Evening Primrose : Health, skin and hormone benefits : Your online pharmacy selection

What is evening primrose?
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a plant native to North America, now widely cultivated for its seeds, which are rich in essential fatty acids.

It is particularly renowned for its evening primrose oil, extracted from the seeds, which is an exceptional source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 with anti-inflammatory and hormone-regulating properties.

Used for centuries in traditional medicine, evening primrose is now prized in phytotherapy, cosmetics and nutrition, notably for its benefits on the skin, menstrual cycles and general well-being.

What are the benefits of evening primrose?
Evening primrose oil is a health and beauty ally thanks to its unique composition of essential fatty acids. Its main benefits include

• Regulates hormonal imbalances → Helps relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), painful periods and menopause.
• Improves skin quality → Hydrates, soothes and reduces skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and hormonal acne.
• Promotes healthy hair and nails → Fights hair loss linked to hormonal imbalances and strengthens brittle nails.
• Natural anti-inflammatory effect → Relieves joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
• Supports cardiovascular health → Helps regulate cholesterol and improve blood circulation.
• Improves female fertility → Promotes the quality of cervical mucus, essential for conception.
• Helps balance mood and reduce stress → Participates in neurotransmitter regulation and can be beneficial in cases of mild depression and anxiety.

How should evening primrose be consumed?
Evening primrose is mainly consumed in the form of oil, which can be found in capsules or for external use.

In capsules (dietary supplements)
Common dosage → 1000 to 3000 mg per day, often divided into several doses.
Indicated for → Hormonal disorders, joint inflammation, dry skin and nervous imbalances.
External application (pure evening primrose oil)
For skin → Moisturizing and soothing, apply to dry, irritated or eczema-prone areas.
For hair → Nourishes scalp and lengths, restoring shine and suppleness to dry, dull hair.
Culinary use (rarely used in cooking)
Evening primrose oil is sensitive to oxidation and should not be heated.
It can be added to vinaigrettes and cold dishes to provide essential fatty acids.

Is evening primrose effective against premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause?
Yes, evening primrose oil is particularly recommended for :

Alleviate menstrual pain and breast tenderness thanks to its anti-inflammatory and hormone-regulating action.
Reduce hot flushes and vaginal dryness in women going through menopause.
Improves hormonal balance, limiting mood swings, irritability and insomnia.
It is often used as a course of treatment lasting several weeks for optimal effects.

Is evening primrose good for skin and hair?
Yes, thanks to its richness in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, evening primrose oil is a powerful repairing agent for skin and hair:

• Deeply moisturizes and restores skin elasticity, ideal for dry, mature skin.
• Fights hormonal acne, reducing excess sebum and inflammation.
• Soothes skin irritations (eczema, psoriasis, redness).
• Strengthens hair fiber and limits hair loss caused by hormonal imbalance.

It can be applied pure to the skin and scalp, or added to cosmetics and shampoos.

What's the difference between evening primrose oil and borage oil?
Both oils are rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), but have a few differences:

Evening primrose oil → More targeted at hormonal imbalances, skin and women's health.
Borage oil → Used more for skin elasticity, intense hydration and anti-aging care.
They can be complementary and are sometimes combined in hormonal and skin wellness cures.

Where can I buy quality evening primrose oil?
Evening primrose oil is available in :

Pharmacies and food supplement stores → For concentrated, precisely dosed capsules.
Organic stores and herbalists → For virgin, cold-pressed oil, guaranteeing a higher concentration of active fatty acids.
Specialized online stores → Wide choice of certified organic and first cold-pressed oils.
It's advisable to choose a virgin, organic evening primrose oil stabilized with vitamin E for better preservation.

Does evening primrose oil have any contraindications?
Although evening primrose oil is a natural product, it should be used with caution in certain cases:

Not recommended for people on anticoagulant therapy, as it can thin the blood.
May interact with hormonal treatments, especially those for fertility or menopause.
Avoid in cases of epilepsy, as some studies suggest a possible increase in seizures.
Use with caution during pregnancy, and seek medical advice before taking.

Is evening primrose used in cosmetics and natural skin care?
Yes, evening primrose oil is a valuable ingredient in :

Moisturizing and anti-aging creams, for its action on skin elasticity and radiance.
Hair care products, especially repairing oils and serums for dry hair.
Nail care, to strengthen nails and prevent breakage.

Evening primrose is a plant with exceptional properties, mainly used in the form of oil rich in essential fatty acids. Whether to regulate hormonal imbalances, relieve inflammation or improve skin and hair, it is an essential natural ally for feminine well-being and overall health.