Evening Primrose Oil - Pregnancy, PMS, Benefits Uses
Taken as a supplement, evening primrose oil has been thought to treat a variety of symptoms, such as acne, arthritis, pre-menstrual syndrome, nerve damage associated with diseases like lupus and Alzheimer's, impotence, and to increase fertility.
Evening primrose oil is a known source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an EPA that is vital to health and well-being.Who Needs Essential Fatty Acids Within Evening Primrose Oil?
Doctors recommend that approximately three percent of the adult diet should be essential fatty acids, and five percent of the diet for children and pregnant or lactating mothers.
Women who suffer from severe PMS often have lower levels of GLA than average. Taking a supplement of evening primrose oil raises the levels of GLA, which inhibits the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation. It also appears to be beneficial in decreasing breast tenderness and increasing the absorption of iodine for women with fibrocystic breasts. This is a great evening primrose oil benefit.
Some women use evening primrose oil for pregnancy . For women suffering from infertility, evening primrose oil can be used to increase the chances for pregnancy. The essential fatty acids found in primrose oil help in the production of quality cervical fluid and help improve uterine function, which prolongs the life of the sperm, increasing the chance of egg fertilization.
What to remeber when using Evening Primrose Oil:
However, use of evening primrose oil should be discontinued after conception because it can cause contractions in the uterus. A good substitute during pregnancy is flax seed oil. It is also thought to be an effective, natural treatment for impotence, especially when used in combination with ginkgo and Vitamin C.
Side Effects from using Evening Primrose Oil:
Side effects from the use of evening primrose oil are fairly mild, and can include headaches, bloating, and nausea. In order to avoid this, it is often recommended to take this supplement with a meal. Also, it is important to read the label to make sure of the dosage of primrose oil, as companies sometimes dilute it with other oils.
Medical opinion is divided on the effectiveness of evening primrose oil, particularly in the United States. Many American studies have proved inconclusive on many of the claims that are made by manufacturers of evening primrose oil products. However, extensive studies in Europe, particularly Great Britain, have shown the validity of some of these claims, particularly its effectiveness in increasing fertility and alleviating the symptoms associated with PMS.
Copyright 2004-2008 S&T US LLC