The evening primrose was used by Native Americans as both a food source and a medicine. The roots were either boiled or roasted and eaten much like a potato, while the leaves were added to soups and stews, or blanched and added to other dishes. Evening primrose is not toxic, and the flowers can be added to salads or used as dessert decorations.
The seeds of evening primrose contain gamma linolenic acid, which is an essential fatty acid that the body does not produce. Gamma linolenic acid is an anti-inflammatory compound used to treat cardiovascular disorders and arthritis.
Oil of evening primrose is available commercially from several sources. The oil is successfully used for the treatment for eczema and other skin irritations. The tea made from the leaves is supposed to ease childbirth pains.