Evening Primrose Oil

Above: General illustration of oils - not necessarily representative of this type of massage oil. The appearance of massage carrier oils varies in terms of colour, consistency, texture, and so on.

This photo is not necessarily of evening primrose oil. The appearance of massage carrier oils varies in terms of colour, consistency, texture, and so on.

Evening Primrose Oil is one of many popular carrier oils used in massage, aromatherapy, and other body-work treatments. However, evening primrose oil (and borage oil) is highly unsaturated and is therefore more reactive and so less stable than most other carrier oils.

Evening primrose oil (from Oenothera biennis and other very similar varieties) is extracted by expressing the oil from the seeds of the plant.

The therapeutic benefits of using evening primrose oil externally e.g. as a massage medium, are said to include benefits for dry scaly skin, for treating dandruff, and for use in cases of psoriasis, eczema, and accelerating wound healing.

See also the general page about carrier oils for massage and bodywork therapies and information about massage and aromatherapy.

Note: There are many different carrier oils used for massage and other bodywork therapies. This section includes many popular oils but it is not a complete list.

Note: There are many different carrier oils used for massage and other bodywork therapies. This section includes many popular oils but it is not a complete list.