Evening primrose, or common evening primrose, originated in North America and was introduced to Europe in the 17th century. At first it was considered only an ornamental plant, but later its healing properties were discovered, especially with regard to skin care and diseases.
Occurrence and cultivation of evening primrose
From a reddish colored stem depart various branches with bright yellow flowers arranged in a wreath shape. The beautiful evening primrose, which belongs to the evening primrose family, is a biennial plant, grows about 1 m high and blooms approximately from June to October. From a reddish colored stem depart various branches with bright yellow flowers arranged in a wreath shape. The leaves are ovate, with the tips towards the stem, and are larger in the lower part of the plant than in the upper part. The fruits of evening primrose are oblong and square, are about 3 cm long with many roundish seeds inside. Evening primrose grows where you would not expect such a beautiful plant, on sandy areas, rubble heaps, on railroad embankments, in quarries and on dry lawns. Its peculiarity can be seen already from its name: It starts blooming only in the late afternoon and unfolds its bright yellow flowers only at dusk and darkness. The next morning, when the sun shines again, the flowers wither.
Effect and application
In earlier times, evening primrose was mainly used as a vegetable. The fleshy, reddish root was boiled in broth or prepared with vinegar and oil. Its healing properties were not yet known, but it was known to bring sick people back on their feet more quickly. It was not until 1919 that it was discovered that evening primrose seeds contain a high proportion of gamma-linolenic acid (ten percent), which plays an important role in prostaglandin formation. In the body, prostaglandins ensure the suppleness of the skin, control the female sex hormones, dilate blood vessels and are needed to build up muscles. A deficiency of polyunsaturated fatty acids can be recognized by dry, flaky skin, dry, flaky hair and brittle fingernails. Evening primrose oil is particularly suitable for compensating for a deficiency of polyunsaturated fatty acids and also has a positive effect on signs of aging and a general weakness of the body. Due to the supply of gamma-linoleic acid, the metabolism becomes more active and the well-being improves. Evening primrose oil can be used internally, for example in the form of capsules, or externally. Externally, it is used mainly because it keeps the skin supple and regulates the moisture balance of the skin, which is especially important in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as neurodermatitis. Evening primrose oil helps against itching, redness and scaling of the skin and ensures a harmonious balance of the skin. Mature skin also reacts positively to the use of evening primrose oil, because it ensures that the skin remains elastic and does not dry out. Internally, it is used especially in naturopathy for the treatment of neurodermatitis, psoriasis, dry and itchy skin. Other applications include polyarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, elevated cholesterol, pollen allergy and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). During menopause, evening primrose oil can help improve hormonal balance. It is available as pure, high-quality oil, in the form of capsules, creams, ointments and body lotions.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Due to the special nature of its composition, evening primrose oil has an important role in body functions and inflammation. To maintain health, the body depends on essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, which it cannot produce itself and must take in through food. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, and the body can form prostaglandin from gamma-linolenic acid via an enzyme. If prostaglandin formation is disturbed, the immune system can no longer provide adequate protection against inflammation. Evening primrose oil intervenes in a regulating way. As with other remedies, side effects may occur, although rarely. When used internally, digestive problems, abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and epileptics should use preparations with evening primrose oil only after consulting a doctor.When applied externally in the form of ointments and creams, it should be noted that the skin should be protected from direct sunlight. It is better to apply creams and ointments in the evening. Evening primrose oil also has its place in veterinary medicine, both internally and externally. If you buy high-quality evening primrose oil, you should make sure that the opened bottle is always well resealed, and it must be stored in a cool, dry and dark place. If it comes into contact with oxygen, it can quickly become rancid. Unopened, the oil has a shelf life of about 1 year, if the bottle is opened, about 3 months. Because over a longer period of time is recommended to take a high dose, it is more useful to take in the form of capsules. However, evening primrose oil is used not only in medicine, but also in skin care products and soothes dry skin, acts on wrinkles and nourishes the skin after showering or bathing. Evening primrose oil is simply versatile.
