Breast Pain Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil has been shown in double-blind studies to reduce the symptoms of breast pain. Evening primrose oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may be important to breast health. Many doctors recommend taking 3 grams per day for at least 6 months.
Contents
Is evening primrose good for breast?
Uses – has been used for (including pain related to the ).Evening primrose oil has not been shown to be effective for preventing or treating, If you have cancer or think you may have cancer, consult your doctor.Some herbal/ products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives.
What is the best supplement for hormonal breast pain?
Alternative medicine – Vitamins and dietary supplements may lessen breast pain symptoms and severity for some people. Ask your doctor if one of these might help you — and ask about doses and any possible side effects:
Evening primrose oil. This supplement may change the balance of fatty acids in your cells, which may reduce breast pain. Vitamin E. Early studies showed a possible beneficial effect of vitamin E on breast pain in premenstrual women who experience breast pain that fluctuates during the menstrual cycle. In one study, 200 international units (IU) of vitamin E taken twice daily for two months improved symptoms in women with cyclic breast pain. There was no additional benefit after four months. For adults older than 18 years, pregnant people and breastfeeding women, the maximum dose of vitamin E is 1,000 milligrams daily (or 1,500 IU).
If you try a supplement for breast pain, stop taking it if you don’t notice any improvement in your breast pain after a few months. Try just one supplement at a time so that you can clearly determine which one helps alleviate the pain — or not.
Which vitamin reduce breast pain?
Tips to Prevent or Ease Breast Pain – If your breast pain is clearly cyclic, or if you’ve already seen your doctor and ruled out a serious condition, here are eight ways to help manage the pain or to keep from making it worse:
Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. A high-fat diet can make breast pain worse — and there’s evidence it could actually increase your risk for breast cancer. Besides, we already know that eating right can help you feel better and live longer. Limit caffeine. Though it’s not conclusive, some studies have shown that women have less breast pain when they skip caffeine or reduce the amount they consume. Increase vitamin B6 and vitamin E. Both vitamins have been shown to help reduce breast pain. Vitamin E also protects your breasts from free radical damage that can destroy cells. Try evening primrose oil. It’s an excellent source of essential fatty acids, and fatty acid imbalance has been linked to breast pain. In fact, evening primrose oil is sometimes used to treat endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Make sure your bra fits properly. One of the most common causes of noncyclic breast pain is a poorly fitted bra. Try your bra on at the store, and get help from an experienced salesperson. Make sure the bra you choose is supportive and comfortable, and if you’re working out or playing sports, wear a good-quality sports bra. Schedule your mammogram the week after your period. Before or during your period, your breasts may be more sensitive. Limit sodium (salt) intake. Salt can cause fluid retention, which has been linked to breast pain. Maintain a good relationship with your healthcare team. Tell them about any pain or changes you can see or feel in your breasts. Make sure you’re comfortable talking to them and that they have the technology and expertise you need. Your primary care doctor, gynecologist and radiologist can help you manage breast pain, preserve your health and even save your life. But they can’t do it alone. The most important team member is you.
: 8 Ways to Manage Breast Pain and Tenderness
How to take primrose oil for breast pain?
1) Evening primrose oil. This supplement appears to change the balance of fatty acids in your cells, which may reduce breast pain. Some doctors recommend taking a 1,000-milligram capsule up to three times a day.
Which oil is best for breast pain?
How do you apply the oil to your breasts? – Proponents of using oil for breast enlargement suggest that it should be:
- room temperature or warm
- applied to both breasts
- massaged in a circular motion, moving from the outside to the inside of the breast
They also recommend massaging the oil into your breasts for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day to increase blood flow and gradually increase breast size. Although the topical application of oils won’t firm sagging breasts or increase breast size, many oils can be good for your skin, These oils include:
- Almond oil: contains vitamin E that helps moisturize your skin
- Coconut oil: contains vitamin E and fatty acids that help moisturize and keep moisture in your skin; it’s also naturally antifungal and antibacterial
- Jojoba oil: an emollient that can moisturize and soothe dry skin
- Lavender oil: an anti-inflammatory that can moisturize skin
- Olive oil: a vitamin-rich antioxidant and antibacterial that can moisturize skin
- Tea tree oil: an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
If you’re expecting the oil to firm or enlarge your breasts, your biggest risk is the risk of disappointment. If you’re using the oil to enhance the skin on your chest, the only risk may be an allergic reaction, For example, if you’re allergic to olives, you may have an allergic reaction to olive oil. If you’re not sure about a potential allergy, do a patch test:
- Wash your forearm with mild, unscented soap and water.
