About Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose plant is a yellow and white flower, known to be used by native Americans for treating wounds, digestion issues and sore throats. The oil is extracted from the primrose seeds and sold both in capsules and in its pure form.
On the issue of inserting evening primrose oil into your cervix, studies show that there is a possibility of this insertion causing labor induction.
However, this studies was carried out on women who did not have any health conditions and had low pregnancy risks. For this reason, another study is necessary to really ascertain the efficacy of evening primrose oil.
Efficacy Of Evening Primrose Oil
Although there is not medical proof or certification that evening primrose oil induces or shortens labor, midwives and women who have previously used the evening primrose claim that it does induce labor. More so, the evening primrose oil is believed to soften and ripen the cervix in readiness for labor.
The gamma linolenic acid contained in the evening primrose oil helps the body to produce the chemical which aids contractions in the uterus and dilation of the cervix. This chemical is known as prostaglandins. However, these contractions might only be Braxton Hicks and not actual labor contractions.
We cannot also ascertain the effectiveness of the evening primrose oil since it is usually used with other labor inducing methods like nipple stimulation and castor oil.
How Do I Insert Evening Primrose Oil In My Cervix
Even though the evening primrose has not been certified to actually induce labor, it is generally accepted and recommended all over the world as a good method to ease labor.
Here are a few important things to do before using the evening primrose oil vaginally:
- Ensure you consult your doctor before beginning the insertion of evening primrose oil into your cervix. There is a lot more you need to know about inserting the EPO vaginally than just knowing how to insert it. You need to be aware of the risks and effects involved in this process, even though it is only used for a few weeks before delivery.
- Before you begin insertion, you can take the evening primrose oil supplement orally as from the 38th week of your pregnancy. Do not take more than 2000mg as anything more can be harmful to you and your baby. Also be observant and reduce or stop the medication completely if you begin to experience stomach upset, diarrhea or vomiting while taking the evening primrose oil.
Ingredients Contained In Evening Primrose Oil
Gamma Linolenic Acid. This is a fatty acid that combats cancer and inflammation, and aids prostaglandin production in the body, which in turn aids blood circulation, contraction of the uterus, repairs of tissues, and fights against infections.
Vitamin E. this antioxidant is an effective nutrient that aids vision, skin and hair health and boosts immunity. Phenylalanine. This is an amino acid that turns into tyrosine, which then turns into dopamine. These are neurotransmitters in the brain that control moods and alleviate anxiety.
Health Benefits Of Evening Primrose Oil
Although we do not have sufficient facts to back up the health benefits of evening primrose oil, many participants, women who have previously used the evening primrose oil, attest to its potency and effectiveness.
GLA has tends to relieve deficiencies which are as a result of stress, high level of saturated fats, magnesium and vitamin B6 deficiency, arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension.
Due to the presence of prostaglandins in the evening primrose oil, it is also an effective medication for skin disease and arthritis.
Vitamin E in evening primrose oil alleviates pains in the breast that is associated with one’s menstrual cycle. As a result of the phenylalanine contained in evening primrose oil, it can be used to treat skin disorders like Vitiligo, Parkinson’s disease and also to relieve migraines and menstrual pains.
Evening primrose oil reduces the amount of times you experience those heat sensation caused by skin dilation relating to menopausal disorder, which is known as hot flashes. It also reduces their severity and duration when you do experience them. This, by extension, improves your sex and social life.
Although this is not a proven fact, evening primrose oil has been seen to reduce blood cholesterol and reduce the risks of heart disease.
Taking evening primrose oil with zinc, magnesium and niacin helps alleviate breast pain, premenstrual syndrome and depression.
Gamma linolenic acid has been reported to reduce eczema itching and acne. It also improves the skin health. Taking evening primrose alongside vitamin D may help reduce diabetes related to pregnancy.
Health Risks Of Evening Primrose Oil
Even though the evening primrose oil is widely recognized, accepted and recommended, there are still some possible risks and side effects associated with using the EPO. Here are some general risks involved:
Stomach upset, Headache, Vomiting, Diarrhea(lose stool), Excessive loss of blood and premature membrane rupture. Using the evening primrose oil right before a cesarean section or any other surgery and using evening primrose oil if you are schizophrenic or epileptic may put you at a high risk of bleeding troubles and an even higher risk of seizures.
Using evening primrose oil may result in longer periods of labor and you may always require interventions during labor and delivery.
Taking evening primrose oil during pregnancy may put your newborn at a risk of bruising or bleeding in the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is It Safe To Insert Evening Primrose Oil Capsules?
Before trying out any labor-inducing methods, it is essential that you consult your doctor to determine which method is safe for your baby and you.
During the last 2 weeks of pregnancy, you can insert one evening primrose capsule every night before bedtime. Technically, this is safe, as the capsule melts within minutes of insertion and the oil from the melted capsule leaks into the cervix.
How Much Primrose Oil Should I Insert?
Although there is no particular dosage direction for inserting evening primrose into cervix, experts recommend a daily dosage of 500mg to 1000mg from the 38th week of pregnancy. It is however important that you begin with a lesser dose when starting the medication.
How Long Should You Lay Down After Inserting Evening Primrose Oil?
Study shows that women who have used evening primrose oil usually began using it at the 38th week of their pregnancy and laid down for about two hours after using the oil.
How Fast Does Evening Primrose Work?
There is no specific timeframe to how fast the evening primrose works. For some people, it could take as long as 6weeks before they begin notice any changes while for others, they begin to experience changes within the first 2weeks after using the evening primrose.
Final Note
It is important to note that taking evening primrose oil before the 38th week of your pregnancy is not safe for you or your baby. Before starting any medication or using any labor-inducing medication, please consult your doctor and get his approval.
Not every of these natural remedies are safe for you so involving your doctor will ensure that you use only the safest of them. Your doctor will also guide you on when to begin the medication and how to administer it.
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