Primrose, Evening 50 g, 25 g

Primrose, Evening – 50 g ($22.99), 25 g ($13.99)

Benefits:
Promotes cardiovascular health
Aids in weight loss and reduces high blood pressure
Acts as a natural estrogen promoter.
Helpful in treating alcoholism, arthritis, hot flashes, menstrual problems such as cramps and heavy bleeding, multiple sclerosis and skin disorders.

Botanical Name: Oenothera biennis
English: Evening Primrose
Also, known as: Evening Star, Sundrop, Weedy Evening Primrose, German Rampion, Hog Weed, King’s Cure-All And Fever-Plant
Habitat: Canada, USA
Origin: Canada
Harvested: Wild
Parts Used: Leaves, stems

General Information:
This biennial grows anywhere between 30 and 150 cm (12-60 inches) in height. The evening primrose is perhaps best known for its seeds. Oil is extracted from the seeds and used for a variety of health problems. Native Americans used this plant not just as food but medicine too. It wasn’t until the 1930’s that researchers discovered the oil was powerful. Today it is used to help restore brittle hair and nails to a healthy condition as well as for many health ailments.

This plant is an herbaceous forb that earned its common name because of flowering only late in the day and into the evening. Each flower only last one to two days but one plant produces several flowers over a period of time. The stem does not grow until the second year, are hairy, and they may have tinges of purple or red. These plants reproduce by seed and each plant has numerous seed capsules that are upright. Evening primrose loves well-drained soils in full sun.

This bright yellow flower has 4 petals, a stigma X-shaped, sepal turned down against stem; axillary and the terminal is above. It has a long flowering period from late spring to late summer; and the flowers tend to open late afternoon and into the evening. They have a mild lemony scent and its pollinators are bees, butterflies and moths. Hummingbirds are attracted to these flowers because of its nectar.

The first year you’ll see elliptic to lanceolate shaped leaves that measure about 5 to 20cm long and 1-2.5cm in width. They have wavy margins, a prominent white mid-vein, perhaps some red tinges on the leaf tips and they grow in a tight rosette. The second year a stem grows and the leaves grow alternate and they become smaller with height.

Evening primrose grows in meadows, on beaches, in dunes, roadsides, and in waste places. This plant is native to Canada and the US and grows in all provinces (not the territories) and most states. It has been naturalized in Great Britain, parts of Europe, Russia, eastern Asia, South American, Australia and some Pacific islands including New Zealand.

How to use:
Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy it!

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.