Evening Primrose
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
The Evening Primrose is native to North America and has a life span of two years. Indigenous tribes used the plant for medicinal and food crops for hundreds of years. It was first imported into Italy and then across Europe, often being naturalized on riverbanks and other sandy places. In the 1700s, it was introduced in Europe as an ornamental plant in botanical gardens.
Evening primrose has a reputation of being effective for fighting depression and anxiety. When taken daily, it relieves irritability, depressed mood, breast pain and bloating. Evening primrose oil contains a nutrient called gamma linoleic acid. Studies show it improves nerve function. It is also proven to have a stabilizing effect on hormone levels, due to its positive effect on hormone response.
The recommended daily amount it 500-3000mg of dried herb. It should be taken for at least 3 weeks before the full benefits take effect.
Evening primrose is available in oil, teabags or tablets.
Further reading