- Select a small area of skin on the inside of your arm, then apply a small amount of oil to that area.
- Cover the area with a bandage, and wait 24 hours.
- Monitor the area for signs of discomfort.
If after 24 hours, you don’t notice any signs of irritation, such as redness or blistering, it’s likely safe to apply the oil to a larger area. The internet has numerous articles and blogs about natural products and remedies to make your breasts firmer or larger.
- Even though these claims may be supported by photographs and anecdotal evidence, there’s no scientific evidence behind them.
- If you’re unhappy with the way your breasts look, talk to a doctor and have them recommend a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
- You can set up a consultation to discuss what you’re hoping to achieve and whether a surgical technique can help you attain the results you’re looking for.
Two surgical options to consider are:
- Breast lift: if you feel that your breasts are sagging and should be firmer
- Breast augmentation: if you feel that you would be happier with larger breasts
Breast size and shape typically vary from one person to another. If you feel that your breasts don’t look the way you want them to, you might search for ways to change them. Even though surgery is the only proven way to change breast size and shape, you’ll find claims on the internet for many alternatives, including oils.
Why not to take evening primrose oil?
Interactions – Possible interactions include:
- Anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs, herbs and supplements. These types of drugs, herbs and supplements reduce blood clotting. Combining oral use of evening primrose oil with them might increase the risk of bleeding.
- Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates. Use evening primrose cautiously if you’re taking a drug affected by these enzymes, such as lovastatin (Altoprev).
- Lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra). This combined medication is used in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Evening primrose oil might slow down how quickly this medication is broken down in the body.
- Phenothiazines. Taking evening primrose oil with these drugs used to treat serious mental and emotional disorders might increase risk of seizures in some people.
Is breast pain high or low estrogen?
1. Breast Tenderness – Sore breasts are a telltale sign of low estrogen levels and are normal. This is because, during the part of your cycle before your period, estrogen levels decrease naturally.
Does breast pain mean too much estrogen?
Symptoms of High Estrogen in Women – The signs and symptoms of high estrogen levels vary from person to person. Given below are some of the common high estrogen symptoms females usually experience: Weight gain: High estrogen levels in the body can lead to weight gain.
- One can experience fat build up in their hip, midsection and thigh area.
- Due to estrogen dominance, it also becomes difficult to get rid of all the fat in the body.
- Swollen or tender breasts : High levels of estrogen in the body can make one’s breast more tender and swollen especially around the nipples and front area.
This happens because our breasts are sensitive to hormone changes. Fibrocystic breasts: The high estrogen level makes the quality of the connective tissues in the breast to change from soft to bumpy and rope-like tissues known as the fibrocystic breast lumps.
- Irregular menstrual periods: Since estrogen plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle along with other hormones, a slight variation can lead to irregular periods, causing it to be late or early.
- Heavy periods: Estrogen is responsible for the thickening of the uterine lining.
- With the rising levels of estrogen hormone, the uterus lining thickens, which leads to painful and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Mood swings: Estrogen dominance can cause a range of mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Decreased sex drive: As the levels of estrogen hormone rises, one may notice a dip in their sexual drive. Severe headaches or migraines: Headaches during the menstrual cycles are normal and everyone experiences it.
- This happens due to the fluctuation of estrogen levels during menstrual cycles.
- In the same way, one may experience severe headaches and even migraines due to high levels of estrogen hormones.
- Hair loss: One may experience hair loss or hair thinning as a side-effect of low progesterone or high estrogen levels.
