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Evening Primrose Oil is derived from the seeds of the Evening Primrose plant. The same plant is also referred to as Suncups and Sundrops. This wildflower perennial plant is native to North and South America and usually sports beautiful yellow blooms, although other species of the same plant exist in a variety of colours including purple, red, pink and white. Its name quite literally refers to the fact that the blooms of the Evening Primrose only open in the evening.
Its young roots can be eaten like a vegetable. Mature seeds of the plant contain approximately 10% gamma-linolenic acid, while extracted Evening Primrose oil contains approximately 70% linoleic acid and 9% gamma-linolenic acid. Native Americans used the seeds for food. They also made poultices with the entire plant to sooth bruises and various skin conditions.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an Omega-6 essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own.
The human body requires a balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are several types of essential fatty acids. Some are healthier than others, like those found in Evening Primrose Oil. Evening Primrose Oil is particularly useful for those who do not get enough essential fatty acids in their diets, have low thyroid function or have received radiation treatment. This precious oil has so many health benefits it is astounding. In the interest of the main purpose of this blog, however, I will first discuss the benefits of Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) to those trying to conceive, those who have fertility problems and/or those suffering with related health issues.
First of all, EPO regulates estrogen and progesterone. In the interest of increasing fertility, EPO helps to produce quality fertile cervical mucus by regulating the moisture of mucus membranes, which is central to aiding sperm as it travels to the egg. The proper texture and sufficient amount of fertile cervical mucus that EPO facilitates allows the sperm to moves freely through the cervix. Fairhaven Health�s Evening Primrose Oil balances female reproductive hormones naturally and should only be taken during the pre-ovulation period of each cycle until ovulation is either assumed or confirmed. Formulated by ObGyn Dr. Amos Grunebaum, this product contains an amazing blend of antioxidants including Vitamin E and Selenium that remove free radicals from the body, thus increasing fertility.
A related product and another great way to enhance the production of fertile cervical mucus is with the use of Fairhaven�s FertileCM Cervical Mucus Enhancer. Additional benefits include an increase in female sexual arousal and stimulation, thus improving the rate of conception even further. It facilitates a healthy pH balance, healthy vascular blood flow to the uterus and strengthens the uterine lining � which are all central to successful implantation. Learn more about FertileCM here.
To continue with the benefits of Evening Primrose Oil, many women take EPO to relieve symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (POS), breast pain and menopause. Although there is currently a severe lack of studies that confirm scientifically that EPO can successfully treat these issues, statistics have shown successes amongst many women using EPO to treat the associated symptoms of these ailments.
I will now list some uses for EPO. Various clinical trials and studies have shown that EPO can be used to treat the following:
PMS and Menopause - EPO is used to treat a variety of women�s health issues. In relation to PMS and Menopause, EPO is used to relieve the pains associated with the menstrual cycle and menopausal symptoms including mastalgia.
Mastalgia � Even though there is a severe lack of scientific evidence that concludes that EPO is helpful in the treatment of breast pain, it is still used to treat mastalgia in a number of European countries.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (POS) � Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome tend to experience irregular or absent periods, obesity, acne, excessive hair growth, cancer, infertility, anxiety or depression, oily skin, dandruff, pelvic pain, high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and potentially type-2 diabetes. As we have learned, Evening Primrose Oil provides the body with the essential Omega-6 fatty acid, Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) that acts as a building block for sex hormones while regulating estrogen and progesterone. Just to recap, Evening Primrose Oil is a great way to increase cervical fluid and metabolic function, while providing a healthy environment for conception. Used in combination with Vitamin E and Selenium, like in Fairhaven�s EPO blend, many of the symptoms of POS can be relieved.
Eczema and Dermatitis � Evening Primrose Oil has been approved for the treatment of skin disorders in many countries outside of the United States. It has been used for the treatment of eczema since the 1930s. Additionally Fairhaven�s EPO is fortified with Vitamin E. There are many benefits to Vitamin E such as the promotion of healthy skin and hair, making this product an excellent tool in the fight against various skin conditions.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - As a condition characterized by inflammation, it should come as no surprise that Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin E can be used to relieve symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. EPO and Vitamin E both work as powerful antioxidants, resulting in a counter action of free radical formation within the body. Free radical and toxin formation within the body is strongly correlated with the aging process. A few studies have shown that those suffering with RA who took EPO felt better, but there is no evidence to suggest that EPO slows down the process of joint damage associated with RA. That being said, it is also suggested that EPO can aid in the treatment of Osteoporosis.
Heart Disease � EPO has been used in the past to decrease the risk of heart disease as it thins (Vitamin E) and lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.
Bronchitis � Some studies suggest that EPO can be used successfully in the treatment of acute bronchitis, especially when consumed in combination with thyme.
Hangovers � Yes. Studies have shown that Evening Primrose Oil can even reduce the effects of hangovers, alcohol poisoning and alcohol withdrawal. Again, this is not a proven scientific fact but related studies suggest significant success rates when treating hangovers with EPO.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy - DPN is a nerve condition that afflicts those suffering with diabetes. Symptoms include numbness in the legs and arms, and can often result in sometimes painful tingling and burning sensations.
In conclusion, Evening Primrose Oil is pretty amazing. Its endless list of medical applications coupled with its all-natural properties should make EPO a staple in many medicine cabinets, if it isn�t there already. Click here to order yours today.
Sourced Information http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/eveningprimroseoil.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oenothera http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/evening-primrose-000242.htm http://www.nutritionalsupplementscenter.com/info/vitamins/vitamine.html
