Many people with problems ranging from eczema to premenstrual pain claim that evening primrose oil is able to relieve their symptoms. However, there is no concrete evidence that can confirm the medical properties of the oil obtained from the seeds of this plant, the evening primrose, also known as "beautiful at night", "evening primrose", "rapunzia" or "evening primrose". If you want to give it a chance, take it as tablets 4 or 5 times a day. You can also apply it topically to the skin in case of itching or irritation. Regardless of how you use it, evening primrose oil can be stored in the refrigerator and should never be exposed to sunlight. Generally it has a maximum duration of 6 months, but consult the expiration date to be sure.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Take Evening Primrose Oil Orally
Step 1. Purchase a product certified by the inspection authorities
Check the labels for the certification seal of an organization authorized to legitimize their sale, such as the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). The bottle should be dark in color and the expiration date should appear on the package.
Evening primrose oil in capsules can be purchased in pharmacies, parapharmacies or online
Step 2. Take up to 2,000 mg per day
It is generally recommended that you take a 500mg capsule of oil 4 or 5 times a day, but you should check with your doctor to find out what the correct dosage is for you.
Step 3. Take the oil while you eat to protect your stomach
You could also swallow the capsules on an empty stomach, but it is best to combine them with a meal or snack to avoid possible side effects, such as nausea and intestinal gas. In addition, evening primrose oil contains an omega-6 fatty acid and fatty acids are absorbed more effectively when taken with good fats, such as those found in nuts or avocados.
Step 4. Store the capsules in the refrigerator
Keep them out of direct sunlight. Store the capsules in the refrigerator to prevent the oil from being damaged and losing its properties. If you haven't consumed all of them by the expiration date, throw them away.
- Evening primrose oil generally lasts no longer than 6 months. Throw away the capsules even if they are not yet expired if they give off a rancid odor.
- Follow the storage instructions on the product.
Step 5. You can use evening primrose oil to fight acne and improve overall skin health
Evening primrose oil appears to be able to reduce skin inflammation and help the skin retain moisture. If you have acne-prone skin, you can try taking it regularly and evaluate its benefits. Evening primrose oil is also used to make the skin more elastic, firm and to improve its general functions.
Step 6. You can use evening primrose oil to treat diabetic neuropathy
Some people with diabetic neuropathy have claimed that evening primrose oil helps them relieve pain, tingling, and numbness. However, research has not provided clear results and it has not been proven that using evening primrose oil instead of medications is beneficial for diabetic neuropathy.
Step 7. Try taking evening primrose oil to relieve premenstrual pain
The oil in tablets is widely used to relieve symptoms of PMS, such as swelling, headache and breast pain. Although there is some evidence to support it, evening primrose oil is no more effective or less expensive than other herbal remedies used to treat PMS, such as wheat germ or corn oil.
Step 8. Take evening primrose oil to relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
It seems that it can serve to alleviate the pain associated with this pathology and to reduce dependence on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If you decide to use evening primrose oil as an arthritis remedy, keep in mind that the first benefits may appear after 6 months.
Even if it relieves pain, there is no evidence that evening primrose oil can prevent or slow down the joint damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The best choice you can make remains to consult a rheumatologist
Step 9. You can use evening primrose oil to improve heart health
Because it has anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower blood cholesterol levels, evening primrose oil may improve overall heart health. In any case, it is essential to consult a doctor in order to identify and treat any type of heart disease.
Method 2 of 3: Apply Evening Primrose Oil to the Skin
Step 1. Purchase a water-based emulsion that contains 20% evening primrose oil
Emulsions for external use with evening primrose oil are used to combat the itching and irritation of eczema or another skin disease. Look for an emulsion whose sale has been authorized by the authorities responsible for controlling this type of product.
The emulsion should be enclosed in a dark colored container that keeps it away from light
Step 2. Wash your hands before and after applying the oil
You must have perfectly clean hands when applying evening primrose oil, so remember to wash them with soap and warm water. You will also need to wash them after applying the oil to get rid of any residue.
Step 3. Apply a thin layer of oil to the affected area twice a day
Massage the evening primrose oil into your skin until it is absorbed. Since many eczema medications cannot be applied where the skin is most sensitive, such as on the face, it is worth trying to use evening primrose oil if the area is particularly sensitive.
Many who have used evening primrose oil to treat eczema confirm that it is helpful in relieving symptoms. However, research has not provided reliable results and there is no scientific evidence that evening primrose oil is an effective cure for eczema
Step 4. Store the oil in the refrigerator
As with the capsules, evening primrose oil should be stored in the refrigerator and out of direct sunlight. It can generally last up to six months, but stick to the expiration date and throw it away if it smells bad.
Method 3 of 3: Use Evening Primrose Oil Safely
Step 1. Consult your doctor before taking any type of supplement or herbal remedy
It is essential to ask your doctor for advice, especially if you are looking for a solution to treat a serious condition. Even if a supplement or herbal remedy makes you feel better, you will still need to work with your doctor to treat the underlying disease.
For example, evening primrose oil might relieve pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis or diabetic neuropathy, but that doesn't mean it will stop joint deterioration, nerve damage, or diabetes
Step 2. Ask your doctor if evening primrose oil could negatively interact with your usual medications
Tell them about the medicines you are taking (prescription and over-the-counter). He also needs to know if you are taking any supplements or herbal remedies. Evening primrose oil may interact negatively with anticoagulant medications, and can aggravate the risk of seizures if taken in combination with medications for epilepsy, schizophrenia, or depression.
Step 3. Reduce dosage or stop using evening primrose oil in case of side effects
Side effects can include stomach pain, headache, and soft stools. They are usually measured and you just need to reduce the dosage to prevent them.
Stop using the oil if you experience acute symptoms or symptoms that can be traced back to an allergic reaction, such as a rash, breathing problems, wheezing, and swollen hands or feet
Step 4. Avoid using evening primrose oil if you are pregnant
There is evidence that it can cause complications for pregnant women. It also increases the baby's risk of skin bleeding or bruising. You should consult your doctor before taking evening primrose oil even if you are trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