Cold hands or feet: Due to poor blood circulation caused by high estrogen levels, one may have cold hands and feet always. The exact reason behind this poor circulation is yet to be known. Memory loss: Researchers have found a link between the high estrogen levels and memory loss.
- Estrogen dominance can cause difficulty in remembering things.
- Insomnia: Experts say that the progesterone and estrogen levels should be balanced for a person to sleep peacefully.
- Progesterone helps one to calm their mind while estrogen keeps our body on the tip.
- As the estrogen rises, the progesterone level dips down, which in turn can keep one up all night.
Sleepiness or fatigue: Feeling tired, restless and exhausted more than often could be one of the symptoms of estrogen dominance. : Symptoms of High Estrogen in Females You Should Know
How do I know if breast pain is hormonal?
What is cyclical breast pain? – The most common type of breast pain is linked to the menstrual cycle. It is nearly always hormonal. Some women begin to have pain around the time of ovulation. The pain continues until the start of their menstrual cycle. The pain may be barely noticeable.
Or it may be so severe that you can’t wear tight-fitting clothing or handle close contact of any kind. The pain may be felt in only one breast. Or it may be felt as a radiating feeling in the underarm area. Some healthcare providers have women chart their breast pain to figure out if the pain is cyclical or not.
After a few months, the link between the menstrual cycle and breast pain will appear. Researchers continue to study the role that hormones play in cyclical mastalgia. One study has suggested that some women with this condition have less progesterone than they do estrogen in the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Other studies have found that an abnormality in the hormone prolactin may affect breast pain. Hormones can also affect cyclical breast pain due to stress. Breast pain can increase or change its pattern with the hormone changes that happen during times of stress. Hormones may not provide the total answer to cyclical breast pain.
When should you be worried about Breast Pain? With Dr Tasha
That’s because the pain is often more severe in one breast than in the other. Hormones would tend to affect both breasts equally. Many researchers believe that the answer may be a combination of hormonal activity and something in the breast that responds to this activity.
Does primrose oil and vitamin E help breast pain?
2. Should you combine taking evening primrose oil and vitamin E? – Recurring breast pain is referred to as moderate to severe pain in one or both breasts that persists for more than five consecutive days and is resolved after menopause. Recurring breast pain is associated with an intensification of symptoms before the onset of menstruation during the luteal phase of the period and is accompanied by congestion, pain, burning, heaviness, and tenderness in the breasts.
- Pain is the most common type of breast pain and accounts for about 67% of all painful breasts and takes more than 7 days in 11% of cases.
- This pain interferes with sexual activity in 48%, with about 37% of cases with physical function and with social functioning in 12% of cases.
- The three main causes of recurring breast pain are increased estrogen, decreased progesterone, and increased prolactin.
A reduction in the ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids as well as the role of inflammatory mechanisms including increased levels of inflammatory biomass such as 6- and 1-alpha interleukin and tumor necrosis factor have also been investigated.
Propose. Medicines used to treat recurring breast pain, such as danazol, tamoxifen, and bromocriptine, are often hormonal and cause serious side effects. Gynecological symptoms such as recurring pain in the breast which are often chronic in nature can be treated with natural herbs and supplements and have fewer side effects and are more fanciful than prescription drugs and no prescription.
Midwives should be mindful of evidence of treatments with fewer side effects and fewer interactions with other medications. Alternative treatments used as first-line treatment of recurring breast pain evening primrose oil and Vitamin E. The mechanism of Vitamin E in relieving breast periodic pain due to its antioxidant benefits is its ability to block lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase and prevent the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and thereby prevent the formation of fatty acids. Đau vú định kỳ được gọi là đau từ trung bình đến nặng ở một hoặc cả hai vú kéo dài hơn năm ngày liên tục và được khắc phục sau khi mãn kinh The diagnostic criteria were periodic breast tenderness for at least five consecutive days provided this was repeated in their previous two menstrual cycles.
- The human breast is then examined for volume, secretion, symmetry, and irregularities.
- After that, people are asked until the start of their next menstrual period to use the right bra as a supporter and minimizer of breast movement, and with the support of breast tissue, prevent pain from getting worse.
