In the last couple of months evening primrose oil has been mentioned in various situations. Some people talk about its properties to heal the skin, others discuss the oil’s ability to cure painful menstrual cramps. This oil has so many applications that it is worth looking into.

Evening primrose oil is a natural carrier oil whose qualities and potential has been studied from scientists all over the world. In this article we would like to share some of the beneficial uses of the oil, as well, as inform you how to use Prim Oil - our own product based on this beautiful natural ingredient.

Evening primrose oil - a skin that glows from within

Evening primrose oil is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is derived from the Oenothera biennis plant. This is a commonly known wild flower whose home is North America. Historically, the plant has been used by Native Americans as food and medicine. European settlers imported the flower to Germany and England where it was initially only used as a cooking ingredient.

The evening primrose seeds are the ones that provide this finely textured oil. The oil itself is rich in essential fatty acids, namely gamma-linoleic acid (GLA),and linoleic acid (LA). Both LA and GLA are rich in omega-6 fatty acids. This makes evening primrose oil a good anti-inflammatory and antiseptic product that can also cure omega-6 deficiencies in the body. This carrier (or base) oil can be applied topically or used internally. It aids numerous conditions, such as painful PMS, pain and discomfort in the breasts, dry skin and eczemas.

A lesser-known fact: evening primrose oil is one of the best-selling natural medicines of all time. In most countries it is sold in the form of a dietary supplement and is usually used to cure eczemas, rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, breast pain, menopause symptoms, as well as many other health conditions.

Evening primrose oil is definitely not the only source of GLA. Various foods that we consume daily contain this beneficial acid. What is more, our own bodies have the ability to produce GLA, given that we have a healthy diet. However, evening primrose oil is one of the best sources of this acid because it is so highly saturated with it. GLA makes up 7 to 10% of all fatty acids in the oil.

You may find it interesting to know that both borage and black currant oils contain higher levels of GLA. Borage oil contains 20% to 26%, while black currant oil usually contains 14% to 19%. However, both of them are not as safe to use and do not find so many applications compared to evening primrose oil.

The high concentration of GLA is what makes evening primrose oil such a precious natural medicine. When you consume this product, your body transforms GLA into prostaglandins. These are hormonal compounds that regulate various bodily functions, control (or in some cases prompt) inflammatory processes. Prostaglandins that have been derived from GLA fall into the “anti-inflammatory substances” category. What is more, cell membranes are also dependent on GLA levels in the body - another good reason to have evening primrose oil in your medical cabinet.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids - what you need to know

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are classified according to their molecular structure. In the case of evening primrose oil their official medical classification is omega-6 fatty acids (n-6 fatty acid).

Linoleic acid (LA) is the most commonly found n-6 fatty acid. It can be discovered in the composition of numerous natural carrier oils. Our bodies cannot produce omega-6 fatty acids. That is why these compounds are considered essential fatty acids that we need to get through our diets.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are components of our cell membranes. These compounds have the following functions:

• Provide flexibility to cell membranes and benefit liquid absorption;
• Support normal cell structure;
• Support skin impermeability;
• Are used for the production and storage of energy;
• Are necessary precursors for the production of eicosanoids - compounds that are of high importance in inflammations and blood clotting;

The main eicosanoids types are prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes. 

Prostaglandins modify responses to different hormones, benefit the body’s response in case of inflammation, prevent ulcers, increase the breath flow towards the lungs, regulate the body’s temperature, and have many other secondary functions.

Leukotrienes are a part of the body’s response in case of an allergic or inflammatory reaction, while thromboxanes influence the aggregation of thrombocytes (the process of creating a blood clot). 

It has been proven that GLA from evening primrose oil is easier to absorb compared to other sources of this important fatty acid. Because of this, it can be quickly put to use.

Various applications of evening primrose oil

Hormonal health

Ingesting evening primrose oil is a great natural way to deal with painful symptoms of PMS for every woman. Thanks to its essential fatty acids, this oil drastically decreases all unpleasant sensations related to the days before your period. 

If you are trying to conceive, make sure you consume enough omega-3 and other healthy fats. Their sufficient levels can also balance some hormones so do not skip on foods that are rich in fatty acids. Add more fish, meat, eggs to your menu. You can also take the following dietary supplements:

Fermented Cod Liver Oil - 120 non-gelatin capsules

Neptune Krill Oil – 30 capsules

Boncol Omega-3 – fatty acids

Acne and skin problems

Hormonal imbalances can be the reason behind acne for teenagers, as well as adults. Many people who suffer from this skin condition do not find a solution in any medication. The reason is that medicine usually treats symptoms and not the actual cause.

In order to cure hormone-caused acne you have to take care of the hormonal imbalances in your body. You can do that with the help of evening primrose oil. This wonderful natural product can be used both internally and topically when you are dealing with acne. Its fatty acids help with the cellular structure of the skin, improve its elasticity and play a vital role in neural functions.

Internal use: Prim Oil - evening primrose oil - 60/100 capsules

Topical use: Prim Oil Melt 30 ml - a natural face cream with evening primrose oil and Prim Oil 10 ml - pure evening primrose oil

Dry skin also greatly benefits from evening primrose oil. Skin dryness and dehydration are caused by the epidermis’ inability to keep water molecules. Dryness can also be a symptom of atopic dermatitis - in this case the reason for it is the skin’s poor barrier function. Over-using corticosteroid based products can damage the skin even further. Psoriasis is another skin condition that often causes dryness. In medical terms it is defined as the accelerated process of skin proliferation which leads to clustering of underdeveloped cells on the upper-most skin layer. 

Dry skin can also be caused by poor skin function where the skin simply does not keep water molecules. It has been proven that GLA improves the skin’s barrier function and is especially helpful with dry skin and mild atopic dermatitis. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease which is characterized by overproduction of inflammatory mediators and weakened oxidative protection mechanisms. Experts are now clear that pathological angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels) plays vital role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. In a recent study, conducted with rats, scientists have tested the following qualities of evening primrose oil (as a single treatment and in combination with aspirin) - anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-angiogenesis. The results conclude that evening primrose oil greatly decreases synovial hyperplasia and the invasion of inflammatory cells in joint tissues.

About Prim Oil

Prim Oil - evening primrose oil contains 89% evening primrose oil which nourishes and hydrates the skin. This product is a great substitute to traditional mass-produced face creams. It also contains jojoba oil and vitamin E. It has a light texture and easily absorbs into the skin.

The many uses of Prim Oil:

• PMS - Prim Oil - evening primrose oil effectively relieves PMS symptoms and decreases the intensity of unpleasant menopause sensations;
• Acne - gently massage a few drops of evening primrose oil on a clean face before going to bed. Use instead of a night cream. Apply for a minimum of 5 consecutive evenings;
• Eczema - mih a few drops of Prim Oil with an unscented cream base and apply before going to bed;
• Rosacea - massage a few drops of the oil on the affected areas. Leave in for 30 minutes and finish by applying a gentle hydrating face cream on the entire face. Apply for at least 15 consecutive days;
• Psoriasis - use instead of conventional treatment products;

Prim Oil - evening primrose oil is a delicate natural product. However, if your skin is highly sensitive, you can do the following test to prevent any potential irritations:

Apply 1-2 drops of the oil in your elbow crease and wait for 12 hours. If there is no skin reaction (such as, redness, itchiness, swelling or other), it is safe to use the product and enjoy all the benefits that come from it.