Evening Primrose as Alternative Medicine

Evening Primrose as Alternative Medicine

Evening Primrose is an alternative medicine with a long history. It has been used as a remedy for a wide range of conditions such as whooping cough, asthma, high cholesterol and premenstrual symptoms.

1. It is useful in reducing hyperactivity in children.
2. It is effective for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as upset stomach.
3. The root can be made into a tea to treat obesity.
4. It is an excellent treatment for skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and bruises.
5. Poultice made from the leaves is good for any skin eruptions such as ulcers and wounds.
6. The root can be made into a dressing to treat hemorrhoids.
7. Evening primrose oil is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Evening primrose is available as capsules or as oil. Its oil has a softening, calming and moisturizing effect on skin. Standard dosage is 2 to 16 capsules of 500 milligrams a day. To treat PMS 3 grams a day should be taken while for eczema 4 to 8 grams a day is the recommended dosage.

Pregnant and nursing women are advised not to taken this herb. With normal dosages side effects are rare. Diarrhea, bloating, nausea, burping, intestinal gas and soft stool are some the possible side effects. For people who are on medications for epilepsy or schizophrenia they should avoid using this herb. The medicinal values of evening primrose as an alternative medicine have only been recognized in recent years.