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 Oenothera biennis (Onagraceae)
EVENING PRIMROSE, TREE PRIMROSE,
EVENING STAR
The leaves have been used as a
poultice on boils and abscesses.
The seed oil of evening primrose is particularly rich
in a fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid, which has been shown to be an effective treatment for eczema and premenstrual syndrome,
and may also prevent thrombus formation, or blood clotting. A native of North America,
it was introduced to Europe via the Padua Botanic Garden in the early 17th century,
from where it found its way into gardens all over Europe.
Evening primrose is a biennial with a rosette of long oval leaves in the first year and a vertical hairy stem
with spear-shaped soft leaves in the second year. Yellow flowers, reputed to open only after 6 o'clock in the evening, appear in midsummer.
PARTS USED
Leaves, seed oil.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Fixed oil containing glycerides
of linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic (GLA).
ACTIONS
Prostaglandin precursor.
MEDICINAL USE
The seed oil is used internally to treat eczema,
premenstrual syndrome, and heart and vascular disease. The leaves have been used as a poultice on boils and abscesses.
PREPARATIONS
Oil, capsules.
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