Evening Primrose
This is about evening primrose, including its hormonal properties and use for breast enhancement. Evening primrose is commonly used to treat hot-flashes.
Etymology
The genus of evening primrose goes by the scientific name of Oenothera. Evening primrose belongs to the Onagraceae family.
The genus Primula of the Primulaceae family is also known as Primrose. This page and website describe Oenothera, which has different properties than Primula. Primrose is the proper term for Primula.
Properties
Evening primrose contains gamolenic acid (gamma-linolenic acid) an omega-6 fatty acid, which is a precursor to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1 or alprostadil), which is a precursor to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
Anecdotal Evidence
Evening primrose causes opposing effects on the breasts depending on bodily hormone levels. Oenothera has the ability to increase estrogenic symptoms. It is notable that androgenic symptoms such as alcopecia or hirsutism don't increase, no matter when evening primrose is taken.
When evening primrose is taken during the begining of proliferative phase, it raises temperature and has the ability to cause hot-flashes, but after a while, temperature levels seem to lower, sometimes below the previous temperature. This suggests that Oenothera lowers estrogens at first surrounding some estrogen receptors, but then gradually starts increasing estrogens. Evening primrose likely raises FSH based on its anecdotal effects, and based on that it contains a precursor to FSH.
Use
Evening primrose has a reputation for relieving hot-flashes. This unfavorable symptom is likely due to a reduction of estrogen or to estrogen receptor desensitization.
Oenothera when used alone and not during the ideal phase of the menstrual cycle, may possibly treat a symptom temporarily. When used with the right herbal combination and during the right time of the cycle, evening primrose probably has potential to increase overall estrogen response.
Oenothera requires a herb that raises LH, and secondarily that raises prolactin. Based on theory, avoid evening primrose during menstruation when FSH levels are naturally high.
Precautions
If you have hirsutism, PCOS, hot-flashes, other signs of hormone imbalances, see estrogen-imbalance and treating hirsutism program before trying herbs. See precautions for more details of care to be taken with herb use. Also, check for the latest blog updates about herb and hormone safety.
Herb concentrates can be tens of times more potent by weight than herbs in solid form. This can easily lead to hormone imbalances. For this reason, concentrate extracts are not recommended for extended or excessive internal use, especially during fertility years. Concentrates shouldn't be used to overcome plateaus. Another issue with herbal extracts, is that they may not have the full range of properties of the herb. If opting to use herb extracts, use no more than 1 drop at a time, diluted in a food-grade carrier oil (like unrefined olive oil) or water.
More
Biology describes the science of breast development and endocrinology. Symptoms related to hormone imbalances are important to understand. The text from Biology and Hormone Imbalances is in breast-endocrinology.pdf, which uses a Creative Commons license.
super-bazongas.pdf continues about herb use, including the potential role of Oenothera, in a herb schedule for breast enhancement. Herb timing and combinations' success for breast enhancement relies on menstrual phases. See programs for examples of herb combination use, and for pictures of successful herbal breast enlargement.
Breast enhancement; health blog
Blog updates: breast topics and health related content.
References:
- A review of effective herbal medicines in controlling menopausal symptoms. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5783135/.
- Effect of oral gamolenic acid from evening primrose oil on menopausal flushing.. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2542782/.
- MESH: gamma-Linolenic Acid. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/?term=gamolenic+acid.
Etymology & Definitions:
- USDA Classification: Oenothera. https://plants.usda.gov/java/ClassificationServlet?source=display&classid=OENOT.
- U.S. National Plant Germplasm System: Oenothera. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomygenus.aspx?id=8398.
- USDA Classification: Primula. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PRIMU.
- U.S. National Plant Germplasm System: Primula. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomygenus.aspx?id=9834.
- MESH: Alprostadil. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68000527.
- MESH: Gamma-Linolenic Acid. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/?term=gamolenic+acid.
Resources:
- NIH: Evening Primrose Oil . https://nccih.nih.gov/health/eveningprimrose.
- A comparative study on the effect of “black cohosh” and “evening primrose oil” on menopausal hot flashes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5868221/.
- Alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms. Systematic review of scientific and lay literature.. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2278276/.