Four thousand years ago, the flaxseed plant was cultivated in Mediterranean countries to obtain textile fibers, and 2500 years ago, it was used as a medicinal herb. In the 5th century B.C., Hippocrates recommended it as an emollient.
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Flaxseed Plant Scientific Facts
- Scientific synonyms: Linum humile Miller, Linum humile Planch., Linum crepitans (Boenn.) Dum.
- French: Lin.
- Spanish: Lino.
- Environment: The flaxseed plant is native to the Middle East; it is cultivated in warm climate areas all over Europe and the Americas.
- Description: This herbaceous plant of the Linaceae family grows from 40 to 80 cm high and has an upright stem and elongated, narrow leaves. Its flowers are light blue with five petals, and its fruit is a globe-like capsule with ten brown seeds.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The linseed (flax seeds).
Healing Properties and Warning
Flaxseeds contain considerable amounts of mucilage and pectin, which give the plant emollient and laxative properties, as well as mineral salts and fats with a high biological value (essential unsaturated fatty acids). Its applications and indications are the following:
- Chronic constipation. Flax lubricates the digestive tract, making the feces softer. Moreover, it regenerates the intestinal flora, regulating the putrefaction and fermentation processes. Its effect is thus evident since feces lose their putrid odor in the case of intestinal putrefaction.
- Gastritis, duodenitis, and gastroduodenal ulcer. Flaxseeds have an anti-inflammatory and emollient action that promotes the regeneration of the harmed digestive mucosa. They should be taken in a decoction to complement any specific treatment for those processes.
- Due to its emollient and soothing effect on the mucosa, it is used to treat respiratory and urinary tract inflammation, especially bronchitis and cystitis.
Flaxseed plant seeds (linseed) can also be used as food. They are especially recommended for diabetes due to their low sugar content and high protein and fat content. Flaxseed must be consumed by people wanting to gain weight or those suffering from malnutrition.
Poultices of flaxseed flour are applied whenever constant heat is required: colds and bronchitis, menstrual pain, chronic aches of the abdomen (whether kidney or gall bladder aches), intestinal spasms, insect bites, abscesses, and furuncles. They have resolvent, antispasmodic, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, besides retaining heat for a long time. Flaxseed oil is a skin-soothing product for eczema, dry skin, mild burns, and dermatosis.
WARNING! The oil in flaxseed plant flour becomes rancid quite quickly, causing skin irritation. Therefore, recently prepared flour is better for poultice preparation.
Flaxseed is much more mucilaginous than slippery elm and is used for various conditions. It is healthier than olive oil for the purposes for which it is utilized. Flaxseed is used for all intestinal inflammations, chest and lung problems, pleurisy, stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, flatulence, enteritis, diarrhea, coughs, constipation, catarrh, bronchitis, and asthma.
Eating flaxseeds intact is an excellent remedy for chronic constipation. Take one to two tablespoons of whole seeds and swallow them with lots of water. Right after, eat stewed prunes. The seeds will swell in the intestines, stimulating elimination by expanding the volume of fecal matter.
Take 1 ½ to two tablespoons of flaxseed oil to remove gallstones, and go to bed on your left side for half an hour. The gallstones should pass into the intestines and be eliminated from there. Externally, flaxseed is a fantastic poultice for sores, tumors, inflammations, and boils. Use it with slippery elm for burns, oozing sores, and bumps.
CAUTION: Avoid flaxseed if you suffer from diverticulitis.
Other Flaxseed Plant Species
All over the Mediterranean coastline of the Iberian Peninsula and in the Canary Islands grows a species called wild flax, with comparable properties to cultivated flax.
Cathartic flax grows in Mediterranean countries. Its laxative effect is more intense. In North America, prairie flax or Rocky Mountain flax grows another variety of flax.
How to use Flaxseed
- The seeds are decocted with 30 g per liter of water and boiled for five minutes. Drink two or three cups daily, sweetened with honey if desired.
- Cold extract. Steep one spoonful of seeds per glass of water for 12 hours. Drink two or three glasses of the liquid every day.
- Seeds. Whole seeds can be taken and chewed (a spoonful every 12 hours).
- Poultices. Ground flaxseed flour is added to boiling water until a thick paste is formed. 30 to 40 g of flaxseed flour is usually required per liter of water. When applying the poultice, it is advisable to protect the skin with a cold cloth to avoid burns.
- Lotions with flaxseed oil. Apply directly to the affected area.
Infusion: Steep for five to fifteen minutes and take one cup daily. Tincture: Take fifteen to forty drops three times a day or as needed. Fluid Extract: Take fifteen to thirty drops three times a day or as required. Powder: Take ten to twenty #0 capsules (60 to 120 grains) once daily.
Frequently Asked Question
I understand flaxseed has omega-3s, but what kind, and how much does it provide?
Flaxseed is a primary source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. Our bodies convert some ALA into EPA and DHA, the omega-3s found in fatty fish, but the conversion rate is variable. One tablespoon of whole flaxseed has about 6 grams of ALA, while a tablespoon of ground flaxseed has about 1.8 grams.
Can the flaxseed plant help lower cholesterol?
Evidence suggests yes! Studies link flaxseed to total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol reductions. This may be due to its soluble fiber content, which binds to cholesterol in the gut, and its lignans (plant compounds), which may affect cholesterol production.
I’ve heard the flaxseed plant is good for digestion. How does this work?
Flaxseed boasts both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, slowing digestion and aiding nutrient absorption. Insoluble fiber bulks up stool and promotes regularity. This combination can combat both constipation and diarrhea.
Are there any specific studies on the flaxseed plant and blood pressure?
Yes! A review of studies found that consuming flaxseed for more than 12 weeks may slightly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. More research is needed, but the effects appear promising.
Can the flaxseed plant play a role in managing blood sugar?
Some research indicates that adding flaxseed to your diet may help control blood sugar, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The fiber and lignans in flaxseed are thought to be the key factors here.
I know the flaxseed plant contains lignans. Do these have any unique effects on health?
Lignans are phytoestrogens, meaning they have a weak estrogen-like effect in the body. They also have antioxidant properties. This combination could potentially play a role in protecting against hormone-related cancers like breast and prostate cancer, but more research is needed.
Are there specific conditions where the flaxseed plant might be a less ideal choice?
Due to its fiber content, the flaxseed plant might be unsuitable if you have a bowel obstruction or a narrowed esophagus. Also, some digestive conditions, like IBS, may be exacerbated by flaxseed. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Does the form of flaxseed matter (whole, ground, oil)?
Yes! Whole flaxseed may pass through you undigested, limiting nutrient absorption. Ground flaxseed is optimal. Flaxseed oil offers the omega-3s but not the fiber and lignans.
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
The flaxseed plant can interact with some drugs, such as blood thinners and diabetes treatments. Always discuss adding flaxseed to your diet with your doctor, especially if you take regular medications.
How much flaxseed should I eat per day for optimal benefits?
Recommendations vary, but a general guideline is 1-2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it to give your digestive system time to adjust.
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DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 508, 509. Print.
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 158, 159.
- Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263405
- Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-flaxseeds
- WebMD https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API