June 19, 2002

FLAX

Latin Name: Linum usitatissimum

Alternate Names: Linseed, Ume (Sanskrit)

Family: LINACEAE

Parts Used: Seeds.

Properties: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antitussive, Demulcent, Emollient, Expectorant, Laxative, Nutritive.

Internal Uses: Arthritis, Asthma, Breast Cysts, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Constipation, Convalescence, Cough, Cystitis, Eczema, Gallstones, Hemorrhoids, Pneumonia, Sore Throat, Urinary Burning

Internal Applications: Tea, Seeds.

For laxative effect, eat one to two tablespoons of seeds directly. Be sure to consume plenty of fluids to aid this excellent bulk laxative. Use as a tea for emollient properties. Flax helps reduce blood platelet aggregation.

Topical Uses: Boils, Burns, Inflammation, Pleurisy, Psoriasis, Shingles

Topical Applications: Poultice for boils, burns, inflammation, pleurisy, psoriasis and shingles. Used in lotions, hair gel.

Culinary uses: Seeds may be eaten raw or cooked. Add them to cereal, muesli, breads and crackers, or stir them into yogurt, cereal or applesauce.

Energetics: Sweet, Warm, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, linoleic, linoleni and oleic acids, linamarin (a cyanogenic glycoside), mucilage, cyanogenic glycosides, protein, vitamins A, B and E.

Contraindications: Seeds contain a small amount of prussic acid. Avoid using immature, unripe seeds, which may be toxic.

Comments: The species name usitatissimum means 'most useful'. This truly useful plant has been cultivated for over 7,000 years. In the 8th century, the French king Charlemagne passed a law requiring citizens to consume Flax seeds so that they would be healthy subjects. The fibers of some of the species of this plant are used to make paper, linen and twine. Linen from Flax was used to wrap mummies in ancient Egypt. Mahatma Ghandi said, 'Whenever Flax seeds become a regular food among the people, there will be better health'.

The common name Flax also includes the species Linum lewisii and Linum perenne, which are used interchangeably with Linum usitatissimum.

-- Cheryl in KS (mac0328@planetkc.com), June 19, 2002

Answers

I couldn't find a good picture - if anyone can find one, please post it here!

Thanks, and have a great day!

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), June 19, 2002.

here is a gohttp://www.earthlygoods.com/large_flower_jpgs/blueflax.jpgod photo for flax

-- honeysuckle_rose (wildflower1@citynet.net), June 19, 2002.

Let me try that again

http://www.earthlygoods.com/large_flower_jpgs/blueflax.jpg

-- honeysuckle_rose (wildflower1@citynet.net), June 19, 2002.

Thanks, Honeysuckle Rose! Here's the pic she found:

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), June 19, 2002.

The above picture is for Linum lewisii. Here's one for Linum usitatissimum or Common Flax.

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), June 19, 2002.

Thanks, Bren! :-)

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), June 19, 2002.

I have a friend who takes flax oil capsules daily. She swears that they've improved her skin conditions...dry skin, ezema etc. I take them for the omega-3 benefits. Gotta keep the ole' ticker healthy :-)!!

-- Marcia (HrMr@webtv.net), June 20, 2002.

I read in a magazine article several months ago that a school was doing an experiment with their kids. Every afternoon, the kids were given a healthy muffin as a snack. They found out that the kids were performing much better academically - their test scores improved dramatically. The article said that the flax seed in the muffins was supposed to improve their ability to remember!

I gotta get me some of that! :-)

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), June 20, 2002.