The Claim: Evening Primrose Oil Soothes Eczema

NY Times ^ | April 29, 2013 | Anahad O'Connor

[neverdem]

THE FACTS:

It may not exactly be a household name, but evening primrose, a bright yellow plant native to North America, has a large following in the alternative medicine world.

The seeds of the plant contain essential fatty acids, which are used to make an oil that has a variety of uses as a dietary supplement and folk remedy. Its most popular use may be for eczema, the skin condition that affects as many as one in five people. Widely marketed and easy to find, primrose oil contains gamma linoleic acid, which is thought to help reduce skin inflammation without the side effects of other treatments.

But a large new study suggests that people using evening primrose oil for eczema may want to save their money instead...

--snip--

Evening primrose and borage oils are widely used remedies for eczema, but according to research, they provide no benefits.

[T-Bird45]

Yes, that’s been our experience.

[Army Air Corps]

Thanks, good to know.

[Vendome]

Once or twice a week. When it flares I put it on for about three days in a row and apply alone vera in between.

When I get back on mu computer I’ll send you a link of the alone I use.

Not cheap but, the best and pure

[rmlew]

I never tried EPO. I have found Borage oil to be more effective since it contains higher concentrations of Gamma Linolenic Acid.

I appreciate the heads up. Now that my seasonal allergies have kicked it, my right middle finger is so affected that it hurts to type.