Flaxseed and Primose Oil?

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-15-2003
Flaxseed and Primose Oil?
8
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 5:46pm
Ok, I admit I'm a lurker. I am also 28 yrs old. Does that count on this board? lol

Well, I have question fo ryou folks. I was reading that someone had some relief from their monthly visit by taking flaxseed oil and primrose oil. Can someone tell me all the details about this? I have SEVERE symptoms every month. I try to increase my soy intake which curbs some of it but not all.

Thanks for your help. Beth

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-19-2004
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 7:11pm
Lilly I'd be happy to email you the fact sheet, my email is deepinma@aol.com just email me and I'll forward it on to you, it's long and I can't retype it here.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 7:30pm
BTW, I'm 29 and they haven't tarred and oiled me yet. =) lol. Stay, I'm sure no one minds.

~Cher




my pet!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 07-29-2004 - 10:42am

Hi Beth- and welcome (you spring chicken you)!! As Cher said- stay, we don't mind at all!


I did find some information on flaxseed and primrose oil- I'm not pasting the whole article, just some of it:


Health Benefits


The essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil are its key healing components. EFAs are particularly valuable because the body needs them to function properly, but can't manufacture them on its own. Essential fatty acids work throughout the body to protect cell membranes, keeping them efficient at admitting healthy substances while barring damaging ones.

One of the EFAs in flaxseed oil--alpha-linolenic acid--is known as an omega-3 fatty acid. Like the omega-3s found in fish, it appears to reduce the risk of heart disease and numerous other ailments. Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of omega-3s: Just 1 teaspoon contains about 2.5 grams, equivalent to more than twice the amount most Americans get through their diets. Flaxseeds also contain omega-6 fatty acids in the form of linoleic acid; omega-6s are the same healthy fats found in vegetable oils.

In addition, flaxseeds are a rich source of lignans, substances that appear to positively affect hormone-related problems. Lignans may also be useful in preventing certain cancers and combating specific bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including those that cause cold sores and shingles. When taken in ground form, flaxseeds provide an extra fiber boost, easing the passage of stools and benefiting the digestive tract in multiple ways.

Specifically, flaxseed oil (and flaxseeds) may help to:


  • Lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease and control high blood pressure. Several studies indicate that flaxseed oil, as well as ground flaxseeds, can lower cholesterol, thereby significantly reducing the risk of heart disease. Taking flaxseed oil may also protect against angina (chest pain) and high blood pressure. In addition, a five-year study done recently at Boston's Simmons College found that flaxseed oil may be useful in preventing a second heart attack. It may also help prevent elevated blood pressure by inhibiting inflammatory reactions that cause artery-hardening plaque and poor circulation.


  • Treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea. The essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil are largely responsible for its skin-healing powers. Red, itchy patches of eczema, psoriasis and rosacea often respond to the EFA's anti-inflammatory actions and overall skin-soothing properties. Sunburned skin may heal faster when treated with the oil as well. In cases of acne, the EFAs encourage thinning of the oily sebum that clogs pores.


  • Promote healthy hair and nails. The abundant omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to contribute to healthy hair growth (in fact, low levels of these acids may cause dry and lackluster locks). Hair problems exacerbated by psoriasis or eczema of the scalp may respond to the skin-revitalizing and anti-inflammatory actions of flaxseed oil as well. Similarly, the oil's EFAs work to nourish dry or brittle nails, stopping them from cracking or splitting.


  • Treat menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, female infertility and endometriosis. Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) in flaxseed oil help stabilize a woman's estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle, and relieve the hot flashes of perimenopause and menopause. Flaxseed oil may also improve uterine function and thus treat fertility problems. In addition, the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to block production of prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that, when released in excess amounts during menstruation, can cause the heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis.

  • There are other benefits too, and are on the original page-


    Dosage Information

    Special tips:

    --Liquid flaxseed oil is the easiest form to use, although it must be kept refrigerated.

    --Capsules containing flaxseed oil are convenient for traveling, but can be quite expensive in comparison to the liquid form. Also, a large number of capsules--approximately 14 containing 1,000 mg of oil each--are needed to get the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of oil.

    --If using ground flaxseeds, just add 1 or 2 tablespoons of to an 8-ounce glass of water and mix.



    • For menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms, female infertility, and rosacea: Take 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil a day, along with 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil or borage oil three times a day.

