Evening Primrose Oil
What is Evening Primrose Oil?
Native to North America, the Evening Primrose is so named because its yellow flowers bloom in the evening. This plant's oil is extracted from the seeds and placed in capsules.
What does Evening Primrose Oil do?
Evening primrose oil helps to soften the cervix by providing prostaglandins and the components the body needs to make prostaglandins. This can help to ripen a cervix to help encourage labor or to speed labor.
How do I do it?
Evening primrose oil can be taken internally near the end of pregnancy. It can also be massaged directly onto the cervix if ripening is desired.
NOTE:| Evening primrose oil should not be taken until after 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Some sample evening primrose oil uses:
Daily massage after 37 weeks: Squeeze oil out of capsules. Apply the oil to a clean finger and carefully insert in vagina to rub the oil onto the cervix.
After the 37th week, take one 500 mg capsule orally three times a day.
In early labor, massage the cervix with a finger dipped in evening primrose oil.
You May Also Be Interested In:Learn other ways to start labor and get information to help put your birth plan together. Find out about ways to reduce unnecessary pain in labor. Search The Natural Childbirth Directory to find a midwife or doula to help you use natural comfort techniques in labor. Find out what normal labor is like. Review the birth plan options that may be available to you. |
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