Side effects of evening primrose oil

Evening primrose oil

Evening primrose oil is an herbal medication that proved to be helpful in a wide range of conditions. Among others, it is used very frequently when it is necessary to lower the level of cholesterol and the risk of blood clots, as well as in the treatment of various disorders related to skin, bones, nerves, gastrointestinal tract. It is also used as a source of fatty acids in diet, and it is used in the cosmetics.

Side effects of evening primrose oil

Generally, when it comes to the side effects of the evening primrose oil, they are not serious, and they do not occur very often. The most common are headaches, nausea, indigestion, and soft stools, but none of them needs special treatment or medical attention unless, of course, persistent. On the other side, there are some cases and situations in which evening primrose oil should not be used at all, or it should be used with special attention, precisely in order to avoid possible adverse effects. In the first place, such cases refer to the use of evening primrose oil in combination with some medications, because certain combinations should not be used at all due to the possible interaction and consequences that can sometimes even be fatal. Equally serious may be the use in pregnant and nursing women, even though some women tend to use it precisely in order to start or shorten the labor, to prevent high blood pressure or late delivery. However, since its use during pregnancy might increase the risk of certain complications and since it is not known how it affects an infant, it is much safer simply not to use it at all. People who suffer from some kind of bleeding disorder, as well as those who are about to undergo some kind of a surgery procedure are strongly advised not to use it either, since it might increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.

Evening primrose oil should not be combined with anticoagulants, because it can only slow the process of blood clotting even more, and it should not be combined with anesthetics that are used during surgeries, because the risk of seizures is increased. What should also be mentioned when it comes to the possible unwanted effects is the fact that the liquid form of evening primrose contains sugar and alcohol, which is why people who have diabetes or some kind of liver disease should consult their doctors before using it.