The evening primrose plant was reportedly used by Indigenous people of North America as both a food source and medicine. All parts of the plant were eaten, including the roots, which were boiled; additionally, some burned the seeds as incense. Medicinally, juice or a poultice prepared from the leaves and stems was applied topically as a remedy for bruises, minor wounds, hemorrhoids, and skin inflammation. Orally, the evening primrose plant was used for a variety of ailments, including gastrointestinal complaints, sore throats, and menstrual pains, and as a stimulant to increase strength. It is thought that the plant was brought over to Europe in the late 1800s, where it continued to be used for medicinal purposes.[1][2]
What are the traditional uses of evening primrose oil?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
The evening primrose plant was traditionally used by Indigenous North Americans as both food and medicine; all parts of the plant were consumed or used topically for various ailments such as bruises and skin inflammation. It was also taken orally for gastrointestinal issues, sore throats, menstrual pains, and as a strength stimulant, and its medicinal use continued after it was introduced to Europe in the late 1800s.