The evening primrose oil capsule group received two 1000mg capsules per day and the Vitamin E group received 400 IU capsules per day. All medications are taken by mouth with a glass of water for two menstrual cycles. Mean time of breast pain evening primrose oil and Vitamin E group before intervention with 1 month after intervention, before intervention 2 months after intervention and 1 month after intervention with 2 months after intervention all showed reduction cyclical breast pain symptoms.
Another trial was also performed.85 women with premenstrual discomfort were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four six-month oral treatments: vitamin E (1,200 IU daily), EPO (3,000 mg daily), vitamin E (1,200 IU daily) plus EPO ( 3,000 mg per day) or double a placebo. The primary outcome measure was change in breast pain, as measured by the modified McGill Pain Questionnaire at admission and at six months.
Forty-one patients completed the study. Analysis of intention to treat (trial before and after trial) showed a difference in the worst pain improvement with EPO (p = 0.005), vitamin E (p = 0.04) treatments.) and EPO plus vitamin E (p = 0.05), but not different from placebo (p = 0.93).
- Results from a two-sample t-test showed no significant reduction in pain in each cyclical spinal pain for the three treatment groups compared with placebo (EPO, p = 0.18; vitamin E, p).
- = 0.10; and EPO plus vitamin E, p = 0.16),
- The data were also analyzed with the Aickin split test, which showed a trend toward cyclical reduction in osteoarthritis pain with vitamin E and EPO alone and in combination.
Taking daily with 1,200 IU of vitamin E, 3,000 mg of EPO, or vitamin E and EPO in combination at the same dose for six months can reduce the severity of cyclic chest pain. Therefore, it is recommended to combine taking evening primrose oil and vitamin E to relieve cyclical breast pain.
How do you relieve breast pain naturally?
Home Remedies: Tending to breast tenderness For many women, breast pain resolves on its own over time and you may not need any treatment. However, while there is little research to show the effectiveness of these self-care remedies, some may be worth a try:
Use hot or cold compresses on your breasts. Wear a firm support bra, fitted by a professional if possible. Wear a sports bra during exercise, especially when your breasts may be more sensitive. Experiment with relaxation therapy, which can help control the high levels of anxiety associated with severe breast pain. Limit or eliminate caffeine, a dietary change some women find helpful, although medical studies of caffeine’s effect on breast pain and other premenstrual symptoms have been inconclusive. Follow a low-fat diet and eat more complex carbohydrates, a strategy that’s helped some women with breast pain in observational studies. Consider using an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) — but ask your doctor how much to take, as long-term use may increase your risk of liver problems and other side effects. Keep a journal, noting when you experience breast pain and other symptoms, to determine if your pain is cyclic or noncyclic.
Vitamins and dietary supplements may lessen breast pain symptoms and severity for some women. Ask your doctor if one of these might help you — and ask about doses and any possible side effects:
Evening primrose oil. This supplement may change the balance of fatty acids in your cells, which may reduce breast pain. Vitamin E. Early studies showed a possible beneficial effect of vitamin E on breast pain in premenstrual women who experience breast pain that fluctuates during the menstrual cycle. In one study, 200 IU of vitamin E taken twice daily for two months improved symptoms in women with cyclic breast pain. There was no additional benefit after four months.For adults older than 18 years, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women, the maximum dose of vitamin E is 1,000 milligrams daily (or 1,500 IU).
If you try a supplement for breast pain, stop taking it if you don’t notice any improvement in your breast pain after a few months. Try just one supplement at a time so that you can clearly determine which one helps alleviate the pain — or not. If you do require treatment, your doctor might recommend that you:
Eliminate an underlying cause or aggravating factor. This may involve a simple adjustment, such as wearing a bra with extra support. Use a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication. You may need to use NSAIDs when your pain is intense. Your doctor may recommend you apply an NSAID cream directly to the area where you feel pain. Adjust birth control pills. If you take birth control pills, skipping the pill-free week or switching birth control methods may help breast pain symptoms. But don’t try this without your doctor’s advice. Reduce the dose of menopausal hormone therapy. You might consider lowering the dose of menopausal hormone therapy or stopping it entirely. Take a prescription medication. Danazol is the only prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating breast pain and tenderness. However, danazol carries the risk of potentially severe side effects, such as acne, weight gain and voice changes, which limit its use. Tamoxifen, a prescription medication for breast cancer treatment and prevention, may be recommended for some women, but this drug also carries the potential for side effects that may be more bothersome than the breast pain itself.
