PMS Help: Evening Primrose Oil
18 July 2007 – 9:33 am
What Is Evening Primrose Oil?
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant.
The evening primrose plant is native to North America.
Evening primrose oil contains a fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA).
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is metabolized by the body to form prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are a hormone like substance which has anti-inflammatory, immune boosting and hormone balancing properties.
The main health functions of evening primrose oil are:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anticancer
- Blood thinner
- Blood vessel dilator
- Lowers cholesterol levels
How Evening Primrose Oil Can Help Your PMS?
Trials have shown that taking evening primrose oil can indeed help reduce your PMS symptoms.
It is believe this is due to the gamma linolenic acid (GLA) content of evening primrose oil.
Women with PMS tend to have impaired conversion of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid to gamma linolenic acid (GLA).
It is believe that the deficiency of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) might be a factor in PMS symptoms.
How Much Evening Primrose Oil Do You Need To Take To Help Your PMS?
To help with your PMS symptoms, try taking 3–4 g per day of evening primrose oil supplements with food.
Note: evening primrose oil is generally safe to take, but as with all supplements, please consult your doctor before you take evening primrose oil supplements.
So, to sum up…
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant.
Evening primrose oil contains a fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA).
The gamma linolenic acid (GLA) content of evening primrose oil is believed to help with PMS symptoms.
