Evening Primrose

Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) is part of the Oenothera genus that contains an astonishing 145 species. It is thought that may have come from the Greek for “wine scenting” as the plant’s roots were used for this purpose.

This species of Evening Primrose is used for medicinal purposes and is also known as Evening Star, Fever-plant, Weedy Evening Primrose, and Sun-drop.

In addition, Common Evening Primrose (and many other Oenothera species) has become popular with gardeners in many countries thanks to their prolific, showy flowers.

The History of Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose has been used for centuries to ease a range of symptoms and conditions.

In the US, Native Americans used this plant in poultices to treat and soothe wounds, skin inflammation, night sweats, and bruises. The leaves were ingested to ease gastrointestinal problems and sore throats, and root preparations were favored to treat hemorrhoids. A tea was made for use as a tonic and stimulant.

By the 17th Century in Europe, this herb was so widely used for such a diverse range of medical conditions that it became known as “King’s Cure-all”. Evening Primrose was also used in cooking as the root can be cooked and the seeds are a good substitute for poppy seeds and can be added to various dishes.

Related: How To Treat Gastrointestinal Disorders With Evening Primrose

Where This Plant is Found

Most Oenothera species are native to North and South America. Others are native to parts of Europe and Asia.

It is thought that American species were introduced into Europe and elsewhere from the 17th century where they became naturalized. There are some 15 species in the United Kingdom, 4 of which are native and common.

How to Identify Common Evening Primrose

As the focus here is on Oenothera biennis, the identification details will be limited to this species rather than Evening Primrose generally.

This plant is biennial and can reach 6 feet / 1.8 meters in height. It does not usually flower until the second year of growth and only grows leafy stalks in year one. Breaking the plant down can be helpful with identification:

• Stems and shoots: Young shoots are often bright red at the base where they attach to the stem.

When the stems begin to grow, they are upright and woody.

The lower section of the stem is hairy and maybe tinged with purple.

• Leaf: Young plants grow as low rosettes of leaves in the first year. Leaves are attached by short stalks and are wavy and thin.

They have a prominent central vein underneath and are narrow, oval, and taper to a point at each end.

Some leaves may be slightly toothed.

• Flower: Flowering season is late spring to late summer and this plant is self-pollinating and attracts bees, butterflies, and moths.

Blooms form at the tips of the main branches and are large (1 – 2 inches / 2 ½ – 5 centimeters in diameter) and bright lemon-yellow in color.

Each flower has four, bi-lobed oval petals and an x-shaped stigma with four branches. The flower blooms in the evening and dies by midday the following day, hence the name.

• Root: The roots of the Common Evening Primrose are fleshy, yellow taproots.

Some of them look like parsnips as they can be as wide and similar in shape.

• Fruit & seeds: This plant does not have fruit in the usual sense. It is more a capsule or cylindrical pod that forms after the flower is spent.

The pod is about 1 inch / 2 ½ centimeters long and is divided into 4 chambers. It splits open when it is mature and releases in the region of 180 reddish-brown seeds. The plant dies after setting the seed.

The plant height; bloom color and size; leaf shape, color, and arrangement; and appearance of the stem all help to identify this species of Evening Primrose.

How to Grow Evening Primrose

This plant is self-sowing. If left to their own devices, one or two plants will turn into a sizeable colony after a few years even though each plant only lasts two years.

Alternatively, you can buy an established plant and benefit from its second year and enjoy the flowers.

Whether you plant them, or they plant themselves, seeds germinate in spring if they get light and are not under 5 millimeters or more of soil. It’s best to simply scatter them over bare ground.

If you are using seeds you harvested, placing them briefly in hot water improves germination rates. Evening Primrose can be planted in partial shade, but full sun is preferable. In terms of soil, this plant does best in well-drained sandy or loamy soil with any pH level. You don’t need to use organic matter or fertilizer but if you do the plants will do extremely well. They also don’t need much water.

In terms of pests and diseases, this plant is a popular meal for Japanese beetles, leafhoppers, and Lygus bugs. They can also be prone to leaf spots and powdery mildew.

If you want to learn more about how to grow your own Evening Primrose, this comprehensive guide will help. It is completely free and you can find it here.

How to Harvest This Plant

As with other plants, different parts of Evening Primrose should be picked or harvested at different times.

• Flowers: The flowers should be picked when they are fully open. Remember they only last a relatively short time so don’t delay past mid-morning.
• Roots: These are at their sweetest and most succulent in spring in the second year of growth. You can harvest in the first year; they won’t be as large, but they will be more tender.
• Leaves: Leaves can be harvested in both the first and second year of growth. However, they are more potent during the flowering season in year two.
• Seeds: Collect the seed pods once they begin to crack because they are drying out and before they open fully. It’s easy to pour the seeds out of the pods once they have dried and opened fully.

The leaves, flowers, and seeds should be thoroughly dried. The roots should be carefully washed before you cut them up and cook them or dry them.

