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Native Americans have long valued the Evening Primrose plant for its healing powers. Scientific research focuses on the therapeutic effect of the oil obtained from its seeds, which contain an omega-6 essential fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

Essential fatty acids (EFA's) such as GLA are utilised by the body to make up our basic cellular structure and to form the myelin sheath that insulates nerve cells and ensures the transmission of information to vital organs. EFA's are part of the mitochondria, the cell 'battery' that fules and energises the body, they also supply the precursors to the 'good' prostaglandins, which help to reduce inflammation and prevent blood clotting.

Research has been conducted into GLA and the relief of menstrual conditions such as PMS, cramps, breast tenderness and endometriosis. Studies show that people suffering from the inflammatory pain of rheumatoid arthritis may find relief with the use of EPO.

EPO has been shwon to help prevent and treat neuropathy or nerve damage related to diabetes. One of the leading uses of Evening Primrose Oil is in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, a disorder that may develop when the body has trouble converting fats derived from food into GLA. For this reason, other conditions that involve inflammation such as rosacea, acne and muscle pain may also be alleviated with EPO.

Recent research looks promising on the use of omega 6 fatty acids in the treatment of depression and behavioural disorders. Thompson's New Zealand-sourced Evening Primrose Oil contains 10% GLA and is cold processed to retain the quality of the essential oil, avoiding oxidation.

NB: while other sources of GLA, like borage and blackcurrent oil may contain higher amounts, there is doubt surrounding their biological activity, resulting in these forms being less clinically effective than Evening Primrose Oil.

Thompson's range of Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) may be useful in the relief of menstrual conditions such as PMS, cramps, breast tenderness and endometriosis. The painful and debilitating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may also be eased with the use of EPO.

EPO has been shown to help prevent and treat neuropathy or nerve damage related to diabetes. Eveing Primrose Oil may be useful in the treatment of skin coditions such as eczema, as well as other contitions that involve inflammation such as rosacea, acne and muscle pain.

Exciting new reserachis focusing on EPO as a possible treatment for mild depression, behavioural disorders, multiple sclerosis and the suppression of tumour growth.

EPO can be applied topically to the skin or added to food when treating children.

The average recommended therapeutic dose for adults is 3000mg daily.