Evening primrose oil (EPO) is a wildflower with yellow leaves that grows in the United States. EPO oil abroad has begun to be used as herbal medicine, especially for women.

EPO is available in the form of dietary supplements and skin medicinal preparations. The content of healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in EPO is said to provide various benefits, such as to treat bruises, throat problems, or digestive problems. Is this true?

Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil

Maintains Skin Health

Evening primrose oil can increase skin moisture and keep skin elastic, not dry and firm in adults and those with a history of atopy or allergies. There are studies with contradictory results regarding the effects of EPO on acne and inflammation on the skin, so further research needs to be done in this regard.

Helps Relieve PMS Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is thought to be related to changes in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, or prolactin (a hormone that plays a role in milk production and affects mood and other body functions) in the body. GLA (gamma-linolenic acid, a type of fatty acid that may help reduce inflammation) contained in evening primrose oil is thought to prevent prolactin from triggering PMS and inhibit prostaglandins (hormone-like substances that are involved in pain and inflammation).

It is suspected that EPO is effective in relieving complaints arising from PMS such as abdominal pain, bloating, breast tenderness, or irritability. But of course, since the research evidence related to this effect is still insufficient, further research is still needed.

Helps Reduce Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are one of the symptoms of menopause, where there is a warm sensation on the upper body, such as the face, neck, and chest. The skin can also look flushed as if it is blushing. Hot flashes cause sweating, even at night, which can disturb your sleep. EPO is thought to reduce the severity of hot flashes.

Know the Side Effects of Evening Primrose Oil

Not all women are suitable for taking EPO. Some people experience side effects after taking EPO. The reported side effects include:

• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Headache

Evening primrose oil may also interact with certain medications, such as:

• Digestive problems such as stomach pain
• Headache
• Increasing the effect of blood-thinning medications (which help prevent blood clots) and the risk of bleeding
• Raising the levels of antiretroviral drugs (ART, medications used to treat HIV), which may increase the risk of side effects

Taking EPO may also increase blood pressure, which may be associated with the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart diseases. Pregnant women are not advised to take EPO, as it may increase the risk of labor complications (such as premature labor or excessive bleeding) as well as bruising in the baby.

Before taking evening primrose oil, it is better to discuss it with your doctor first. In order not to overdo the dosage, it is better to follow the instructions and dosage stated on the supplement label or take it as per the doctor's recommended dosage.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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