Native Americans have long valued the Evening Primrose plant for its healing powers. Scientific research focuses on the therapeutic effect of the oil obtained from its seeds, which contain an omega-6 essential fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Essential fatty acids (EFA's) such as GLA are utilised by the body to make up our basic cellular structure and to form the myelin sheath that insulates nerve cells and ensures the transmission of information to vital organs. EFA's are part of the mitochondria, the cell 'battery' that fules and energises the body, they also supply the precursors to the 'good' prostaglandins, which help to reduce inflammation and prevent blood clotting.
One of the leading uses of Evening Primrose Oil is in skin conditions such as eczema, a disorder that may develop when the body has trouble converting fats derived from food into GLA.
Recent research looks promising on the use of omega 6 fatty acids in assisting with depression and behavioural disorders.
Thompson's New Zealand-sourced Evening Primrose Oil contains 10% GLA and is cold processed to retain the quality of the essential oil, avoiding oxidation.
NB: while other sources of GLA, like borage and blackcurrent oil may contain higher amounts, there is doubt surrounding their biological activity, resulting in these forms being less clinically effective than Evening Primrose Oil.
Available in:
1000mg
1500mg
Evening Primrose Oil
1000mg
1500mg
Adults - One to three capsules daily (with food), or as professionally prescribed.
The average recommended therapeutic dose for adults is 3000mg daily.
esearch has been conducted into GLA and the relief of menstrual conditions such as PMS, cramps, breast tenderness and endometriosis. Studies show that people suffering from the inflammatory pain of rheumatoid arthritis may find relief with the use of EPO.
EPO has been shown to assist with neuropathy or nerve damage related to diabetes. Evening Primrose Oil may be useful in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, as well as other conditions that involve inflammation such as rosacea, acne and muscle pain.
Exciting new reserachis focusing on EPO to assist with mild depression, behavioural disorders, multiple sclerosis.
EPO can be applied topically to the skin or added to food when treating children.
Contraindications: Side effects are rare, however nausea may be avoided by taking EPO with food. Several sources recommend not using EPO in temporal lobe epilepsy. No drug-herb interactions have been reported.