- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America; now naturalised in Europe and Asia. Oenothera biennis
North America · Herb · № 171
Oenothera biennis
Herb · North America
Evening primrose
Oenothera biennis
The seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid and is sold for eczema, premenstrual symptoms and hot flushes. NCCIH reports it does not help eczema and that evidence for other conditions is insufficient.
Safety notes
May cause stomach upset and headaches. Use caution with blood thinners and before surgery. There are concerns about use with epilepsy and in pregnancy.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Seek advice with epilepsy or blood thinners.
Preparation
Seed oil in capsules; the root was formerly eaten as a vegetable. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Indigenous peoples such as the Ojibwe and Cherokee used leaf and root for bruises, wounds and as food. The plant was brought to Europe in the 17th century. Ody describes how the oil became a popular supplement in the 20th century.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Important source of gamma-linolenic acid (needed to make prostaglandins).
Preparation and amount
Seed oil.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Cares for the skin, suitable for all skin types.
Preparation and amount
External: oil in patchouli cleanser and lotion base.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
For strength in lacrosse, snowsnake and wrestling; also for piles.
Preparation and amount
Chew the root, spit on the hands and rub it over the muscles.
Caution: Seek advice with epilepsy or blood thinners.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen
Tags
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org
- www.nccih.nih.gov
- Paul B. Hamel & Mary U. Chiltoskey, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses: A 400 Year History (1975)
- Penelope Ody, The Complete Medicinal Herbal (1993; 2017)
- Stacey Dugliss-Wesselman & Susan Gregg, Herbal Remedies Made Simple (2018)
- James W. Herrick, Iroquois Medical Botany, ed. Dean R. Snow (1995)