Evening primrose oil can help relieve PMS symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome is a nightmare for many women. Herbs may be a hope for improvement of mood before and during the period. Although the results of conducted studies are not conclusive, they suggest a relation between the intake of unsaturated fatty acids and the intensity of the ailment.

Gamma-linolenic acid (Omega 6) is a precursor to prostaglandins, including prostaglandin E1, in the human body. A 2011 study of 120 women found that increased consumption of foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) helped relieve PMS symptoms. For 6 months, the study participants took either different doses of FFAs daily (1g or 2g) or a placebo. The results of the analysis confirmed that the study participants who consumed a higher amount of FFA reported a significant improvement in their mood in the run-up to menstruation. Also, the participants taking 1g of FFAs felt better.

It is for this reason that women who have severe PMS complaints are recommended to consume evening primrose oil. It contains 7-10% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and 70-71% linoleic acid (LA). 

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3033240/