: Home Remedies: Tending to breast tenderness
What is the fastest way to cure breast pain?
How is breast pain treated? – Since cyclic breast pain is a regular part of your menstrual cycle, it doesn’t require as much treatment. There are some pain-relieving medications you can take to help with your symptoms if the pain is becoming unmanageable, including:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Paracetamol®). Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®). Naproxen sodium (Aleve®, Naprosyn®). Aspirin (Anacin®, Bayer®). Diclofenac (Voltaren®).
If your breast pain is even more severe, your doctor may suggest Danazol or Tamoxifen, which are two prescription medications. But these two medications also have certain side effects, which is why it’s important to talk with your doctor before taking them, to determine whether it will be worth it for your specific case.
Wearing a well-fitting, supportive bra. (Breast size and shape changes over time. So, make sure you’re routinely fitted for the correct bra size.) Taking Vitamin E supplements and other multivitamins. Eliminating caffeine from your diet. Avoiding tobacco products. Using evening primrose oil. Applying heat to the most painful area on your breast, being sure to protect your skin. Taking magnesium supplements. If you take these during your menstrual cycle, roughly two weeks before your period, it can help relieve some of your symptoms. Applying over-the-counter trolamine salicylate cream to ease aches and pains. Relaxation and complementary therapy.
Your healthcare provider may suggest using some of the same medications to treat the symptoms of noncyclic breast pain. However, if they can find the underlying cause of your pain (such as a fibroadenoma, a cyst or a benign lump), they can remove it and relieve your symptoms.
What does evening primrose oil do to female hormones?
Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of evening primrose, a plant native to North America. The oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is an essential omega-6 fatty acid that has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
- While most Americans get enough omega-6 fatty acids, the GLA found in evening primrose oil is a healthier form of omega-6 because of the prostaglandins it contains.
- Evening primrose oil can be taken orally or applied topically when the need arises for many unique health benefits for women.
- Pre-Menstrual Syndrome and Menopause: Evening primrose oil helps support hormonal balance and has been found to be effective at reducing menstrual cramping, bloat, water retention, breast tenderness and irritability due to hormonal shifts during a women’s cycle.
Research has also found the oil to be effective at reducing the severity of hot-flashes during menopause. Fertility: The GLA in Evening primrose increases the production of cervical mucus, a factor in successful reproduction. The high concentration of essential fatty acids also contribute to healthy uterine cells which improves contraction and relaxation of uterine muscle tissues improving fertility.
- For this reason Evening primrose oil should not be taking during pregnancy.
- Skin Health: Eczema sufferers often endure red, itchy, swollen and scabbed skin due to an allergic reaction to either a food or an environmental allergy.
- People with eczema typically also are deficient in fatty acids.
- The GLA in Evening primrose oil has been found to help with the inflammatory response seen in eczema.
The oil is also helpful in psoriasis as it normalizes the excessive skin growth that results in skin plaquing. Other skin conditions including acne, dermatitis and age related skin fatigue can also benefit from Evening primrose oil.
Can I take evening primrose oil everyday?
Summary – It’s possible for adults to take EPO every day, but it’s important they stick to the recommended dosage. It shouldn’t be given to children unless directed by a health professional. You shouldn’t take it if you are on blood-thinning drugs, have epilepsy or similar, or are pregnant.
When should a woman take primrose oil?
What can evening primrose oil do for menopause? – Evening primrose oil is used by many women to treat the symptoms of menopause. The oil does not stop the menopausal process but helps users deal with common side effects. Hot flashes, a condition that causes women to become hot and flustered, are said to be alleviated by evening primrose oil.
Can evening primrose oil make breast pain worse?
