BS: Evening Primrose Oil -- experiences with

Subject: BS: Evening Primrose Oil -- experiences with
From: Claire M
Date: 30 Sep 12 - 11:50 AM

Hiya,

Took it for a while for my mood, family/friends said there was no difference. It made what usually happens to the fairer sex too frequent, which was horrible, & 3x worse because it happens about once per year, & it was a daft price – but the rest of me, which usually keeps me awake due to pain/stiffness (due to cp) didn't hurt.

I want to start taking it again, so said pain stops. Have you had any experience with it??

Subject: RE: BS: Evening Primrose Oil -- experiences with
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 30 Sep 12 - 12:13 PM

Hi Claire, I'd recommend looking into cold pressed Hemp Oil. Much cheaper that Primrose and high in EFA's. My joints were beginning to get pretty stiff and painful this year - to the extent I was going downstair sideways holding onto the rail, I found this pretty worrying as I REALLY didn't want to develop arthritis! On top of asthma, arthritis would have made it much more challenging to regain my physical fitness and lose weight.

Anyway long story etc. I cut inflammation causing foods from the Nightshade family (big group of tasty foods!) Began cooking with Hemp oil. And also cut dairy products which are also supposed to contribute to arthritis.

Result?
No more worry about possible arthritis - fingers crossed. No more traversing the stairs sideways! No more tight tendons. Everything's begun running smoothly again. Phew! :)

Subject: RE: BS: Evening Primrose Oil -- experiences with
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 30 Sep 12 - 12:19 PM

Ah, do you cook? Or is that not possible? Either way. I'd look into cheaper alternatives to primrose oil. Cold Pressed Flax and Hemp are both good sources of EFA's, and even if you don't cook, can be bought in small bottles from health food shops to be taken by the spoonful as a food supplement. You might not dig the taste at first (I know some people don't like taking oil supplements in liquid form, but if you persevere you should get past that. Plus they're mostly 'nutty' tasting anyway. Though Hemp is slightly bitter.

Subject: RE: BS: Evening Primrose Oil -- experiences with
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Sep 12 - 02:01 PM

What is it you're wanting to get from the Evening Primrose oil? I was taking it to try to clear up some dermatitis - I can't say it worked, though I used it for quite a while. If you're taking it for GLA (gamma linolenic acid), you get a larger amount per capsule if you take borage (Borago officinalis (here's a study - you can extrapolate from guinea pigs).

My results were null because I hadn't identified the environmental factors causing the contact dermatitis. I didn't notice more or less pain from anything else while taking it.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Evening Primrose Oil -- experiences with
From: Jack Campin
Date: 30 Sep 12 - 05:54 PM

It made me horribly depressed and did nothing at all for my dermatitis.

Subject: RE: BS: Evening Primrose Oil -- experiences with
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Oct 12 - 12:57 AM

I had a note from another mudcatter saying that splitting the capsule and rubbing it on was a big help, over taking it by mouth. I didn't think of that - I'll have to give it a try. I did a little reading earlier and found it seems to have some generally very good properties.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Evening Primrose Oil -- experiences with
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Oct 12 - 03:28 AM

Light article on EFA's and muscle/tendon/joint pain. It doesn't specifically reference CP but might be of tangential relevance?

http://www.livestrong.com/article/305294-essential-fatty-acids-muscle-pain/

Omega-3s and omega-6s make up the primary structures for all cell membranes. They affect cell membrane properties, such as their fluidity, flexibility and permeability. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, omega-6 is used to maintain the normal function and structure of the retina in your eyes, proper nervous communication and alleviate allergies. Your body uses omega-3 mostly as an anti-inflammatory agent, to boost your immune system and capture free radicals that damage cell membranes.
People suffering from fibromyalgia and other types of muscle pain experience hypersensitivity and inflammation in their muscles and joints. You can take essential fatty acid supplements or foods as part of the doctor-recommended treatment.



Further info on EFA's (note that it's important to get a good balance of Omegas 3 & 6)

http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Essential-Fatty-Acids--Encyclopedia-of-Alternative

Common EFA supplements are flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, black currant seed oil, hemp seed oil, and cod liver oil. Consumers should search for supplements that
contain both omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs, because imbalances of EFAs may occur if either is taken in excess over long periods of time. Flaxseed oil is a recommended supplement, because it contains the highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids with some omega-6 EFAs, as well. Flaxseed oil is generally the least expensive source of omega-3 EFAs as well, generally much cheaper than fish oil supplements. Evening primrose oil is a popular supplement as well, because the GLA it contains has shown benefits in treating premenstrual syndrome and other conditions. However, evening primrose oil contains no omega-3 EFAs. Hemp seed oil is a well-balanced source of both EFAs.
Supplements are available from health food stores in liquid and capsule form. The recommended daily dosage is one to two tablespoons (13-26 capsules), taken with meals. EFAs can also be obtained from a diet that includes cold-water fish consumed twice per week, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, soy products, canola oil, and other foods mentioned above. Whole flaxseeds are a wholesome source of EFAs as well, and can be freshly ground and added to salads and other dishes. Supplements that contain the enzyme lipase help the body more efficiently digest the oils.

CS

Subject: RE: BS: Evening Primrose Oil -- experiences with
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 Oct 12 - 11:47 PM

I have been taking magnesium for stiffness. Marvellous! A year ao August, I could hardly walk, felt about 150! two weeks of powdered mag (Calm) and I walked fine and mood swings were almost eliminated - and I felt SO much better.

Some people use red clover tea for dermatitus causing allergies. It is a good de-tox agent.