Evening primrose is a plant that was used by Native Americans to heal wounds, bruises, and to soothe swollen skin. They would eat the leaves to help with sore throats and stomach issues.

Evening primrose oil supplements come as softgels, capsules, and liquids. It’s also added to creams and ointments that you can put on your skin.

Evening primrose oil is used to:

• Treat dermatitis (a type of eczema that makes your skin red, itchy, and swollen)
• Relieve pain caused by arthritis
• Treat breast pain
• Treat menstrual symptoms (symptoms caused by your monthly period) such as bloating and headaches
• Treat symptoms caused by menopause (permanent end of menstrual cycles) such as hot flashes
• Treat nerve damage caused by diabetes

EPO is usually used for softgel.