Primrose Oil - Aphrodisiac for Men and Women

Certain substances have over the course of human history acquired a reputation of enhancing sexual experience. While a few of them are thought to act directly to stimulate sexual desire, most aphrodisiacs work by contributing to the healthy functioning of the major systems of the body and supplying vital nutrients, all of which are crucial to healthy sex life. Primrose oil, also known as evening primrose oil, is one such substance which has beneficial effects on major organs of the body and indirectly works to promote a healthy sexual experience.

About primrose oil

This is the oil extracted from the seeds of evening primrose, a wildflower native to the temperate climes of North America. The Europeans were one of the first to discover its beneficial properties after which they brought it home and grew it in their own continent where it became famous as the “King’s cure-all”. The evening primrose is not actually a primrose but called so because it looks similar to the English primrose. While the evening primrose plant blooms throughout summer, the flower lasts only for a day, opening with the morning sunlight and fading with the arrival of the evening.

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How primrose oil acts as an aphrodisiac

The oil extracted from evening primrose flower contains two main active ingredients – omega-6 essential fatty acids and gamma linolenic acid or GLA. The former of the two, that is the omega-6 fatty acids, is one of the most effective ingredients in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. A healthy heart is crucial to a healthy sex life since it is the main organ which pumps blood to all parts of the body including the sex organs. Omega-6 fatty acids help in lowering high blood pressure and is thus useful in treating hypertension. These acids have also been proved to reduce bad cholesterol and thus prevent heart attacks.

Yet another way in which omega-6 fatty acids help in having a healthy sex life is by preventing the building up of blood clots in the cardiovascular system. This not only ensures the healthy working of the heart but also means improved blood circulation which is turn is necessary for interrupted supply of blood to the sex organs – a vital condition for the attainment as well as maintenance of erection among men. In this way use of primrose oil which is rich source of omega-3 fatty acids directly benefits a person’s cardiovascular as well as circulatory system and indirectly helps in maintaining a healthy sex life.

Another way in which primrose oil works as an aphrodisiac is by relieving uncomfortable symptoms associated with Pre Menstrual Syndrome among women. By alleviating symptoms like irritability, headaches, breast tenderness as well as bloating, the supplement helps a woman to be more responsive to sexual stimulation. This effect of primrose oil is due to the presence of gamma linolenic acid of GLA. GLA in primrose oil is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid that is converted into prostaglandin E1 which in turn has anti-inflammatory properties and thus known to combat uncomfortable symptoms like cramps, pains and aches associated with PMS. Moreover prostaglandin E1 may also work as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator which again helps the body to rush blood to the sex organs and thus enhance sexual stimulation. Finally primrose oil has been traditionally used as an aid to conception among women. This could be because use of primrose oil is thought to lead to a more fertile quality of cervical fluid in women which helps the sperm to swim through the uterus to the egg and also helps it to stay alive longer.

Yet another way in which primrose oil is reputed to work as an aphrodisiac is when applied topically and massaged into the skin. The natural fragrance of the oil serves to entice the senses and may help in heightening sexual arousal. Besides this, primrose oil is thought to have  skin-rejuvenating properties since the oil contains vital anti-oxidants which may have a reversing effect on the aging process of the skin which is the largest organ in the human body. Applied topically, primrose oil is not only thought to give the effect of younger looking skin but is also believed to beneficial in maintaining the health of various body systems, organs and tissues which cease to function at their optimal level as one starts to age.

Oral intake of evening primrose oil is thought to be beneficial for prostate health among men. An enlarged prostate may press on the urethra and cause discomfort as well as pain. Some herbal practitioners recommend taking Evening primrose oil to prevent enlargement of the prostate and thus alleviate painful conditions which may be hindering sexual pleasure.

Other than these, primrose oil is an excellent natural source of several vitamins and minerals which are crucial for healthy sexual function. The oil is especially rich in Vitamin E and C which have proven anti-oxidant properties fighting the effects of aging and rejuvenating the body.

Besides working to arouse sexual desire and helping to maintain healthy sex life, primrose oil has other beneficial properties too. It has traditionally been used as a treatment for a variety of skin conditions like eczema and even psoriasis. This is because of the presence of essential fatty acids in the oil which is an excellent treatment for dry flaky skin.

How is primrose oil used

For oral administration, primrose oil is mostly taken in form of soft gels or capsules. For treatment of skin conditions, the oil is applied topically but since evening primrose oil can have a mild astringent effect, it is best applied in combination with base oil. For aphrodisiacal purposes the dosage is best determined by a trained herbal practitioner. As a fertility supplement, 1500 mg to 3000 mg of evening primrose oil is recommended for women from menstruation to ovulation.

Primrose oil side effects

While taken in the right dosage, primrose oil is well tolerated but in rare cases, it may lead to side effects like headache, nausea and digestive problems. People with a history of seizures should refrain from taking this supplement. Pregnant women should also avoid oral use of primrose oil since it can lead to uterine contractions.

Primrose or evening primrose oil is one of the most versatile natural essential oils which is not only believed to aid sexual arousal but helps in functioning of several body systems, thus contributing to an overall healthy sexual experience.