Evening primrose, Oenothera biennis
The root is edible cooked, boiled and eaten like salsify. Fleshy, sweet and succulent, wholesome and nutritious. A peppery taste. The taste somewhat resembles salsify or parsnips.
The raw flowers are sweet and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
Young seedpods can be used cooked or steamed.
The seed contains 28% of a drying oil. It is edible and a very good source of gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that is not found in many plant sources and has numerous vital functions in the body.
The seed, however, is very small and difficult to harvest, it has to be done by hand. Overall yields are low, making the oil very expensive to produce.
The bark and the leaves have been proved of use in the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders of a functional origin, whooping cough and asthma.
A syrup made from the flowers is also an effective treatment for whooping cough. The bark is stripped from the flowering stem and dried for later use, the leaves are also harvested and dried at this time.
Evening primrose oil has become a well-known food supplement since the 1980's. Research suggests that the oil is potentially very valuable in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, premenstrual tension, hyperactivity etc.
It is also taken internally in the treatment of eczema, acne, brittle nails, rheumatoid arthritis and alcohol-related liver damage.
Regular consumption of the oil helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower the blood pressure.
Gamma-linolenic acid (see above) assists the production of hormone-like substances. This process is commonly blocked in the body, causing disorders that affect the uterine muscles, nervous system and metabolism.
The poulticed root is applied to piles and bruises.
A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of obesity and bowel pains.
The oil from the seed is added to skin preparations and cosmetics. It is often combined with vitamin E to prevent oxidation.
A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers.
A finely ground powder made from the flowering stems is used cosmetically in face-masks to counteract reddened skins.
The flowers open in the evening and are strongly scented with a delicious sweet perfume, attracting pollinating moths.
The seeds are a good food source for birds.