Overview

Evening primrose is a biennial wildflower native to North America, producing large yellow flowers that open in the evening. Its seed oil is one of the richest plant sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and supporting hormonal balance. Evening primrose oil (EPO) is widely used for PMS, menopausal symptoms, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis. The entire plant was used as food and medicine by Native American tribes.

Traditional Use

Evening primrose was a staple food and medicine for many Native American tribes. The Cherokee used the root as a bruise remedy and the leaves as food. The Ojibwe used the whole plant as a food source. European settlers learned of its uses from Native Americans and brought it to Europe in the 17th century, where it became known as "King's cure-all." Modern interest in evening primrose oil began in the 1970s when researchers identified its high GLA content and began investigating its therapeutic potential for inflammatory and hormonal conditions.

Key Active Compounds

Evidence-Based Benefits

Common Preparation Methods