Combining Linoleic Acid & GLA Naturally

Evening primrose oil provides a valuable combination of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid or GLA.  The oil comes from the seeds of the evening primrose plant and provides one of the best sources of its active ingredient, GLA, which comes in the form of triglycerides.  The oil is much like the essential fatty acids of the Omega-6 variety.

The use of evening primrose oil, as a nontoxic source of GLA, is a good mix of nutrition and herbal medicine. This night-blooming, bright yellow flowering plant is not a true primrose but is part of the willow family. The name comes from the fact that its flowers resemble those of the primrose plant.  Statistically, GLA is an unusual organic substance and is found in very few plants (other sources include the black currant, borage, and hemp plants)!

Evening primrose oil, through GLA, is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities.  GLA also is considered responsible for relief from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), since women with PMS are thought to have lower levels of GLA, possibly due to an inability to convert linoleic acid to GLA.  There is even some preliminary research indicating that evening primrose oil can support diabetic neuropathy, by improving neuronal blood supply. 

This herb has been used medicinally for centuries externally, as a poultice for skin problems and internally to treat variety of complaints, such as asthma, gastrointestinal problems, gynecological problems, or to enhance wound healing.