Evening primrose oil has been shown in double-blind studies to reduce the symptoms of breast pain. Evening primrose oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may be important to breast health. Many doctors recommend taking 3 grams per day for at least 6 months.
Can evening primrose correct hormonal imbalance?
Questions Evening Primrose Oil – Evening Primrose Oil is a very good source of Gamma Linolenic Acid. It is good for supporting the female metabolism by maintaining hormonal balance, healthy skin, nails and supple joints. Many women take Evening Primrose Oil supplements before and during menstruation to help with the negative symptoms of PMS, as well for helping with hot flashes during menopause and GLA has also been found to benefit arthritis sufferers.
- Evening Primrose Oil capsules can be bought online directly from the Beeline Healthcare online shop.
- The supplement can also be purchased in-store at supermarkets or pharmacies nationwide.
- Evening Primrose Oil comes from the seeds of the evening primrose plant.
- It is one of the richest sources of Gamma Linolenic Acid.
GLA supports the female metabolism by maintaining hormonal balance, healthy skin and supple joints.
How much evening primrose oil to take for breast cysts?
– How Are Fibrocystic Breasts Diagnosed? Fibrocystic breast symptoms are common around the menstrual cycle (period). However, if you find a new breast lump or change in the breast that persists after your period, you should schedule an evaluation with your health care provider.
A mammogram, which is a special x-ray of the breast A breast ultrasound, which uses sound waves to evaluate of the breast tissue
Treatment and Management Treatment for fibrocystic breasts is needed only if you have symptoms that bother you. If a cyst (fluid-filled sac) has developed in the breast tissue, your health care provider may be able to remove the fluid with a fine needle, which may relieve the pain. The following lifestyle changes may also help control symptoms:
Limit or eliminate caffeine. Many women swear by this dietary change, although medical studies of the effect of caffeine on breast pain and other premenstrual symptoms have been inconclusive. Wear a firm support bra, preferably a sports bra, to limit movement of the breast tissue that can cause pulling and inflammation of the breasts. Wear the bra during exercise and while sleeping, especially when the breasts may be more sensitive. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, as directed by your health care provider. Keep a journal of the breast pain, This may be helpful in determining the timing of your breast symptoms in relation to your period or with other triggers, like caffeine intake. Use a warm compress or take a warm shower. Decrease the fat in your diet, which may improve breast pain by altering the fatty acid balance. Reduce or stop taking hormone therapy if you are menopausal. Make sure you talk with your health care provider before changing or stopping medications. Consider taking a monophasic oral contraceptive pill if you are using oral contraceptives. If you are already taking using a hormonal birth control, you may require an adjustment. Ask your health care provider if taking an oral contraceptive pill is safe for you.
The following vitamins and supplements may be recommended by your health care provider:
Evening primrose oil. This supplement appears to change the balance of fatty acids in your cells, which may reduce breast pain. Some doctors recommend taking a 1,000-mg capsule up to 3 times a day. Start at 500 mg daily. Take evening primrose oil with food, and do not take it at bedtime because it can cause stomach upset and reflux problems. For optimal benefit, take evening primrose oil for at least 3 months. Vitamin E. Early studies showed a possible beneficial effect of vitamin E on breast pain in premenstrual women who experience breast pain that fluctuates during the menstrual cycle; however, the medical literature to date remains inconclusive. Some doctors recommend taking 400 IU up to twice daily. The supplement is well tolerated. Taking more than 400 IU daily can lead to blood thinning and may cause problems for individuals with bleeding disorders or stomach ulcers.
: Fibrocystic Breasts
Is 1000mg of evening primrose oil too much?
Evening primrose is a plant with yellow flowers native to North America. Its seeds are used to produce evening primrose oil, also sometimes called night willow herb, fever plant, or King’s cure-all. Native Americans used evening primrose oil to heal wounds and treat issues like stomach pain and sore throat.
- By the 17th century, it became a popular folk remedy in Europe — where it earned the nickname “King’s cure-all”.
- Today you can buy evening primrose oil at grocery stores and online.
- To use, apply directly to your skin or take as an oral supplement.
