Evening Primrose
Oenothera Biennis
Evening Primrose Oil is a popular oil that has been commercialised due to its many beneficial properties. It can help with a number of skin conditions as well as reducing blood pressure and improving your heart health.
History of Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil was originally used by Native Americans as a medicine. It was used to treat wounds, burns and also as a mild sedative due to its soothing properties. Since then it has been used globally throughout history to treat a number of issues, namely skin conditions as well as respiratory problems, diseases and conditions such as arthritis. It can grow in challenging, hot conditions which is a difficult attribute to find, and further boosts its accessibility and price point. The texture of the oil is thick, similar to Castor Oil consistency and takes a while to absorb into the skin when used topically.
Evening Primrose Oil was commercialised in the late 90's, and is used in tablet forms as well as teas, powders and oils. It can be used by practically anyone without any side effects, aside from those who suffer with epilepsy or seizures. It is one of the most accessible and highly commercialised oils on the market, and there is scientific research to support its benefits which further boosts its popularity in modern and alternative medicine. There is even evidence to suggest that the oil can help recovering alcoholics - how amazing is that!?
So, why is Evening Primrose Oil still so popular today?
Because it’s one of the best essential oils you can own! Not only is it easy to access and simple to use, it can be applied topically and come in multiple liquids and powders, too. It has scientific research to support its benefits and claims, and can be used by practically everybody! A lot of regular essential oil users will have Evening Primrose Oil in their collection, because it can work powerfully to tackle a number of issues on its own whilst also complementing other oils on the market.
Its only downfall is its scent, as you wouldn't look to use Evening Primrose Oil as an air freshener or perfume; its name is deceptive! However, this hasn’t deterred people over thousands of years to still see it as a staple, and we would consider this a medicinal essential oil rather than one you’d use in aromatherapy. Overall, it’s one of our favourites and what we’d consider as a staple in our collections!
Extracting Evening Primrose Oil
The oil is made from the seeds and the flowers of the evening primrose plant, and is obtained via cold pressing. This is a common method used to extract essential oils on a commercial scale, and is one of the few oils that you can’t obtain via steam distillation. Some distributors may also use hexane to extract the oil, as a secondary step to cold pressing, as this can help to yield more oil.
Can I make Evening Primrose Oil at home?
In theory you can! The plant can grow in challenging conditions with extreme heat, so providing that you have the right climate to grow the plant, you could make your own oil at home. You’d have to own a cold press and potentially Hexane to yield the most oil. Unfortunately this is an oil that you wouldn’t be able to make via steam distillation, so if that’s the method you prefer to use at home due to owning a small distillation unit, you may be better off buying the oil instead (especially as it’s easy to access!).
If you wanted to infuse a carrier oil with Evening Primrose Oil you could also do this by putting the seeds in a cheesecloth bag and putting it in a saucepan with a carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil. Then, heat the mixture for 6-8 hours and you’ll be left with an infusion of the two oils. It won’t be as effective as the absolute essential oil, but it’s a great alternative if you really want to try making the oil in the comfort of your own home!
Can I make Evening Primrose Oil at home?
In theory you can! The plant can grow in challenging conditions with extreme heat, so providing that you have the right climate to grow the plant, you could make your own oil at home. You’d have to own a cold press and potentially Hexane to yield the most oil. Unfortunately this is an oil that you wouldn’t be able to make via steam distillation, so if that’s the method you prefer to use at home due to owning a small distillation unit, you may be better off buying the oil instead (especially as it’s easy to access!).
If you wanted to infuse a carrier oil with Evening Primrose Oil you could also do this by putting the seeds in a cheesecloth bag and putting it in a saucepan with a carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil. Then, heat the mixture for 6-8 hours and you’ll be left with an infusion of the two oils. It won’t be as effective as the absolute essential oil, but it’s a great alternative if you really want to try making the oil in the comfort of your own home!
