Evening primrose is a popular herbal supplement used to treat various ailments, but not all uses are FDA-approved. Common side effects include headaches, nausea, indigestion, and loose stools, while allergic reactions can lead to more serious symptoms. People with certain conditions should consult a doctor before taking evening primrose. It is considered safe, with serious side effects being extremely rare. The plant has a long history of medicinal use, with Native Americans being the first to use it.
Evening primrose is an herbal supplement taken to treat a variety of ailments including PMS, heart disease, and eczema. Not all uses of evening primrose have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it remains a popular natural remedy. Most people who take evening primrose do not experience negative side effects. The most common side effects of evening primrose are headaches, nausea, indigestion, and loose stools.
Common side effects of evening primrose are also the milder side effects, as none of them are life-threatening or lead to any lasting problems. People who experience headaches, nausea, indigestion, or loose stools when taking the supplement orally are advised to discontinue use and speak to a doctor before starting again. Those who use evening primrose oil externally may experience rashes or hives as side effects.
A small percentage of people are allergic to evening primrose. Allergic reactions can lead to more serious side effects of evening primrose. Allergy symptoms include hives, difficulty breathing, and facial swelling. Extreme allergic reactions can cause seizures. If any of the symptoms of an evening primrose allergy occur, seek immediate medical attention.
Certain people are advised not to take evening primrose without consulting a doctor for additional information. Those who suffer from schizophrenia, epilepsy, or blood clotting disorders are generally advised not to consume evening primrose. Anyone who is due to have surgery may need to stop taking evening primrose a few weeks before surgery, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Little is known about the effects of the supplement on unborn babies, so pregnant women should avoid taking evening primrose until after the baby is born.
Evening primrose is a flowering plant and is taken orally as an herbal supplement or used externally as an oil. The key ingredient is gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, a fatty acid. Other uses of the supplement are the treatment of acne, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
Although evening primrose side effects have been reported, it is considered one of the safest supplements to take regularly. The incidence of serious side effects from evening primrose is extremely rare. Milder side effects are more common than serious ones, but people taking evening primrose still report it infrequently.
Native Americans are believed to be the first to use evening primrose for medicinal purposes. European settlers learned of the plant from Native Americans and brought the root to England and Germany. In Germany, the evening primrose is known as German rampion.
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