What is Common Evening Primrose Used for Today?

The principal active ingredients in Common Evening Primrose seeds are omega-6 fatty acids. Perhaps the most valuable one is gamma-linolenic acid or GLA. This plant is used for the alleviation of:

• Premenstrual syndrome
• Atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Menopause symptoms
• Breast pain.

It may also boost the immune system and help to regulate blood pressure. Unfortunately, we do need more studies conducted and enough evidence to cover several other potential health benefits. After these are done, we will surely see many other uses, including potential advantages for postmenopausal women and those suffering from hot flashes.

There are several forms that you can obtain Evening Primrose.

• Oil: The oil is made from seeds and it can be taken orally in the form of capsules or applied topically for skin problems.
• Tea: Tea consists of dried flowers and leaves.
• Infusion: This preparation makes use of the leaves, flowers, buds, and even the stalks.
• Infused oil: Leaves, flowers, and stalks are placed in oil and left to infuse.
• Seeds: Roasted whole or ground seeds can be added to foods.
• Tinctures: These are like infusions but use an alcohol base rather than oil.

Which form you choose will be determined by the reason you want or need to use it! It should be noted, however, that there is either no or inconclusive clinical proof of the health value of Evening Primrose, there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence from several continents that points to the benefits it offers.

How To Make Evening Primrose Oil

Related: Similar to Morphine: The Best Natural Painkiller that Grows in Your Backyard (Video)

What Parts of The Plant Are Used in Remedies?

Almost the entire Evening Primrose plant is edible and can also be used for health remedies or cosmetics: roots, leaves, flowers and buds, and seeds.

A DIY Evening Primrose Recipe

Many people opt to use Evening Primrose Oil. Extracting the oil from the seeds is complex, slow, and requires an enormous number of seeds for not all that much oil. As a result, buying oil is a better option, with enough research backing the benefits.

One of the easiest ways to benefit from oil from Oenothera biennis is by taking capsules that can be purchased from health care outlets. However, you can also apply the oil directly to your skin to boost skin health and address a host of issues including inflammation, dryness, wrinkles and fine lines, and acne. You could also make a DIY face cream that is proven to be very effective to treat eczema. Thanks to the gamolenic acid inside evening primrose, the oil can also help deal with flaky skin and similar unwanted conditions. This is also possible through oral use.

Ingredients

• 12 milliliters / 0.40 ounces Evening Primrose Oil
• 12 grams / 0.40 ounces Shea Butter

You can increase these quantities as you like, but the ratio must be 1:1.

Method

• Place the Shea butter into a bowl
• Beat it with a small whisk to soften it a little (do not heat Shea Butter)
• Add the Evening Primrose Oil to the Shea Butter

• Whisk the oil into butter until it is thoroughly mixed

• Spoon the mixture into a suitable container that has a lid.
• Label and date the container.

There is also the option to add other essential oils to add other properties or alter the fragrance.

Application

• Dab a small amount on the skin
• Gently massage it in
• Apply the DIY moisturizer at night before you go to bed.

The only drawbacks are that you need to:

• Use this oil for several months before you will notice a significant change
• Get used to the scent which is quite pungent: a peppery, smoky smell.

Dosage

There have been very few clinical studies in terms of dosages for Evening Primrose in integrative health practices. Trials that were carried out used a low dose: 1 – 8 grams daily for adults and half that dose for children. This was with oil that contained 8 – 10% gamma-linolenic acid.

However, in light of the lack of clinical data and the different preparation types and compositions, it is recommended that you use these products according to the directions provided by the manufacturer or under the guidance of your healthcare practitioner. Hormonal levels can be affected so you have to be careful.

On a general note, it is suggested that you begin at a lower dose and build up gradually, just like with any regular mild or strong medicine you would take.

How to Preserve This Plant

The leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots of Evening Primrose can be preserved for up to six months if they have been thoroughly dried after harvesting. Proper drying and storage are crucial to maintain the plant’s beneficial properties, especially for those interested in evening primrose oil supplementation or using the plant as a dietary supplement.

To dry, spread the leaves, flowers, seeds, or pieces of washed root out in a single layer on a paper towel, a clean dishcloth, or a drying rack. The drying area should be well ventilated and warm, ideally with low humidity to prevent mold growth. Turning the plant material over every few days ensures even exposure to air, which helps in preserving the quality of the plant.

Once dried, it is essential to store the plant material correctly. It must be kept in a dry, airtight container away from direct sunlight to prevent moisture absorption and degradation of valuable fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is abundant in evening primrose seed oil. Failure to store properly can lead to mold development, which ruins the plant material and negates any potential health benefits.

Properly dried and stored Evening Primrose plant parts can be used in various forms, including making infused oils, tinctures, or capsules. Evening primrose oil capsules are a popular way to take the oil orally, providing a convenient and standardized dose of the beneficial fatty acids. This form of evening primrose oil supplementation has been studied in numerous randomized controlled trials and randomized double-blind trials, which have investigated its effects on health conditions such as mastalgia treatment, diabetic neuropathy, and atopic dermatitis.