Bergamot Oil Varieties
Evening Primrose Oil Varieties
There are 4 common varieties of Evening Primrose, these are O. Glazioviana, O. Biennis, O. Cambrica and O. Stricta. Of course there are multiple species of Evening Primrose within these, as there are over 100 that can be found across the globe. There is no research to support that one particular variation has better properties than others, which further boosts its accessibility. Evening Primrose Oil can also be consumed by practically everybody, aside from those who suffer with epilepsy or seizures. Pets cannot ingest Evening Primrose Oil as it is toxic to them - regardless of which variety you use.
So, which variety of Evening Primrose Oil should I use?
There is no evidence to suggest that one variation of Evening Primrose Oil is better than others, so we recommend buying from brands and companies that distribute organic, and 100% ‘essential’ or ‘absolute’ oil to feel the full benefits.
There will be companies that sell the oil, but it may not be completely pure, which we don’t recommend purchasing. If you choose to buy the oil in capsule form, ensure that you check the ingredients on the back - which should only be the oil, as well as the shell capsule which is often gelatin. If you’re Vegan and looking to purchase capsules make sure you buy from a Vegan retailer, as you want to find capsules that are not made from gelatin.
If you choose to buy a blend of Evening Primrose Oil with another vitamin or mineral, ensure that you only use it in conjunction with what the retailer has suggested, as it may not be suitable for certain things due to the blend.
What do you think of Evening Primrose Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Is there a particular variety that you’ve found works well? We love to hear your stories so we can educate ourselves and the rest of the Essentially Yours community. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
So, which variety of Evening Primrose Oil should I use?
There is no evidence to suggest that one variation of Evening Primrose Oil is better than others, so we recommend buying from brands and companies that distribute organic, and 100% ‘essential’ or ‘absolute’ oil to feel the full benefits.
There will be companies that sell the oil, but it may not be completely pure, which we don’t recommend purchasing. If you choose to buy the oil in capsule form, ensure that you check the ingredients on the back - which should only be the oil, as well as the shell capsule which is often gelatin. If you’re Vegan and looking to purchase capsules make sure you buy from a Vegan retailer, as you want to find capsules that are not made from gelatin.
If you choose to buy a blend of Evening Primrose Oil with another vitamin or mineral, ensure that you only use it in conjunction with what the retailer has suggested, as it may not be suitable for certain things due to the blend.
What do you think of Evening Primrose Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Is there a particular variety that you’ve found works well? We love to hear your stories so we can educate ourselves and the rest of the Essentially Yours community. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is considered one of the ‘holy grails’ in natural health. Used for centuries, it’s been a staple in alternative and modern natural medicine as it can be used to target a number of issues. Acne, stomach pain, wounds, cuts, bruises, rashes and the common cold are just some of the things that Evening Primrose Oil can target against. After its commercialisation in the 1990's, it is an easily accessible oil and can be found as capsules, ointments, powders and teas.
So, what are the benefits of using Evening Primrose Oil?
Can clear up your skin
Evening Primrose Oil can combat acne, rosacea, acne and other skin conditions. Whether it is made into a serum, or applied as a night oil on affected areas, it has been proven to soothe and nourish the skin, even if you suffer with sensitive skin!
Reduces pain
Menstrual cramps, joint pain, stomach pain and muscle stiffness are never great to experience. Evening Primrose Oil tackles pain completely naturally, so if you are looking to step away from pills and lotions that never seem to work, try using Evening Primrose Oil on a regular basis and you’ll be astonished by the results!
Improves heart health
Evening Primrose Oil has been proven to improve heart health due to its anti-inflammatory properties. If you struggle with blood pressure imbalance, speak with your doctor about how you can incorporate Evening Primrose Oil into your day to day life to help your heart health.
Improves mood
In studies, Evening Primrose Oil has been proven to help with hormonal imbalances and feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. To feel the benefits you’ll need to regularly take Evening Primrose Oil, but the long term results that you reap are brilliant.
Fights infection
Evening Primrose Oil has been used for centuries to help with cuts, bruises and irritations, so using this topically to help fight infection when sick is a huge benefit!
