Primrose essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the evening primrose plant, scientifically called Primula vulgaris. It is an herbaceous perennial plant which is native to Europe and Africa.
Also called evening primrose oil, primrose essential oil consists of omega 6 essential fatty acid named gamma linolenic acid to the extent of 9% and linoleic acid to the extent of 72%. Gamma linolenic is an active ingredient and as such, is anti inflammatory in action and has immunity boosting properties.
The major health benefits of primrose essential oil are as follows:
1. Primrose essential oil is an important source of essential fatty acid which plays a vital role in boosting the overall state of health of the body. The major functions of the essential fatty acids or EFAs are:
- EFAs provide you with energy required to perform various body activities and carry out the various physiological processes.
- EFAs regulate your body temperature and thereby protect you from strokes and chills.
- EFAs also serve to insulate your nerves, thereby protecting your nervous system from any damage.
- EFAs functions as a cushion for the body and protect you against injuries and shocks.
2. The linoleic acid content of the primrose essential oil is instrumental in the synthesis of prostaglandins which serve a variety of functions in the body like lowering of blood pressure, regulating the nervous system, and also stimulating the immune system.
3. Primrose essential oil is a potent antioxidant that negates the effect of free radicals on the body. These free radicals which are formed as a result of various chemical reactions in the body, may initiate chain reactions leading to serious ailments like leukemia.
4. Primrose essential oil also assists in relieving the pain associated with diseases like arthritis.
5. Primrose essential oil is instrumental in controlling the complications associated with diabetes and also liver and kidney damage due to the excessive intake of alcohol.
6. Primrose essential oil may be employed to cure multiple sclerosis and also to repair skin, hair, and nail damages.
7. Primrose essential oil is also useful to treat the symptoms of pre menstrual syndrome (PMS). The essential oil may also be used to cure mastalgia or painful breast, a major symptom of PMS.
8. Primrose essential oil is very effective in curing skin ailments like eczema, acne, and rosacea. This essential oil forms an important ingredient of some of the skin creams and lip balms.
Primrose essential oil has a lot of medical properties and may be used widely for common affl