How to Use Primrose Oil to Treat Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches can result from many factors, including seasonal allergies, tension, stress, illness or fatigue. Primrose oil may ease and even prevent the suffering that accompanies headaches.

Instructions

1. Seek professional help. Since primrose oil is a mostly unregulated herbal supplement, your body's natural chemistry may not work well with consumption of primrose oil. A licensed herbalist or other healthcare practitioner should advise you on the best way to treat your headaches.

2. Look for primrose oil formulas that are geared toward resolving chronic headaches. Most likely, they will be in tablet or capsule form. They can be purchased at pharmacies, health food stores or many supermarkets.

3. Make sure the formula you purchase contains GLA or gamma-linoleic acid. This has been revealed as the key active ingredient in the treatment of chronic headaches.

4. Schedule twice daily doses. You'll likely be told to consume between 3 and 8 grams of primrose oil orally.

5. Opt for the purest formula. Combination formulas often contain smaller amounts of GLA, which may make them less effective.

Tips & Warnings

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbs and dietary supplements, such as primrose oil. This means you cannot be certain of strength, purity or safety of products containing evening primrose oil. Proceed with caution.

• If you use prescribed medicines in conjunction with primrose oil, ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain possible drug interactions.

• There is a risk of seizure when primrose oil is combined with anesthesia, so you may need to stop taking evening primrose oil before surgery.