone balance
Vitex rounds out evening primrose oil by covering premenstrual syndrome, hormone balance and skin health, and the two make a natural combination for anyone already taking either.What should I avoid taking evening primrose oil with?
Avoid taking evening primrose oil at the same time as other omega-6 supplements
Its inherent omega-6 content also means that evening primrose oil should not be combined with additional omega-6 fatty acid supplementation, such as pumpkin seed oil for example, as excessive omega-6 intake, or rather an imbalance in the ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can have negative health effects.Avoid taking evening primrose oil at the same time as pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil is another omega-6-rich oil, and taking it in the same sitting as evening primrose oil simply doubles the amount of omega-6 you take in.What are natural sources of evening primrose oil?
The useful part of the plant are the seeds, and it is the oil that is pressed from the seeds that is the truly nutritious component. The gamma-linolenic acid contained in one softgel would mean eating a pile of seeds that nobody would manage, so there is no real substitute for the concentrated oil.
Who should avoid taking evening primrose oil?
Before taking evening primrose oil supplements, check with your trusted healthcare professional if any of the following apply to you:
- Epilepsy or seizure history
- Bleeding disorders
Epilepsy or seizure history
Case reports have linked evening primrose oil to seizure activity in people with a history of seizures or a seizure disorder.Bleeding disorders
The oil also leans on the same clotting chemistry as other omega-6 fats, so if you suffer from a bleeding disorder or have surgery in the coming weeks, you should not take evening primrose oil.Remember to always discuss any vitamins or supplements with your trusted healthcare professional if you are suffering from any health conditions.
Possible side effects of evening primrose oil
Possible side effects from taking evening primrose oil supplements may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Soft stools
If you are experiencing negative side effects from taking evening primrose oil supplements, stop taking them immediately and reach out to your trusted healthcare professional.
Drug interactions with evening primrose oil
The medicines listed below are the ones most often named in interaction reports for evening primrose oil, but it is by no means a comprehensive list:
- Blood thinners
Blood thinners
Evening primrose oil carries a mild antiplatelet effect, which can add up with the anticoagulant effects of blood-thinning medications, so this combo is best avoided.If you are taking any prescription drugs or medication, check with your trusted healthcare professional before taking evening primrose oil supplements.
Can I take evening primrose oil while pregnant or breastfeeding?
One important thing to note, you should not take evening primrose oil if you are pregnant, as doing so could endanger you, and potentially the baby.
Remember to always discuss any vitamins or supplements with your trusted healthcare professional while pregnant or breastfeeding, or while attempting to conceive.
Where should I store evening primrose oil?
For optimal shelf life, it is recommended to keep evening primrose oil supplements stored in the fridge. Always make sure the bottle or container is tightly closed before putting it in the fridge.
Evening primrose oil data sources & further reading
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
- 5.
- 6.
- 7.
- 8.
- 9.
- 10.
- 11.
