LINSEED/FLAX SEED
Linum usitatissimum
Flax/Linseed is an ancient, meadow herb which has been in cultivation for thousands of years. Some scholars believe that Flax has been used from the time of the first cultivation of wheat, that is about 10,000 years ago. The Egyptians made extensive use of Flax. They used the plant fibers to make clothes and sandals, the seeds for food, the oil for embalming and as fuel for lamps. Flax seed is one of the rising stars in food and health as it contains substances called plant lignans that act both as an antioxidant and a form of estrogen in the body and are suspected of helping to stave off heart disease and moderating hormonal changes in women. It's important to eat foods rich in plant estrogens, such as soy, soy products and Flax seed, because these foods have the ability to behave like the body's own estrogen and can thus reduce hot flashes, mood swings and other symptoms of "the Change". Medical research also indicates that eating soy and Flax seed allows the body to reap the benefits of estrogen while decreasing the risk of breast cancer.
Flax seed also contains soluble fibers and some studies have shown that Flax seed does lower LDL cholesterol (the form of cholesterol that is associated with plaque build-up in arteries). Most of the benefits come from whole Flax seed and not just the oil. However, Flaxseed oil has been found to be essential for optimum health and athletic performance. The fatty acids, such as Omega-3 in Flaxseed oil, are essential nutrients. The hottest topics among researchers in the field are the omega-3 fats, which are polyunsaturated fats abundant in fatty fish and in Flax seed. The omega-3's don't significantly lower blood cholesterol but instead reduce clotting, which is good for individuals at risk or heart disease. Omega-3 oils have been found to help in preventing certain cancers and kidney disorders. Recent studies have linked omega-3 oils to an anti-inflammatory effect that has been credited with reducing the pain of rheumatoid arthritis.
The therapeutic actions of Flax are anti-inflammatory, bulking agent, demulcent, emollient, laxative, lubricating agent and a mucilaginous agent. Its clinical indications include allergies, cholelithiasis, hemorrhoids due to constipation, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, boils, constipation, GI inflammation, irritative cough, pharyngitis, skin irritations and upper respiratory infections. Flax seed, as a mucilaginous agent, is largely employed as an additive to cough medicines. As a home remedy for colds, coughs and irritation of the urinary organs, Linseed tea is very valuable. Linseed tea is also a good substitute for eggs in cooking or baking. Flax seeds can used in both hot and cold breakfast cereals.
