Flax Seed, Whole

Certified Organic - Canada

Also Known As – Linum usitatissimum L.

Overview - 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.

Medicinal Uses - 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.

Other Uses – 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.

Herbs to Combine/Supplement – 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.

Parts Used – Seeds

Precautions - 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.

Use only ripe seeds. Immature seed pods can cause poisoning.

Suggested Infusion: use 1 tsp. seed in 1 cup boiling water, let cool and take 1 or 2 mouthfuls 3 times a day.

Suggested Decoction: use 1 tbsp. seed with 1 qt. water. Boil until 1/2 qt. liquid remains. Take in the course of a day.

Suggested 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, it is suggested take 1-2 tbsp. whole seeds, washing them down with lots of water. If necessary, follow with stewed prunes.

Disclaimer - These products are not intended to diagnose, treat cure or prevent any disease. Reviews are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care or the advice of a physician or another medical professional. Actual results may vary among users. Mountain Maus Remedies LLC makes no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or validity of the information contributed by outside product review submissions, and assumes no responsibility or liability regarding the use of such information. The information and statements regarding the dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your health care provider. If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you should work with your health care provider before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen, including augmenting your regimen with any herb or dietary supplements. Do not attempt to self-diagnose any disease or ailment based on the reviews and do not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or suspect you have an undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician or health care practitioner.  

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