- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- One of the oldest crops; domesticated in the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East. Linum usitatissimum
- Sanskrit
- Uma
- Other names
- Lijnzaad
Europe · Food · № 83
Linum usitatissimum
Food · Europe
Flax
Linum usitatissimum
Ground flaxseed acts as a gentle bulk-forming fibre for constipation. NCCIH reports it may lower cholesterol slightly; evidence for other claims is unclear.
Safety notes
Always take with enough fluid to avoid bowel obstruction. Raw, unripe seed contains harmful compounds. May slow the absorption of medicines.
Cautions by tradition (3)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Do not exceed the dose.
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Herbs for viral infections: Not with bleeding disorders, diabetes, hormone-sensitive conditions, high triglycerides or blood pressure problems.
Preparation
Ground seed with plenty of water; flaxseed oil cold in food; externally as a warm poultice. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Flax was grown for linen thousands of years ago; Egyptian mummies were wrapped in linen. Ody describes the linseed poultice as a classic home remedy for boils.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Soothing, cough-suppressing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, laxative (bulk-forming); rich in essential fatty acids.
Preparation and amount
Compress of crushed seeds on boils, abscesses and for pleurisy; 2 tsp fresh linseed oil or 1–2 tbsp crushed seeds a day for eczema, menstrual complaints, arthritis, hardening of the arteries; tea with honey and lemon for cough; mucilage of soaked seeds for gastritis; 1–2 tbsp seeds with 1–2 glasses of water for constipation.
Caution: Do not exceed the dose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Soothing, expectorant; linseed tea for colds, cough, bronchial complaints, urinary tract irritation, cystitis, gonorrhoea, diarrhoea, dysentery; poultice on ulcers, inflammation and boils.
Preparation and amount
Powder 3–6 g; oil 0.5–1 ml; linseed tea; linseed poultice as a compress.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Herbs for viral infections
Attributed effects
Lignans protect healthy cells against viruses; especially for upper respiratory infections; further for cardiovascular disease, cholesterol, gut damage, cystitis, depression.
Preparation and amount
Oil or seed to eat; standard 40–50 g a day.
Caution: Not with bleeding disorders, diabetes, hormone-sensitive conditions, high triglycerides or blood pressure problems.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Money, protection, beauty, healing.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Compress, poultice and pasteSyrup, honey and oxymelPowder and kitchen
- Recipes
- Emoliente