Flax
- Linum usitatissimum L.
- Linaceae
- Flax family
Common Names
 Chih-ma
(Chinese name)
Common
flax
Flax
seed
Flax
weed
Linseed
Lint
bells
Toad
flax
Uma
(Sanskrit name)
Winterlien
Parts Usually Used
Seeds
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Flax is a delicate annual plant 8-22 inches high; the slender, wiry,
glabrous, single, leafy, stem has few branches and bears alternate,
sessile, simple, entire, lanceolate to oblong, linear, leaves. The
numerous leaves are stalkless, alternate, linear with three parallel
nerves. Each branch has one or two, delicate, blue or violet-blue,
five-petaled, funnel-shaped, slightly overlapping petals (1/2-3/4
inches across), flowers from June to August. The fruit is an 8- to
10-seeded capsule; the seeds are smooth, flattened, shiny, oval beaked,
and light brown. Zones 5-10. Not heat-tolerant. This is the common
flaxseed.
Another flax plant, purging flax or fairy flax (Linum catharticum),
is common in European meadows and pastures. It has opposite leaves
and white flowers. In small quantities the plant has purgative properties;
in large quantities it is emetic. An infusion of the dried herb is
used.
Caution: large quantities of purging flax can cause fatal
poisoning.
Another variety: Blue flax (Linum Lewisii) is known to the
Shoshone Indians as "Poohi natesua." This plant's root was steeped
for eye medicine. The Paiute Indians called it "Alai natesua" and
the whole stem was steeped and used for disorders of the stomach and
gas.
Where Found
Widely cultivated in the United States (mostly the northwestern states),
Canada, and Europe but also found wild along roadsides, railroad lines,
old fields, and in waste places. Native to Europe.
Medicinal Properties
Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive, demulcent, emollient,
laxative, mucilaginous, pectoral, purgative, tonic
Biochemical Information
Glycosides, gum, linamarin, linoleic acid, linolenic acids, mucilage,
oleic acid, protein, saturated acids, tannins, and wax, vitamins A,
B, D, E, minerals and amino acids
Legends, Myths and Stories
Only mankind eats the starch from the seed and throws away the materials
necessary for the metabolism of that starch.
The mucilage of the flaxseed, obtained by boiling in water or wine
was once used to give body to red wines.
Cotton and flax were among the earliest substances used for cloth
fabric, having been found throughout remains from ancient Egypt and
in both the old and new worlds. (linen and linsey-woolsey) Cultivated
since at least 5,000 BC. Egyptian mummies were wrapped in linen cloth
woven from the stalks of the flax plant.
As early as the Mesolithic period, it was known to man for its usefulness.
In that era, flax provided both oil and fiber for garments, as the
remains of prehistoric lake dwellers in Switzerland indicate.
In 8th century France, Charlemagne passed laws requiring his subjects
to consume the seeds to keep the people healthy.
The cultivation of flax in Egypt can be traced back to the 14th century
BC; flaxseed intended as provisions for the last journey was found
in Egyptian burial chambers. Hippocrates (around 500 BC) and Paracelsus
(Theophrastus von Hohenheim 1493-1541) refer to flaxseed mucilage
as a soothing cough remedy.
The flax herb is cultivated in China for its seeds and oil.
Uses
Source of linseed oil and linen. Said to be soothing and softening
to irritated membranes.
The ground seed mixed with boiling water to make a thick mush is
used for poultices. Any herb, such as smartweed, elm bark, hops, mullein,
or any other herbs recommended, can be added. Use as a poultice on
old sores, boils,
inflammations,
skin ulcers, wounds,
and tumors. Poultices should be changed at least every 2 hours; have
a new, hot poultice ready to apply before the old one is removed.
Used for female disorders, colon
problems. Promotes strong nails, bones, and teeth and healthy
skin. A decoction of the seeds can be used for coughs, catarrh,
chronic bronchitis, asthma,
pleurisy, fever, dropsy, leprosy,
pimples, age
spots, burns, scalds, gout,
inflammation, cystitis, lung
and chest problems, and digestive, gastritis, dyspepsia,
diarrhea, and urinary
disorders. To eliminate gallstones,
take 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp. linseed oil and lie down on your left side for
a half hour. The gallstones will pass into the intestines and be eliminated
from there. Eating the seeds intact is useful for chronic
constipation. The seeds swell up in the intestines, encouraging
elimination by increasing the volume of fecal matter. For emollient
uses and for rheumatic complaints,
apply a linseed poultice. The oil was a folk remedy used for pleurisy
and pneumonia.
The seed has been used for ages as a medicine. Take 1 tsp. of the
whole seed mixed with water, orange juice, vegetable juice, etc.,
to provide a gentle lubricant laxative. Or use this mixture as an
enema.
To remove foreign bodies from the eye: place a grain of whole flaxseed
under the lower lid, close the lids. The seed becomes surrounded by
a thick, adherent mucilage, which entraps the foreign body, and soon
carries it out from the angle of the eye. If the particle is not removed
easily, consult a doctor.
Linseed oil is obtained from the crushed seeds. Flax is also grown
for the linen fibers which are obtained from the stems.
Oils from the seeds used in many medications, paints and linoleum.
A flaxseed placed in the eye will remove any foreign matter in the
eye.
Formulas or Dosages
Use only ripe seeds. Immature seed pods can cause poisoning.
Infusion: use 1 tsp. seed in 1 cup boiling water, let cool
and take 1 or 2 mouthfuls 3 times a day.
Decoction: use 1 tbsp. seed with 1 qt. water. Boil until 1/2
qt. liquid remains. Take in the course of a day.
Poultice: Cook seeds until they are soft (or use pulverized
seed). Put them immediately into a linen bag and apply as hot as can
be tolerated.
Seeds: For constipation, take 1-2 tbsp. whole seeds, washing
them down with lots of water. If necessary, follow with stewed prunes.
Nutrient Content
Vitamins A, B, D, E, minerals and amino acids
How Sold
Linseed oil
Flax seeds
Warning
Flaxseeds may not be strong enough for severe constipation and may
feed congestion in the colon. Seek professional medical advise if
severely constipated or blood in the stool.
Linseed oil deteriorates rapidly, prepare fresh often. DO NOT
take artist's linseed oil internally.
Immature seed pods can cause poisoning.
Caution: large quantities of purging flax can cause fatal
poisoning.
Contains a cyanide-like compound. Oil may be emetic and purgative.
Overdoses cause respiratory distress and paralysis.
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