Evening Primrose Oil

Oenothera biennis

 

 

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Onagraceae, or the willowherb family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• Evening primrose is native to the US and Canada, and has been naturalized in other temperate and subtropical climates.  ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Oils are extracted from the seeds ^[1]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Anti-inflammatory
• Nutritive
• Hypotensive
• Inhibits platelet aggregation
• Antiallergic
• Corrects omega-6 fatty acid deficiency ^[1]
5. Indications:
• Inflammation: atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis
• Hormonal sx of PMS/Menopause - mastalgia, mood changes, hot flashes
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Fibrocystic breast conditions
• Schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, diabetic neuropathy, dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Cervical ripening - improvement in Bishop score and decreased cervical length, and labor induction ^[1]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and triacylglycerols are thought to help stimulate the body’s production of prostaglandins. ^[1]
7. System Affinities:
• Integumentary
• Endocrine  
8. Energetics:
• Soft, oily, moist, heavy
• Reduces/pacifies Vata, Pitta  ^[1]
9. Safety:
• Our powerpoint for this week (Riccio & Zollinger, 2018) lists the following contraindications for EPO: headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, and loose stools. Mills & Bone (2005) also advise not to use EPO’s with phenothiazines.  ^[1]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The EPO is clear, thin, not sticky, and smells like freshly sanded wood.
2. Preparation Method:
• Oil (capsules) – 1500 mg PO or PV 1x/day
3. Usage Notes:
• I was not a fan of taking this orally. I also wasn’t too fond of the experience of a vaginal dose. Combined with my own personal microbiome, this oil was a bit revolting. I would recommend capsules to my clients in the future – inserting them at night, and wearing a pantiliner overnight.

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 2 Study Questions. Bastyr University: FA-18_MW5124-A Botanicals 4: Labor.