EVENING PRIMROSE
The edible nocturnal wildflower. Most people associate her as an off-the-shelf supplement. This is where the seed is pressed into an oil to help with PMS and other reproductive tissue disorders, thanks to the high fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content. But her flower, although often forgotten, is equally as potent when made into an oil infusion.

IDENTIFYING HER
She is easily identified by the four stigma lobes, or her female organ, in the centre of the flower. Typically only blooming at night (hence the name), this is one of the reasons she is used in moon ceremonies to encourage divine feminine energies.

TURNING HER INTO AN OIL INFUSION
When her flower is made into an oil infusion and used twice daily, Evening Primrose helps heal acne, eczema, psoriasis, split ends and signs of ageing.

How to make your own healing Evening Primrose infusion oil (the most difficult aspect is waiting for weeks to slowly extract the healing properties):

1) Look for patches of Evening Primrose and try to avoid her if she is by any roads or trails. You don’t want any toxins being infused. Only collect a small amount and make sure you only take up to one-third of any patch.

2) Once you’ve harvested, dehydrate the flowers. Removing moisture is key to a successful oil infusion. You can do this by drying in a paper bag for a few days, placing over cheesecloth or mesh in a warm place for a couple of days or for an instant fix, you can buy a dehydrator. This will allow you to remove any excess water from the flower overnight.

3) Place in a small jar and fill to the very top with any oil. Typically olive oil, grapeseed, apricot and almond oils are used. I’ve used jojoba oil as it sinks easily into the skin.

4) Screw the lid on tightly and place in a warm environment away from direct sunlight. On top of the fridge works well. After eight weeks, you can strain and apply when you need an extra magical healing touch.

Commissioned for Moonhood Magazine

PRIMROSE OIL INFUSION