Evening Primrose Oil
Oenothera biennis
T Traditional useEMA recognises evening primrose oil taken by mouth as a traditional remedy for itching in dry skin; there is no evidence for eczema, PMS or menopause.
Evening Primrose OilOn this page
At a glance
Evening primrose oil is a gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)-rich oil from the seeds of Oenothera biennis. EMA recognises the traditional use of the oil by mouth for itching in dry skin conditions. It has not been shown to help eczema symptoms, and evidence for PMS, menopause and breast pain is insufficient.
Updated: October 24, 2026
Sources include an EMA HMPC monograph. Its scope is limited to the specified species, plant part and preparation; this is not professional approval.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.
How do we rate evidence levels? →EMA recognises evening primrose oil as a traditional herbal medicinal product for the symptomatic relief of itching in acute and chronic dry skin conditions. This use is based on long-standing experience; according to NCCIH, the oral oil has not been shown to help atopic dermatitis (eczema) symptoms. [1][2]
How is it used?
Oral oil
The oil is taken in solid oral forms such as capsules. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 8 weeks.
Amount: 2–3 g per dose, 4–6 g a day
Duration limit: 8 weeks
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 12 years
- Not recommended for children under 12 due to lack of data.
- EMA does not recommend use in pregnancy or breastfeeding due to lack of data.
- Do not use it to induce labour; studies for this purpose gave inconsistent results.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take regular medicines.
- See a doctor if itching lasts more than 8 weeks or there is a widespread rash.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Digestive complaints: indigestion, nausea, abdominal pain, soft stools
- Raised temperature
- Allergic reactions (rash) and headache
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Frequently asked questions
Does evening primrose oil help eczema?
According to NCCIH, the oil taken by mouth has not been shown to help atopic dermatitis (eczema) symptoms. EMA recognises its traditional use for itching in dry skin.
Does evening primrose oil help PMS?
Evidence for PMS and menopause symptoms is insufficient; for breast pain it is probably no better than placebo.
Can evening primrose oil induce labour?
Studies on labour induction gave inconsistent results. Do not use it for this without medical advice.
How do you take evening primrose oil?
According to EMA, adults and adolescents over 12 take 2–3 g per dose, 4–6 g a day by mouth. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 8 weeks.
Can I take evening primrose oil while pregnant?
EMA does not recommend use in pregnancy or breastfeeding due to lack of data. NCCIH says it may be safe, but the evidence is not conclusive.
Sources
Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.
- European Union herbal monograph on Oenothera biennis L.; Oenothera lamarckiana L., oleum (Revision 1)EMA HMPC · 2018 · MonographSource accessed:
- Evening Primrose Oil: Usefulness and SafetyNIH NCCIH · 2024 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
Cite This Page
Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/evening-primrose-oil/
Related guides and comparisons
Related herbs
Horse Chestnut
A Strong clinical evidenceAesculus hippocastanum
Standardised horse chestnut seed extract may help chronic venous insufficiency with swollen, heavy, aching legs; never eat raw conkers.
Aloe Vera
B Limited clinical evidenceAloe vera (L.) Burm.f.
Aloe vera inner-leaf gel may shorten healing time in some burn studies. This entry covers topical use; swallowing yellow aloe latex carries notable risks.
Common Mallow
B Limited clinical evidenceMalva sylvestris L.
Common mallow leaves and flowers are traditionally used for throat irritation and mild digestive discomfort; avoid medicinal use in pregnancy and under 12.
Echinacea
B Limited clinical evidenceEchinacea purpurea
Juice pressed from fresh echinacea plants may help with short-term prevention and treatment of colds. Dried echinacea tea is not covered.
Fenugreek
B Limited clinical evidenceTrigonella foenum-graecum
Fenugreek seed is traditionally used before meals for temporary loss of appetite and as a poultice for minor skin inflammation.
Mastic Gum
B Limited clinical evidencePistacia lentiscus
Mastic gum is a natural resin traditionally taken by mouth for mild indigestion and used on the skin for minor inflammation and small wounds.
Other herbs in the same preparation form (Carrier Oil)
Carrier Oil →
Black Seed Oil
B Limited clinical evidenceNigella sativa
Oil pressed from black seed. Small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar and cholesterol and limited benefit in asthma.
Castor Oil
B Limited clinical evidenceRicinus communis
A strong, fast-acting stimulant laxative for short-term constipation that often causes cramps. Do not use it on your own to start labour.
Sea Buckthorn OilSea Buckthorn Oil
B Limited clinical evidenceHippophae rhamnoides
Sea buckthorn oil capsules eased dry eye symptoms in one small trial; for vaginal dryness after menopause the main outcome was not significant.
Sweet Almond Oil
B Limited clinical evidencePrunus dulcis
Cold-pressed oil from sweet almonds. In small studies it moisturised dry skin; it has not been shown to reliably prevent stretch marks.
