This yellow flowering herb has health benefits and may help with menopause symptoms, including hair loss. Most often taken in a daily pill form, research isn’t clear if it’s safe or effective for long-term use.
The evening primrose flowering plant has several health benefits, including hormone-balancing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
This yellow flowering plant (also known as the night willow herb) is a popular health supplement. It’s most often taken by mouth in pill or capsule form, but it’s also available as a topical ointment and as an ingredient in beauty products.
Research suggests that the oil from this herb, which blooms in the evening, is known as evening primrose oil (EPO), and it may help prevent or minimize hair loss during
Evening primrose oil has many benefits, including for menopause symptoms like night sweats.
It’s rich in omega-chain fatty acids, which may help:
- fight oxidative stress
- reduce inflammation
- encourage healthy cell growth
Because of this, it’s thought that EPO
- nutritional deficiency
- environmental damage (such as sun exposure)
- scalp inflammation
EPO also contains phytoestrogens, leading some to suggest it may improve the symptoms of hormone-related conditions like menopause.
Research on using EPO for hair growth and overall hair health is limited.
However, there has been research on how certain ingredients or chemical components in EPO affect hair health.
Although this does give some insight into how EPO may affect hair loss, more research is needed to explicitly support or clarify EPO’s effect on hair health.
May promote new hair growth
Like other plant oils, EPO contains arachidonic acid. This ingredient has been shown to promote new hair growth and help existing hair shafts to grow longer.
Could help reduce scalp inflammation and hair follicle damage
Gamma linoleic acid (GLA) is an omega-chain fatty acid found in EPO. This ingredient is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Some research suggests that EPO may help reduce inflammation.
Might help reduce oxidative stress
The stress you put on your hair — think products, heat styling, and the like — can worsen alopecia-related hair loss.
EPO is rich in the antioxidant vitamin E, which is known to relieve oxidative stress. This suggests that EPO could stimulate and protect hair follicles, keeping them healthy and active.
EPO is
Still, it’s important to talk with your doctor before using EPO or any other alternative remedy. Although it’s safe for the average user, there’s still a risk of side effects or interactions.
You shouldn’t take EPO without your doctor’s approval if you:
- are pregnant
- are taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin (Coumadin)
- have epilepsy
- have schizophrenia
- have a hormone-sensitive cancer, such as breast or ovarian cancer
- have a scheduled surgery within the next 2 weeks
When to consult your dermatologist
If you’re experiencing new or unexpected hair loss, see your dermatologist. They can assess your symptoms and discuss treatment options.
Although EPO may be an option, you may also want to try a more reliable alternative treatment.
If you experience any unusual side effects when using EPO, stop taking it and speak with your doctor. Possible side effects include accelerated hair loss, breakouts at or around your hairline, and hair or scalp discoloration.
Do you need a new dermatologist or specialist? Find a doctor here.
Evening primrose oil has several health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. One benefit may be helping with hair loss, a common symptom during menopause.
Research indicates that EPO may help stimulate new hair growth and help your scalp.
Your healthcare team and a qualified dermatologist can best advise you on whether EPO may be an option, and what you may want to consider before starting this as a possible treatment or supplement.