Do you know that Evening Primrose Oil is the most suitable base oil for women? It can be found in many skincare products, and many claim that using Evening Primrose Oil can lead to better skin. Is this really true? Can it also help alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Let's explore the two key magical components of Evening Primrose Oil!
Ancient civilizations recognized the medicinal value of Evening Primrose Oil long ago. Originating from Mexico and Central America, this plant blooms only in the evening and withers during the day, hence its name, Evening Primrose Oil.
Centuries ago, Native Americans discovered the medicinal properties of Evening Primrose. They soaked the whole plant in warm water, creating a paste-like poultice to treat bruises and applied it to the skin to heal wounds and skin inflammations.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Evening Primrose was made into herbal remedies to treat gastrointestinal problems, asthma, coughs, wound healing, menstrual irregularities, menstrual pain, and even menopausal discomfort.
It wasn't until the 18th century when Evening Primrose seeds were transported to England on ships carrying cotton, that its beneficial effects became well-known in Europe. Scientists and physicians began researching Evening Primrose and found it effective for conditions like multiple sclerosis, atopic dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Unprecedented! The Two Miraculous Components of Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose contains a significant amount of essential fatty acids and prostaglandins. To understand why Evening Primrose has such important medical value, we need to know how these two components affect the body!
Essential Fatty Acids in Evening Primrose Oil
Essential fatty acids are vital for the human body, but the body cannot produce them on its own; they must be obtained from external sources. Their functions in the body include providing energy, maintaining body temperature, protecting tissues and organs, and most importantly, being essential components of cells and tissues. Lack of essential fatty acids can lead to:
- Hair loss and slow wound healing.
- Severe impact on reproductive functions.
- Weakened immune function, increasing the likelihood of viral and bacterial infections.
Prostaglandins in Evening Primrose Oil
Another esteemed component of Evening Primrose is prostaglandins. Let's look at an example of how Evening Primrose demonstrates its magical effects: In medicine, corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation and tissue sensitivity. However, corticosteroids have side effects, as they simultaneously inhibit both "inflammatory prostaglandins" and "anti-inflammatory prostaglandins" in the body. On the other hand, Evening Primrose has the unique property of synthesizing and increasing "anti-inflammatory prostaglandins" while inhibiting "inflammatory prostaglandins," making it a smarter and much lower-risk alternative. This is why Evening Primrose Oil is considered a great blessing for individuals with allergies.
Can Evening Primrose Oil Improve PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)?
Many PMS sufferers lack the essential fatty acids (EFAs) necessary for prostaglandin synthesis, and they may have elevated estrogen and prolactin levels, causing various physiological and psychological imbalances and discomfort. The most common symptoms include:
- Physical symptoms: Breast swelling, breast pain, headaches, heaviness in the head, and fever.
- Psychological symptoms: Drowsiness, fatigue, cravings, irritability, depression, and emotional instability.
By supplementing with Evening Primrose to provide essential fatty acids and balance the body's hormones, this theory has been supported by numerous experiments in Europe and the US. Clinical researchers in Massachusetts