Uses of Evening Primrose

From NarratingLandscapes

The ethnobotanical uses of evening primrose are as follows:

Technology:

Folklore has it that the root was rubbed on athletes by Native Peoples to give them strength. Evening primrose can also be used in poultices to ease bruising and speed wound healing.

Medicinal:

Much of the plant can be gathered in fall and dried for use as herbs for alternative medicine. Evening Primrose Oil, which contains an essential fatty acid known as gamma-linoleinc acid, comes from the pressing of the plants’ tiny seeds. Evening Primrose Oil (and the valuable fatty acid) helps prevent heart disease, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries menopause, and treating cirrhosis of the liver. The oil also has positive effects on the uterine muscles, nervous system and metabolism as well as helping to relieve pain and inflammation and sooth whooping cough and asthma. The tea is said to help cure headaches, act as an anti-depressant and treat obesity. Externally, the plant is used cosmetically in face-masks to counteract reddened skin (among other skin conditions) and treat sores.

Food:

The entire plant is edible and has been a staple for many First Peoples. Leaves can be cooked and eaten as greens or steeped in hot water to be consumed as a tea. The roots can also be boiled for soups and have a sweet, succulent flavour that is delicious. The seeds can also be roasted and used on bread or in a salad or ground to be used as a powder such as flax seeds.

Relationships involving this entry

This entry is not currently related to any others. Why not add a new relationship?

Other entries related to this one through a relationship

No other entries share relationships with this one. Why not add a new relationship?