Respiratory: Asthma, (Primula flos): for catarrh (excessive mucus buildup), congestion, bronchitis

Cardiovascular: Cardiovascular disease, intermittent claudication (arterial flow obstruction in the legs), high blood pressure

Eyes: Dry eye

Gastrointestinal: Gastric distress, worms, liver problems, hepatitis B

Genitourinary: Hot flashes, night sweats, PMS, breast pain, endometriosis, menopause

Musculoskeletal: Muscle cramps, gout, rheumatic arthritis, osteoporosis (taken with calcium and fish oil), osteopenia, psoriatic arthritis

Neurologic: Diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain), chronic fatigue, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis

Skin: Wound healing, eczema, psoriasis, acne, dry skin, molluscum contagiosum, astringent

Mental Health: Stress headaches, ADHD

Cholesterol: May help lower cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL)

Cancer: May help liver cancer

Other: Fever reducer, anticoagulant, weight loss, Raynauds

                                                      *   *   *

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, soft stools, acne, increased bleeding, dizziness, headache, decreased seizure threshold, rash, taste changes, weight gain, bloodthinning

CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Bleeding disorders (may increase bleeding), seizure disorders (lowers seizure threshold), phenothiazines, blood thinners, and schizophrenia

FORMS: Tea, soft gels, oils. 

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

Solgar Evening Primrose Oil 1300 mg softgel - May easily order through Amazon link here

DOSAGES: As directed

Reported doses – many NOT supported by evidence (reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• ADHD: 300 mg by mouth twice daily (consider taking with fish oil)

• Eczema: 2-3 grams by mouth twice a day

• Dry Eye: 300 mg orally daily (often used in combination with other substances)

• High Cholesterol: 250 mg by mouth twice a day

• Menopause: 440-880 mg by mouth daily or 1-2 gm by mouth daily

• MS: 600-700 by mouth three times daily

• PCOS: 1 gm by mouth daily (with vitamin D)

• PMS: 4 gm by mouth daily or 3 gm by mouth starting on day 15 of the menstrual cycle until the end of the cycle

• Raynaud's: 6 gm by mouth daily

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: 6 gm by mouth daily or 2.6 gm by mouth daily

• Cold Symptoms: 2-4 gm daily by mouth 

• Neuropathy

Note: Borage and flaxseed oils contain omega-6, so they often have similar properties.

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.