Evening primrose oil comes from the drought-tolerant, biennial Oenothera biennis plant. It flowers with brightly colored, cup-shaped flowers all summer long, and produces seeds in the fall. You can find evening primrose oil available in small and large bottles, as well as evening primrose capsules. These are some of the medicinal herbs that you will find available online from quality herb suppliers.
While the whole Oenothera biennis plant has many different uses, the seeds are used to produce evening primrose oil. The seeds are extremely tiny, and only a third of the seed contains any evening primrose oil. This factor contributes to the high cost of purchasing evening primrose oil. The oil can be eaten or applied topically, and contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is one of the essential unsaturated fatty acids.
There are many common uses for evening primrose capsules and the evening primrose oil they contain. The oil is used in the preparation of cosmetics and skin products. The oil of Oenothera biennis may help with multiple sclerosis, nervous energy, and tension brought about before the menstrual cycle begins. Evening primrose capsules are commonly used for eczema, liver damage caused by alcohol consumption, brittle nails, rheumatoid arthritis, and acne. Evening primrose capsules may also help to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
Evening primrose capsules are available with organic certification. This means that the Oenothera biennis plants that provide the seeds that make the oil must be grown from non-genetically modified organisms without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or food additives. The land that produces the Oenothera biennis crop must not have had synthetic chemicals used on it for three years or more prior to receiving organic certification. The United States Department of Agriculture is responsible for on-site farm inspections to ensure that organic standards are being met. As well, the producer must keep accurate and detailed records from seed stage to harvest stage, which are audited.
Oenothera biennis is just one of several different types of herbs that are available for purchase online from premium herbal merchants. In addition to medicinal herbs, you will find herbs perfect for cooking also available. These herbs can be purchased in large quantities, which is helpful if you are supplying a restaurant or health food store, in order to keep adequate supplies on hand for use. Dried herbs are also available, and can be used as ingredients in cosmetics, perfumes, personal care products, and household products such as laundry fresheners. Herbs can also be used for making sachets, potpourri, and are lovely for use in a variety of craft projects.
In this article Anne Harvester writes about medicinal herbs.