Please note that the benefits of Evening Primrose Oil can vary from person to person, and if you suffer from epilepsy and seizures you should never under any circumstance consume Evening Primrose Oil. If you are using the oil topically, consult with your dermatologist if you are on any topical medications for skincare issues.
Uses of Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is one of the most versatile oils in terms of what it targets. Whether it’s skincare, illnesses or general wellbeing - Evening Primrose Oil can tackle a number of issues. Originally used by Native Americans to treat wounds, cuts and bruises, it is now a widely commercialised product which is easy to access and simple to use.
So, what can I use Evening Primrose Oil for?
Acne
Evening Primrose Oil can be applied topically to help acne. It’s an oil that you will need to use on a regular basis to see results, but there have been studies to show that continued use of Evening Primrose Oil reduces breakouts and helps acne-prone skin.
Eczema
Similar to acne treatment, Evening Primrose Oil can be an effective treatment for eczema. With antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, Evening Primrose Oil can soothe eczema flare ups and can be managed long term if you take the oil on a regular basis.
Muscle pain
Evening Primrose Oil can help with general muscle pain, as well as menstrual pain and cramps. It is an effective and natural method which when incorporated into your diet on a regular basis can help to reduce these feelings (especially period pain).
Digestive issues
Evening Primrose Oil on a regular basis can help to balance your digestive system and help with bloating and cramping.
Cold or cough
If you are struggling with the common cold or a cough, try diffusing Evening Primrose Oil to reduce the longevity of your symptons.
Balancing hormones
Similar to managing menstrual pain, Evening Primrose Oil can really help to balance hormones, especially during the tougher parts of your menstrual cycle.
Regulating blood pressure
Evening Primrose Oil used on a regular basis has been proven to regulate blood pressures, especially in cases where individuals suffer from high blood pressure. If you are already on medication for your heart, ensure that you consult with a doctor before using. It may take some time (weeks/months) to see any noticeable change, but it’s a natural remedy to regulating your blood pressure!
Blends well with
Unlike most oils we have on the website, Evening Primrose Oil is one of the few that we will not share aromatherapy blends with, purely because it isn’t used in that respect. Instead, we’ve chosen a selection of oils that can be used topically with Evening Primrose Oil to help you maximise your usage!
Castor Oil
A thick, nourishing and multi-use oil, Castor Oil has similarities to Evening Primrose Oil in the sense that it isn’t used in aromatherapy, and is popular for medicinal remedies. One of our favourite ways to use castor and evening primrose is through making a “Castor Oil pack”. These are particularly popular for people who suffer with severe menstrual cramps, who are looking for a natural pain reliever that they can count on. Adding a few drops of Evening Primrose Oil into the mixture is a great way to blend two pain-eliminating oils! Search “castor pack” to find the recipe!
Jojoba Oil
One of our favourite carrier oils, Jojoba Oil is the perfect companion for skin care because the makeup of the oil mimics the oils produced by your skin. This means that you’re less likely to have excessive breakouts when using this oil. Add a few drops of Evening Primrose Oil into the mix and you have a perfect serum/night oil that you can massage into your face before bed. It’ll brighten your skin, reduce dark spots, puffiness and fine lines.
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Argan Oil
The oil that is a ‘holy grail’ in hair products, argan and evening primrose work effectively together to create strengthening hair products or can be brushed onto
Vitamin E Oil
One of our favourites is blending Vitamin E Oil with E Evening Primrose Oil and using it as a night treatment. It’s enriching, nourishing and will breathe life back into your complexion. We wouldn’t recommend this as a day oil because of the consistency (quite thick) but as a night product we love it.
Omega 3 Oil
If you’re looking to up your vitamin and mineral intake, combining your Evening Primrose Oil with Omega 3 Oil is an amazing blend which can boost your skin, hair, digestive system and so much more. Please note that you will start to see results after regularly using this blend, and make sure that you don’t exceed the recommended dosage!
