Women leave no stone unturned to achieve enviable skin and gorgeous hair. But what if a simple oil replaces all our efforts by taking the utmost care of our skin and hair? With primrose oil, it is possible. Being an oil with plenty of essential nutrients can successfully treat many of our beauty issues while keeping our health perfect. So, if you are interested in maintaining your overall health and beauty naturally, consider primrose oil as your elixir. Here is everything you need to know about this wonder ingredient.
What Is Primrose Oil?
Primrose Oil or Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is a golden-yellow colored oil of thick consistency and a slightly nutty aroma. It is extracted from the pressed seeds of a small plant called Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), originating from North America and Europe, especially England. It has been named ‘evening primrose oil’ after the dainty yellow flowers of the primrose plant, which bloom in the ‘evening’ (from late afternoon to sunrise) during the spring and summer seasons. (1)
The oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, linolenic acid (LA), and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which get converted into prostaglandins inside the body and support vital hormone regulation, cell growth, brain functionalities, reproduction, etc. It is also used widely in the cosmetic industry for preparing skincare and haircare products.
Also Read – Review Alert! Indulekha Bringha Oil – The Ayurvedic Hair Loss Remedy
Primrose leaves and roots are considered very healthy for humns. Roasted primrose seeds were also used as an alternative to coffee duing World War II.
Benefits Of Primrose Oil For Health
Primrose oil is an age-old remedy for several diseases. Hence, the 17th-century Europeans nicknamed it the “King’s Cure-all”. It is one of the few natural oils rich in LA and GLA, which, when administered to the body, show strong anti-inflammatory properties. Here is how primrose oil can boost your health: (2)
1. Cures Hormonal Imbalance
The omega-3 fatty acids in primrose oil can help balance the hormonal levels in your body. As a result, you can get rid of several difficulties associated with it, including premenstrual symptoms and menopausal symptoms (acne, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, hot flashes, etc.).
2. Enhances Fertility
The oil can increase the quality of cervical mucus, which allows the sperms to move quickly and freely through the cervix. As it creates a highly fertile ground for sperms, the chances of conception also increase.
3. Induces Labor Naturally
Oral intake or vaginal insertion of primrose oil supplements can help you induce your labor after the 37th week of pregnancy. It is also known to reduce the duration of labor.
4. Improves Cardiac Health
Primrose oil can significantly lower the levels of blood pressure and cholesterol in our body, which helps in maintaining good cardiovascular health. It also has excellent antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent strokes and other heart diseases by reducing blood clots.
Also Read – Top 10 Health Benefits of Papaya Seeds
5. Controls Diabetes
The common symptoms and complications of diabetes can be avoided by using primrose oil regularly. It also reduces nerve pain and averts nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels.
6. Treats Osteoporosis
Regularly consuming primrose oil will help you manage it effectively if you have Osteoporosis. The GLA in the oil can make bones stronger and healthier by improving their mineral density. As a result, you can avoid the risk of fractures.
Benefits Of Primrose Oil For Hair
With the regular application of primrose oil, luscious locks will be on your way. Check out how it can help you get healthy hair. (3)
7. Keeps Dandruff Away
The essential oils in primrose oil help in nourishing the scalp. This, in turn, solves issues like dry scalp, dandruff, scalp infections, etc.
8. Prevents Hairfall
It helps strengthen the roots of the hair and nourish the hair fibers. This prevents frequent hair fall and chronic hair loss.
9. Promotes Hair Growth
Regular use of primrose oil over three months has been found to remarkably increase hair growth.
10. Improves Hair Texture
It conditions the hair and improves its texture, thereby making your hair silky soft.
Also Read – 11 Excellent Skin And Hair Benefits Of Buttermilk
Benefits Of Primrose Oil For Skin
Primrose oil can give you gorgeous skin too. Take a look at the ways it enhances skin health. (4)
11. Moisturizes Dry Skin
The essential fatty acids in the primrose oil help moisturize the skin and rid dry skin.
12. Soothes Acne Irritation
The oil is gentle and helps in unclogging pores. It also helps soothe any irritation associated with acne.
13. Cures Skin Infections
If you are suffering from eczema and other skin infections, primrose oil can be the best remedy for you as it helps get rid of itchiness.
14. Reduces Rosacea
Since the oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it is suggested to treat skin redness and Rosacea.
15. Gives Glowing Skin
Massaging the skin’s surface with the oil helps in improving blood circulation, thereby adding a beautiful glow to it.
Also Read – Know The Usage And skin benefits Of Astragalus Root
How To Use Primrose Oil?
-
- Pure primrose oil comes in bottles, and the supplement comes in soft gel capsules. One to three capsules can be consumed per day (after consulting your physician). Alternatively, you can break open the capsule and apply the oil to your skin or hair.
- Massage your hair with primrose oil and wrap it with a warm towel. This will open up the pores in the scalp and help the oil percolate to your hair roots. Let the hair soak up the oil for an hour or so. Then, rinse with a mild shampoo.
- If you use the oil to treat conditions like acne, Rosacea, or eczema, soak a cotton ball in it and gently dab on the affected area. Leave it for about half an hour, then wash it off with a gentle cleanser. For improving your skin texture, massage a few drops of the oil onto your face and neck and leave it overnight.
Side Effects Of Primrose Oil
Using primrose oil in the recommended dosage for a short period is considered completely safe. However, a high dosage of the oil can cause side effects like nausea, headache, stomach pain, loose stools, allergies, low blood pressure, hypoglycemia, post-surgery bleeding issues, etc. Consult your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Also Read – Laser Tattoo Removal – Cost, Risks and Side Effects