- While research is ongoing to confirm the oil’s historical claims, studies offer some scientific support for several potential health benefits.
Evening primrose oil is rich with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving effects. Many people use GLA as a type of medicine. Researchers believe its soothing properties contribute to evening primroseoil’s potential health benefits like: Skin Health Research suggests that the GLA in evening primrose oil is essential for good skin health.
- One study found that taking the oil by mouth significantly improved skin moisture, roughness, firmness, and elasticity.
- It may help treat certain skin conditions as well.
- The oil’s moisture-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties might help fight acne or eczema, but clinical studies show conflicting results.
Alleviate Premenstrual Syndrome Scientists believe that sensitivity to changing hormone levels may cause premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in women. These hormones are influenced by essential fatty acids like the GLA in evening primrose oil, pointing to the oil’s potential to alleviate discomfort.
Digestive issues Irritability and depression Backache Fatigue Breast pain or tenderness
Menopausal Relief Evening primrose oil has been shown to help relieve hot flashes in menopausal women, including their severity, frequency, and duration. One clinical trial found that in addition to hot flash relief, participants taking the oil also improved other metrics like social interactions and sexuality.
Arthritis PainReduction The GLA in evening primrose oil may reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, This condition happens when the immune system attacks the body’s tissues. It affects many people around the world and is characterized by painful swelling of the hands and feet, and stiffening of the joints.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, studies show supplementing with evening primrose oil can reduce pain severity and improve mobility. It also helps with symptoms like morning stiffness better than medication alone. In general, evening primrose oil is considered safe for most people to use.
- However, some studies indicate that it may cause problems for people with certain health conditions.
- These include cancer and pregnancy.
- Talk to your doctor before adding it or any other supplement to your diet, considering the oil’s potential health risks: Side Effects Some people report minor side effects when taking evening primrose oil, like stomach pain, digestive problems, and headaches.
Add it to your diet slowly and stop taking it if symptoms don’t go away. Medication Interactions Evening primrose oil may enhance the effects of blood thinners or antiplatelet medications or increase bleeding risk in people taking them. Evening primrose oil also significantly increases the levels of antiretroviral drugs that treat HIV, which can raise the risk of adverse effects.
Blood Pressure Evening primrose oil may increase blood pressure, High blood pressure can lead to heart-related problems like a heart attack, stroke, or other heart diseases, Talk to your doctor before taking the oil if you are managing your blood pressure levels, Pregnancy Do not take evening primrose oil if you are pregnant.
Doing so may endanger you or the baby. Reported side effects include delivery complications and newborn bruising, Since evening primrose oil is a nutritional supplement, there is no recommended daily amount set for its use. The average supplement contains about 1.3 grams of evening primrose oil, and clinical trials that study its health benefits use doses that range between 500 milligrams and 8 grams per day.
How much evening primrose oil can I take at once?
The recommended dose of evening primrose oil is 8 to 12 capsules a day, at a dose of 500 milligrams per capsule.
Is 3000 mg of evening primrose oil too much?
How to Take Evening Primrose Oil – Evening primrose oil has been shown to be beneficial in doses of 3000mg to 4000mg daily, which can be divided into several doses throughout the day. When looking for a high-quality evening primrose oil product, the oil should be standardised to around 8% GLA.
- This means you will ideally be taking around 240mg to 320mg of GLA daily.
- There are several different preparations of evening primrose oil available so it can be tricky deciding how to take evening primrose oil to best suit your needs.
- The oil can be applied topically to skin and hair, either neat or mixed with a moisturiser.
It is easy to absorb and non-comodogenic so it won’t block the pores. In supplement form, you should take evening primrose oil with food to ensure good absorption into the body. Due to the way evening primrose oil works, it is unlikely to provide instant relief.
Instead, the oil should be taken for several months. If you are taking any prescription medications, check that they are safe to take in combination with evening primrose oil prior to supplementation. Many experts advise pregnant women to avoid using evening primrose oil because the oil is believed to trigger uterine contractions and may induce labour.
While some experts suggest that the oil is safe to take for at least 34 weeks into pregnancy, others recommend avoiding it all together.