What does it help with
- Eczema, psoriasis, dry skin
- PMS, menstrual problems
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Atherosclerosis
Active compounds
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA 8–10 %), vitamin E.
GLA converts to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins — the basis of the therapeutic effect.
How and when to harvest
Harvest periodJuly – October
Plant partsseeds
Dryingshade, 35–40 °C
Shelf life1 year
Preparation methods
Oil (from seeds)Capsules
Pro tip: Press evening primrose seeds cold — heat processing destroys GLA.
Recipes
1 Evening primrose seeds ▾
Add a spoonful of freshly ground seeds daily to porridge or yoghurt.
2 Evening primrose oil for skin (external) ▾
Fill a dry, clean jar with dried herb. Pour in olive or sunflower oil so the plant is completely submerged. Seal and place in a sunny spot for 4–6 weeks. Strain through gauze. Apply directly to the skin or use as a base for ointment.
3 Homemade capsules (dried powder) ▾
Dry the herb at 40 °C until completely dried. Grind in a coffee grinder to fine powder. Fill empty capsules (available at pharmacies) — approx. 500 mg per capsule. Store in a dark vessel. Dose: 1–2 capsules 2× a day with water.
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6 more recipes in the Herbarium
Evening primrose oil in capsules · Combination with borage · Evening primrose for PMS · Evening primrose oil for skin · Evening primrose for eczema · Evening primrose with GLA
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