Evening primrose is a native plant of North and South America although it can grow throughout Europe and Asia. Its yellow flower opens at sunset and remains closed during the day, giving it the name "Evening Primrose". Primrose oil, which is derived from the seeds of a wildflower, contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid. This type of fatty acid is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, skin, and hair. Primrose oil became a popular folk remedy in Europe and was called "King's cure-all". Primrose oil is an effective herbal product to decrease menopausal symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, and mod swings.

‍Mood swings Primrose oil contains adequate unsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are required by the brain for keeping mood stable and to prevent depression, irritability, and anxiety. Primrose oil improves mood swings and decreases mental exhaustion too.

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Vasomotor symptoms. Hot flashes and Night sweats are vasomotor symptoms brought about by decreasing the level of estrogen during menopause. When taken orally Primrose oil is thought to act as a phytoestrogen (estrogen obtained from plant products) and may help replace estrogen in the body and thereby helping relieve hot flashes and night sweats.

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Perimenopausal PMS. Perimenopausal PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) is caused due to decreasing level of prostaglandins and can cause anxiety, acne, tiredness, and headache. Primrose oil helps by supplying fatty acids required for the formation of prostaglandins.

Primrose oil can increase the effects of lopinavir (a medicine used in the treatment of HIV). It can also interact with phenothiazine (a medicine used in schizophrenia). People taking blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, heparin) should be careful too.

Evening primrose oil is likely safe in adults. It has few side effects in some and can commonly cause abdominal fullness, bloating, abdominal pain, headache, or nausea.

Mixed - limited studies have been conducted, and the results have been conflicting. Overall there’s not enough evidence to support the use of evening primrose oil for any health condition.

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It’s important to note that the clinical research confirming the efficacy of many supplements to manage symptoms of menopause is limited due to the lack of randomized controlled trials. This does not mean that there is no health benefit, it just means it has not been proven.

Primrose oil should be started with the smallest dose possible and the dose can be gradually increased if symptoms are not controlled with the existing dose.

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Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, Primrose oil is called Medhya (Brain tonic), Hrdaya (Heart tonic), and Artavashamana (menstrual regulator). Primrose oil has been mentioned as an imperial medication for the Kings and Queens.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, Primrose oil is used to improve circulation and inflammation, as well as treat female reproductive system issues.

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