For those interested in complementary and integrative health approaches, preserving the plant correctly ensures that the plant native to North America retains its therapeutic potential. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and other research institutions like the American Oil Chemists Society support ongoing systematic reviews and meta-analyses to better understand the efficacy and safety of evening primrose oil supplementation.

In summary, careful drying and storage of Evening Primrose leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots are essential steps to harness the full benefits of this versatile plant, whether used in traditional herbal remedies or modern dietary supplements.

What Plants Resemble Evening Primrose?

There is some name-related confusion between the Evening Primrose and the Primrose (Primula vulgaris). These two have nothing in common at all.

The true confusion lies in differentiating different species of Oenothera. As mentioned, there are many species of Evening Primrose, and examining each would be impractical here. However, it may be helpful to look at the most common and/or popular varieties.

• Oenothera berlandieri / Mexican Evening Primrose is a perennial that spreads and only reaches a height of 18 inches / 46 centimeters.

• Oenothera speciosa / Showy Evening Primrose grows to a maximum of 24 inches / 61 centimeters. Unlike most of these plants that have yellow flowers, this species has pink or white and pink flowers.
• Oenothera pallida / White Evening Primrose has, as the name suggests, white flowers. This biennial has dark green leaves and grows to a height and width of 12 inches / 30 centimeters.
• Oenothera laciniata / Cut-leaf Evening Primrose looks the most like Common Evening Primrose. The main difference is in the leaves. Common Evening Primrose leaves have smooth edges but O. laciniata has wavy, irregularly lobed leaves.
• Oenothera parviflora / Northern Evening Primrose has leaves that are narrow and both thicker and smoother than those of Common Evening Primrose.
• Oenothera pilosella / Meadow Evening Primrose is differentiated by the soft hair or fuzz that appears on the upper part of the stems

Given the differences are small and can be overlooked, if you are unsure you should rather check with someone who knows plants, including Oenothera, well.

Warning and Cautions

Evening Primrose is generally considered to be a low risk when it comes to remedies made from it. However, there are certain individuals who should avoid using it because there is no or insufficient evidence that it’s safe for them, especially when taking evening primrose oil supplements:

• Children, as most adults and pediatric patients have not been studied enough to confirm safety
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women, since the effects on pregnancy and nursing are not fully understood and it might affect hormonal levels or labor timing
• Women with menopausal problems who are on hormone replacement therapy or other medications, as evening primrose may interact with hormonal levels and cause complications
• People on medication for high blood pressure, because evening primrose oil may raise blood pressure in some cases
• Diabetic patients who are on medication, since evening primrose oil could potentially affect blood sugar control and lipid profile
• Those with bleeding disorders or patients treated with blood thinners, as evening primrose oil might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding by slowing blood clotting
• Individuals with neurological or psychiatric disorders such as epilepsy or schizophrenia, because evening primrose oil might increase the risk of seizures
• Those on HIV medications, especially lopinavir/ritonavir, as evening primrose oil might interfere with how these drugs are metabolized
• Patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), since combining these with evening primrose oil could increase bleeding risk

It is also important to note that some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to evening primrose. Adverse reactions are more likely to occur with the oil than other forms, such as teas or tinctures. Reported side effects linked to evening primrose oil supplementation include skin breakouts or acne, gastric distress, headache, and mood changes. Some people may also experience skin inflammation or mild allergic dermatitis when applying the oil topically.

Because evening primrose is a wild plant native to North America and parts of Europe and Asia, its composition can vary depending on soil, climate, and harvesting time (often mid August to late summer). This variability can affect the concentration of active fatty acids like gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which plays a key role in its purported health benefits.

Many of the studies investigating evening primrose oil have been randomized clinical trials or randomized controlled trials, including some conducted in South Korea and other countries, often supported by national institutes or organizations focused on complementary therapies and integrative health. Despite these studies, the Cochrane Database and other systematic reviews conclude that there is still not enough evidence to definitively recommend evening primrose oil for most health conditions.

If you are considering taking evening primrose oil or any other form of this supplement, it is crucial to discuss it with your healthcare provider. This is especially true if you are taking other vitamins, such as vitamin D, or medications that might interact with evening primrose oil. Your provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits and determine the appropriate dosage and form for your individual needs.

In conclusion, as with any medicinal herb or dietary supplement, especially those used in complementary and integrative health practices, it’s always wise to consult your health and wellness practitioner before you start regular use. This ensures your body breaks safely and effectively with the supplement, minimizing risks and maximizing potential benefits.

You may also like:

God’s Pharmacy: 10 Medicinal Plants from the Bible

The US Army’s Forgotten Food Miracle (Video)

How To Make Fire Cider The Ultimate Natural Remedy To “Burn” Your Cold Away

5 Home Remedies for Diarrhea

9 Natural Remedies for High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure