-IBIS-1.5.0-

rx

herb

Oenothera biennis (Evening Primrose)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Oenothera biennis

synonyms: Evening primrose

part(s) used: oil from seeds

qualities:

affinities:

actions:

dosage:

» capsules: 2 - 6 per day

therapy:

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1

toxicity: 1

» contraindicated for patients with a history of temporal lobe (psychomotor) epilepsy; cautious use is recommended for patients with other forms of epilepsy, or a history of psychiatric problems, especially schizophrenia; headaches may also be provoked (Graham, pp. 83, 92)

» may produce a mild hypersensitivity reaction

» ingestion may cause mild nausea (Graham, p. 92)

constituents: 70% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

footnotes

Graham, J. 1984. Evening Primrose Oil. New York: Thorson Publishers, Inc.