    General Interaction


    There appear to be few if any drug or nutrient interactions with flaxseeds (or their oil). Because flaxseed may interfere with the absorption of certain medicines, however, it's a good idea to consult your doctor if you are already on medication and want to take it in any form.


    Possible Side Effects



  • Ground flaxseeds may produce some initial flatulence, but this won't last long.


  • Cautions



  • To prevent ground flaxseed from swelling up and obstructing your throat or digestive tract, drink plenty of water (one 8-ounce glass of water per tablespoon of ground flaxseed) along with it.

  • This is the link- http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,783,00.html

    ~-~ Moderation is Key ~-~

    cl-vi_islandgirl
    Getting Fit in Your 30's

    _____________________________________________________

    iVillage Member
    Registered: 04-19-2004
    Thu, 07-29-2004 - 11:08am
    Thanks It's actually the exact same fact sheet I got from my friend, but I had to retype it because she sent it in paper form so to make it easier for my friends I was sending it too I retyped it!
    iVillage Member
    Registered: 12-04-2003
    Thu, 07-29-2004 - 12:56pm

    So, how much do you take exactly of each?

    iVillage Member
    Registered: 04-19-2004
    Thu, 07-29-2004 - 1:06pm
    I take 3 tablespoons a day. That is the recommended dose for people with PCOS.

    I take 2 TBS in with my morning protein shake while I am putting on my makeup and then I take 14 of the pills throughout the day, I haven't figured out how to get that last tablespoon in, once I do, then I won't take the pills and will just have the pills for trips and stuff that isn't easy to lug around a bottle of oil and a blender. LOL

    I take the primrose oil the week before and during my period. You should NOT take primrose oil if you are trying to conceive or are pregnant.

    iVillage Member
    Registered: 08-15-2003
    Thu, 07-29-2004 - 2:21pm
    Thanks for all your responses. However, I do have a couple more questions.

    Is there a difference in Evening Primrose Oil and Primrose Oil, or are they the same??

    The reason I ask is because while I was pregnant with my daughter six years ago, my midwife suggested I take Evening Primrose Oil to help soften the cervix towards the end of the last trimester. Nothing happened, and I really can't tell you if it helped. She came out very happy and healthy. I did not use any drugs and had a very nice memorable natural birthing experience. What are the findings for not taking this supplement while you are pregnant or trying to conceive?

    iVillage Member
    Registered: 04-19-2004
    Thu, 07-29-2004 - 2:49pm
    From babycorner.com:

    Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) lowers cholesterol, helps to alleviate pms and most importantly here, aids in the production of fertile quality cervical fluid. EPO is an essential fatty acid that contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA). It is converted to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 which has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator. The anti-inflammatory properties help people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. We want to discuss the effects EPO has on pms and cervical fluid.

    If you suffer from pms - this is a sign that you are deficient in the fatty acid contained in EPO. EPO can help the body to alleviate the pms symptoms. EPO does a world of good in treating aliments of all sorts.

    EPO helps the body to produce more fertile quality cervical fluid also known as "egg white cervical mucus." This is because fertile cervical fluid is thin, watery, clear and "stretchy" and easily aids the sperm to swim through the uterus and into the fallopian tube, and to the egg. If there is a lack in this type of cervical fluid, it can impede and/or prevent fertilization. Some women are very dry, and have problems in producing an adequate amount of fertile quality cervical fluid. Drinking a lot of water and taking the EPO can certainly help in the production of fertile cervical fluid. Also, this type of fluid helps the sperm to stay alive for up to five days inside the fallopian tube, thus enabling conception to happen even if you don't have intercourse again by the time ovulation occurs.

    EPO should only be taken from menstruation to ovulation. This is because EPO can cause uterine contractions in pregnancy. The dosage taken should be 1500mg to 3000mg per day. I usually took around 2000 mg of EPO. Since essential fatty acids are necessary, you can take flax seed oil in place of EPO after ovulation. This may be taken throughout pregnancy. Check the label to see the correct dosage.

    There are many remedies out there to help with fertility, but few are as good as EPO. EPO is excellent for women because of the help it gives in alleviating pms symptoms, and even menopausal women can benefit from taking it. I have heard of many praises to EPO and the fact that it definitely increases the fertile type cervical fluid. This may take a month or two to build up, and produce the results you are looking for. It is imperative that you chart your fertility symptoms and signs, so you can know when you have ovulated. By knowing this information, you can discontinue the EPO after ovulation and start the flax seed oil. Unless you are very regular, charting your fertility signs is the best tool to determine where you are in your cycle.