Evening Primrose

(Oenothera biennis)

Where is it found?

Evening Primrose can be found throughout the country but is primarily found in the mountains.  It can be found anywhere from sea level to 9,000ft and is popular in New Mexico.

What does it look like?

The plant is basically biennials, forming long-leaved rosettes.  The plant attains a height of two to five feet.  The Flowers are bright yellow and the root is turnip like.  However the flowers only open in the late afternoon hence their name (Moore, 1979).

What are the medical uses?       

Evening Primrose is used to treat sore throat and is also used as a laxative.  It possesses a diuretic function and can suppress muscle pain.

What chemicals are in it?        

It contains active amounts of potassium nitrate.  Evening Primrose possesses nine different chemicals in it with antihypertensive activity.  Those chemicals include Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Arginine, Calcium, Fiber, Magnesium, Potassium, Quercetin, Tannin, and Tryptophan (Dr. Duke, 2003).