--- title: "Evening Primrose Oil Benefits & Side Effects" description: "EMA 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." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/evening-primrose-oil/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Carrier Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/carrier-oil/) # Evening Primrose Oil Oenothera biennis T Traditional use EMA 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. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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. **Parts used:** seed oil **Key constituents:** Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Linoleic acid, Tocopherols 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 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. \[1\] \[2\] ### 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. 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Oenothera biennis L.; Oenothera lamarckiana L., oleum (Revision 1)](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-oenothera-biennis-l-oenothera-lamarckiana-l-oleum-revision-1_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2018 · Monograph Source accessed: October 24, 2026 2. [Evening Primrose Oil: Usefulness and Safety](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/evening-primrose-oil) NIH NCCIH · 2024 · Official agency information Source accessed: October 24, 2026 ### 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 - [Herbal Products in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herbal-products-in-pregnancy/) - [Understanding Evidence Levels (A, B, C and T)](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/understanding-evidence-levels/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Horse Chestnut](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/horse-chestnut/) A Strong clinical evidence Aesculus hippocastanum Standardised horse chestnut seed extract may help chronic venous insufficiency with swollen, heavy, aching legs; never eat raw conkers. 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