Flax seed Linum usitatissimum

Flax seed - Linum usitatissimum (in the Linaceae or Flax family)

Parts used: Seed.

Taste/smell: Mucilaginous, oily.

Tendencies: Moistening.

Dosage: 1 tablespoon of crushed seeds per cup of cold water. Let partially dissolve, then drink, followed by a second cup of water. Externally, used as a poultice by powdering the herb and adding enough water to make a paste. Do not powder seed until time of use. The oils in the seed will become rancid faster when stored in powder form.

Use: (a) Mucilaginous agent, (b) Bulking agent, (c) Lubricating agent, (d) Anti-inflammatory.

Flax seed is used in chronic constipation. It is indicated for the treatment of many chronic diseases, including arthritis, psoriasis and prevention of arteriosclerosis.

It is high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Contraindications: Flax should always be taken with adequate liquid. Oral drugs or herbs taken at the same time as flax may have delayed absorption due to its mucilage content. Flax is contraindicated in bowel obstruction.

Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.