You may have heard some amazing claims about evening primrose oil, which comes from the seed of a small yellow wildflower. Depending who you ask, evening primrose oil can cure, treat, or prevent arthritis, hot flashes, PMS, eczema, high cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer! Most of these claims are unproven.
Evening primrose oil is a great source of essential fatty acids like linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid. They are called “essential” fatty acids because they are substances the body needs but does not produce on its own. You don’t necessarily need to get these supplements from evening primrose oil or other oils… you can get essential fatty acids from different foods, too. Many different kinds of fish are high in essential fatty acids.
The Arthritis Foundation does suggest that evening primrose oil may help relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis — the kind of arthritis that produces inflamed joints. But you may get the same results from a fish oil supplement. Or from eating foods high in essential fatty acids!
Smaller studies have found that evening primrose oil (four to eight grams taken by mouth throughout the day as a supplement, not used on the skin) can help in the treatment of eczema and other skin irritations. It may also be useful in easing symptoms of menopause and PMS, but larger studies will need to be done before a definite determination can be made.
Side effects are rare, and mild, but include stomach upset, headache, and rashes. Allergic reactions have not been widely reported; however, if you have problems with other plants in the same family (Onagraceae) you may have problems with evening primrose oil. Always talk to your doctor before adding evening primrose oil or any herbal supplement to your routine. Read labels when you are shopping for evening primrose oil — borage oil may be similar but can be dangerous for your liver.