Why take evening primrose oil at night?

Evening primrose oil is a popular supplement amongst health-conscious individuals. Many take it for its potential benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving skin health, and easing menstrual discomfort. But did you know that taking your evening primrose oil at night can maximize these benefits?

So grab your jammies and let’s dive into why you should be taking evening primrose oil before hitting the sack.

What is Evening Primrose Oil?

Before we jump into the benefits of taking evening primrose oil (EPO) at night, let’s first talk about what it actually is.

Fun fact: EPO comes from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis), which blooms yellow flowers in the evening – hence its name!

EPO contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that our bodies need but cannot produce on their own. GLA plays an important role in maintaining skin health, brain function, hormone regulation, and immune system support.

The Benefits of Taking EPO before Bedtime

Now onto why you should be popping your EPO capsules before bedtime:

It Helps with Hormone Regulation

Hormonal imbalances can cause various issues such as PMS symptoms (cough mood swings cough) and acne breakouts. Thankfully, EPO contains GLA which has been shown to help regulate hormones by reducing prostaglandins – hormone-like substances that can cause pain and inflammation.

Taking EPO at night may be especially beneficial for women during their monthly cycle since hormone levels tend to fluctuate more heavily during this time.

It Can Improve Skin Health

Remember how we said GLA helps maintain healthy skin? Well taking EPO at night allows your body to efficiently use those fatty acids while you sleep! This is because nighttime is when our bodies go into repair mode: our skin is busy renewing itself and shedding dead cells.

So, by taking EPO at night you’re giving your body the tools it needs to maintain healthy skin from the inside out. Pro tip: slather on some hydrating lotion before bed for a double whammy of skin love.

It Can Potentially Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation has been linked to various health issues including arthritis, allergies, and even cancer. Fortunately, GLA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce inflammation in the body.

One study even found that taking EPO daily reduced joint pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis patients!

Taking EPO at night could be especially helpful since inflammation tends to peak at night according to our circadian rhythm (yep – our bodies are pretty dang complex).

How Much EPO Should You Take?

Before you start downing bottles of EPO every evening, keep in mind that dosage varies based on your individual needs.

It’s recommended that adults take around 1-3 grams (or 1000-3000 milligrams) per day but this can vary depending on what you’re using it for. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements!

Pro tip: It’s always best to start with a lower dose and work your way up as needed.

Best Ways to Incorporate EPO into Your Bedtime Routine

If you’ve decided that taking EPO at night is right for you, there are many ways you can incorporate it into your bedtime routine:

  • Take a capsule with water or juice before brushing your teeth
  • Add liquid drops (often flavored!) onto your tongue
  • Mix powdered versions into a warm cup of milk or tea

Remember though – consistency is key! Make sure you stick with taking it nightly so as not disrupt its effectiveness.

Pro tip: If swallowing pills isn’t really your jam, try a liquid version or mix the powder into your favorite smoothie!

The Bottom Line

When it comes to taking EPO, there’s really no wrong time of day to do so. However, taking it at night may help maximize its benefits such as regulating hormones and reducing inflammation.

Remember – always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements! And if you’re interested in trying out EPO for yourself, keep in mind that dosage varies based on your individual needs.

So go ahead and get cozy with some evening primrose oil tonight! Your body (and skin) will thank you.

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