Common Name: Common Evening Primrose
Botanical Name: Oenothera biennis
Oenothera biennis, known as Common Evening Primrose, is noted for its beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in the evening and close up during the day. Native to North America, this plant has a variety of uses in both traditional medicine and modern dietary supplements.
Medicinally, Evening Primrose oil is highly regarded for its rich content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that’s used to treat skin disorders, reduce inflammation, and improve women’s health issues like PMS and menopausal symptoms.
In beauty, Evening Primrose oil is a common ingredient in skincare products for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for treating eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
An interesting fact about Evening Primrose is that its roots were traditionally eaten by Native Americans, and the plant is still used today in culinary applications for its nutty flavor.
Common Name: Pink Evening Primrose
Botanical Name: Oenothera speciosa
Oenothera speciosa, commonly referred to as Pink Evening Primrose, is a delicate and hardy flowering plant native to North America. It produces sprawling, fragrant pink flowers that open in the evening and close by midday.
Medicinally, Pink Evening Primrose is used similarly to its cousin, Common Evening Primrose, especially for its benefits in addressing skin disorders and hormonal imbalances due to its high gamma-linolenic acid content.
In beauty, the oil from Pink Evening Primrose is often used in high-end skincare products for its ability to nourish and hydrate the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting elasticity.
An interesting fact about Pink Evening Primrose is that it is a resilient grower, often popping up in fields and roadsides, where its blossoms add a splash of color to the landscape. It’s also highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies.
