Herbs - Flaxseed/Linseed (Linum usitatissimum)
What Is It?
Flaxseed, Flax or linseed
is well known for its use as an oil for preserving cricket bats. Flax is one
of the most ancient of all cultivated plants, and is known to have been used
by man since 5,000 BC. Both the seeds and seed oil are used medicinally.
Action
Flax seeds contains oil, mucilage and protein. The mucilage is soothing to
the digestive system and has mild laxative and cleansing action. The oil contains
some linoleic acid, an omega-6 fat, but much higher levels of the omega-3 fatty
acid, alpha-linolenic acid. This omega-3 fat has potent anti-inflammatory action
on the joints, skin and digestive system.
Uses
Our experts recommend Flaxseed
or Flaxseed oil for the following disorders:
- Allergic
rhinitis
- Antiphospholipid
antibody syndrome
- Bell's
Palsy
- Breast
cancer
- Cysts (breast)
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Other information
- Flaxseeds can be an effective remedy for irritable bowel syndrome,
ulcerative colitis, and diverticulitis, and help repair damage done by laxative
abuse. They may also be a useful aid in cholesterol reduction. Crushed seeds make
an effective poultice for the cleansing of boils and other Skin infections.
- Flax is available
as seed (look for organic, golden linseeds), linseed oil - liquid or capsules
(look for organic, cold pressed). Store seeds and oil in a cool dry place to
prevent the oil from going rancid.
- If using the
oil, it is advisable to take extra Vitamin E, as this will protect the fats
in the body.
Cautions
- Flaxseeds and Flaxseed oil are free from side effects and have
no contra-indications. It is however important to drink plenty of water when
using the seeds, as they may cause bowel obstruction. Also take seeds separately
from medications as they may slow down drug absorption.
- When this article
was written there were no other well-known negative drug interactions with Flaxseeds
and Flaxseed oil.