does it help?? has anyone tried it? or takes it? I did the cod liver oil but it made me worse and I can't seem to take Sunflower oil and other oils they make me worse too
Evening primrose oil or primrose comes from the seeds of a Native American wildflower, containing 7 percent to 10 percent GLA. Preliminary evidence suggests that primrose may reduce pain, swelling and morning stiffness. While it likely takes one to six months to notice the effects, it may not go so far as to stop the progression of the disease, which means joint damage would still occur. However, to treat rheumatoid arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation suggests that you take 540 milligrams daily of primose to 2.8 grams daily in divided doses, but check with your doctor first
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VeronicaF
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There is good evidence that evening-primrose oils have an anti-inflammatory effect by interfering with the chemical pathways that are involve in inflammation. The effects take time but do have a so-called steroid-sparing effect i.e. One needs less steroid to achieve the desired result. Note that they are, of course, all fat so if you are a calorie-counter they muck up your diet! Theyare not cheap either! They have been used in allergy-treatment as well at least in dogs with quite a good effect. The inflammatory mechanisms are the same as in people so I would expect them to work in people as well just not overnight!
I had heard of using evening primrose oil for menopausal problems and I tried it for that unfortunately to no effect. That it has an anti-inflammatory effect on RD sounds promising. I may very well have to investigate further and maybe try it. The steroid-sparing action certainly has it's attractions. Thank you for your useful post
Check with your doctor ...I had breast cancer & afterwards one of the supplements I was advised avoid was Evening Primrose in any form.....it is thought to have anti inflammatory properties, but if that is by boosting the immune system that is 100% not what people with RA need.
Thanks AgedCrone, my rheumatologist is aware I take it and never said to stop. I did try on a couple of occasions just to see how things went but I got the awful breast pain back. I'll ask about it at my next appointment just in case x
I think oncologist's are more in tune with the effects of EPO than rheumatologists......but if you have been taking it for years & your mammograms are all clear I shouldn't worry.
Please check with your Rheumatologist first before taking any supplements. My Rheumy told me Not to take evening Primrose, red clover, black cohosh etc. I wanted to take these to help with my menopause. Apparently they clash with some of the medication we are on.
Yes that's about the list my oncologist gave me....plus Echinnace. The only supplement I have ever taken is Vit D- prescribed by my Rheumy. I think if you eat a good balanced diet supplements are an expense I can avoid.
As the description says always check with your doctor (Rheumy) before buying & taking any supplements. I think it's fair to say it's unlikely to stop progression of the disease never mind may not go so far as! As far as I know there's no substantiated sizeable evidence that supports the use of it in RD with positive results. As with all supplements there's the possibility of a placebo effect, but they're not monitored as meds are & you'll usually find that there are 'potential' uses of it for many conditions which always rings alarm bells. Cure all's don't do it for me. Maybe being an oil it could help OA or osteopororosis. I take Omega 3 fish oil alongside my calcium/Vitamin D supplement & think it helps somewhat. But, ask your Rheumy, some supplements aren't to be used with some meds so always best to check. The Native American folk way back likely didn't take any meds, only what they could cobble together to try treating from nature. If he ok's it trial it for 6 months, give it a good go see if it could work you.
Please do not take these without consulting your GP as EPO I'm sure can react with some prescription medications. No idea how or why but I dedinately seen it on some PIL's as don't take. Having said that if its sold as a foodstuff ie Holland and Barrett then how could it make any difference? I've no idea but think it would be best to ask a proffessional first.
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