Evening Primrose Oil
There is a long tradition, going back many centuries, for using plants and flower extracts in the treatment of various ailments. Evening Primrose Oil is one such example. The plant species is said to have originated in Central America and Mexico, and Native Americans are known to have believed in its healing properties. There are various species with differently colored flowers, yellow being the most common. Some are also red, pink, white or purple. The flowers open in the evening, hence the name. Bees and moths pollinate the flowers.
The wild plant grows in the most inhospitable of places, bringing welcome color to wasteland and ground adjoining railway tracks and roads. In addition to the Evening Primrose Oil, the rest of the plant is also put to use. Young roots provide a vegetable which resembles the flavor of a pepper, and some people use the shoots in salads. Of course, some people just like Evening Primrose plants for the attractiveness it adds to the garden. In the past, people used to take the plant and make an infusion from it, which was used to treat gastro-intestinal problems and asthma symptoms. The plant was also used to make poultices, believed to soothe bruises and quicken the healing of wounds.
