The leaves and oil from the seed of the evening primrose (sundrops) plant are used medicinally. The oil is primarily used as a "Yin tonic" treating inflammatory conditions that arise from a fundamental exhaustion of an organic process. It i...
* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
The leaves and oil from the seed of the evening primrose (sundrops) plant are used medicinally. The oil is primarily used as a "Yin tonic" treating inflammatory conditions that arise from a fundamental exhaustion of an organic process. It is especially useful for treating premenstrual syndrome and relieving hypertension and anxiety and associated inflammatory symptoms. Thus it has been used for infantile eczema, painful breasts, hypertension, arthritis, and neurotic disorders.
According to Tyler, the oil contains about 14% of a fixed oil, of which 70% is cis-linolenic acid and 9% is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is also found in black currant seeds and borage seeds. Oils from all three sources are sold and used interchangeably especially for PMS symptoms.
An American native, the evening primrose is either regarded as a weed or treasured as a border plant for its phosphorescent, fragrant flowers that open at dusk. The American Flambeau Ojibwe tribes used the plant to treat bruises, skin complaints, and asthma. Modern research is discovering other important medicinal properties.
History
Seeds of evening primrose were brought from America to Padua Botanic Garden in Italy in 1619. Theophrastus, the ancient Greek physician, is thought to have given it the name Oinos, 'wine' and thera, 'hunt'. Possibly it was used as a hangover cure.
Characteristics
An erect biennial reaching 3 to 5 feet. The first year there will be a rosette of leaves and in the second year it will shoot up and flower. The mid-green leaves are lance-shaped, slightly toothed, and sticky, and grow in rosettes. The flowers are bowl-shaped and fragrant, about 2 inches across, ageing from pale yellow to gold. They open in the evening to attract moths and keep coming from midsummer to autumn.
Growing Tips
Sow seed in late spring in well-drained soil and a sunny position. Thin to 12 inches. It will self-seed freely once established.
How to Use
Oil from capsules of evening primrose oil can be added to night and day creams, especially those formulated for stressed or ageing skins. Two capsules per pot are usually enough. It can also be applied direct as an emergency measure to blemishes.
Medicinally, the oil extracted from this plant can stimulate the healthy functioning of all body cells in the balanced output of hormones. This makes the oil useful in cases of premenstrual syndrome and fibrocystic breast disease. It is interesting to note that schizophrenia has responded well to evening primrose supplements, the mechanism behind this is unknown.
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Directions
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 tea bag for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea).
Iced tea brewing method (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the bags. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water].
Additional Information
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
