Evening Primrose Oil
Pressed from the sees of Oenothera biennis
Therapeutics
Anti-inflammatory, emollient, nervine tonic, promotes gut health
Plant Anatomy & Harvest
Native to the Americas, evening primrose is a biennial that also grows across Europe and parts of Asia. It gets its name from its bright yellow flowers that open in the evening and close again in the morning light.
Traditionally the leaves and flowers were harvested to create poultices for wound healing. The leaves chewed in order to relieve sore throats and to support gut health. Today, evening primrose oil is extracted from the seed of the plant and is used widely to support women's health and soothe skin in topical formulas. The oil may be ingested or applied directly to the skin.
Color
The oil is yellow to amber in color
Scent
Nutty, and vegetable-oil esc
Taste
Mild
Quality
A heavy oil that absorbs slowly with a rich, luxurious texture.
Constituents
linoleic acid and γ-linolenic acid and other omega-6 fatty acids, palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, and eicosanoids
Uses
The oil may be applied directly to the skin, as well it can be ingested for an extra boost to your diet.
No known side effects, safe to use daily.
References
Timoszuk, M., Bielawska, K., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2018). Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Biological Activity Dependent on Chemical Composition. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 7(8), 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox7080108