Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)









Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Evening primrose oil is rich in Omega-6 fatty acid, an essential fatty acid (EFA). EFAs are compounds the body is unable to make, yet the body needs them for various functions. Without proper supplementation, deficient states may contribute to certain conditions and diseases. EPO is a source of one EFA that can be used to support conditions such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), diabetes, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, menopause, multiple sclerosis (MS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and endometriosis.
How does it work?
EPO provides the body with a source of two important acids: Gamma linolenic and linoleic acids. These chemicals are important components of cell membranes which support many structures, such as skin, nails, hair; parts of the immune system; joints; and nerves. These fatty acids also support the production of many hormones.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Do not use if you have active bleeding (for example, a bleeding ulcer). Use caution in bleeding disorders/history of bleeding. Potential interaction with medications or natural products that thin the blood, such as anticoagulants (warfarin), aspirin, antiplatelet agents (ticlopidine, clopidogrel), garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, ginger, vitamin E, NSAIDs (ibuprofen), and others.
  • Stop using this product 14 days prior to dental or surgical procedures.
  • You may bleed easily. Be careful to avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • This product may decrease seizure threshold.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Headache. Mild pain medication may help.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help.
What should I monitor?
  • Watch for low blood sugar. This can cause anger, shaking, rapid heartbeats, confusion, and sweating.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Menstrual changes. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container in a refrigerator.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Protect from light.
Plant part used
Seed oil
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
Anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, aspirin and aspirin-containing products, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, others), antiplatelet agents
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
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