Common Flax – Uses and Health Benefits

Common flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a cultivated plant that belongs to the genus of flax (Linum). It is part of the flax family (Linaceae). The plant is also known under the names flax or seed flax.

It has narrow, lanceolate leaves that are alternate and dense. The flowers of the flax come into their own between June and August. They are blue to white-blue in color and reach a diameter of between 2 and 3 centimeters. The styles of the fivefold flowers have a sky-blue color. In the further course, about 8 to 10 seeds develop within round capsules. Their harvest time is between August and October.

Common flax is native to the Mediterranean region and the Near East. It thrives best under moderate climate conditions. The undemanding flax is now cultivated as a crop in many countries. To do this, it needs nutrient-rich soil and a sunny location. However, the plant does not tolerate boggy and waterlogged locations. The largest growing regions of common flax include China, the EU, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Egypt.

Ingredients, effect and dosage

Common flax contains health-promoting ingredients such as mucilage , which account for between 6 and 10 percent. The seed contains fatty oil, which consists of different fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Other ingredients in flaxseed are dietary fiber , proteins , triterpenes and lignans. In the intestines, the mucous substances swell due to water retention, which can increase the volume of the stool. At the same time, there is greater pressure on the intestinal wall, which increases the mobility of the intestineresult. This, in turn, has a positive effect on the emptying of the stool. The fatty oil also gives the chair better gliding properties.For internal use, flaxseeds are primarily used, which have an anti-constipation effect. The recommended dose is one to two tablespoons with ground flaxseed. This is mixed with liquid, muesli or yoghurt. The moisture allows the semen to swell, allowing it to shed its mucus. After eating the flaxseed, drinking half a liter of water is recommended. In this way, the swelling of the flaxseed in the gastrointestinal region can be promoted.

Another possibility of administration is the tea of ​​common flax. This has a positive effect on the urinary region. But external applications are also possible with common flax. For this purpose, the flaxseed is ground or crushed and applied as a poultice to treat inflammation of the skin, coughing problems and ulcers. Boiled flaxseed porridge is considered helpful against boils. The healing effect can be further enhanced by combining the porridge with olive oil and honey . Common flax oil, which is also used as an opening enema, is useful against skin rashes. In addition, an internal cure can be carried out, which includes 50 grams of linseed oil per treatment, to treat biliary colic.

What does it help against?

• constipation

• skin inflammation

• Cough

• ulcer

• boil

• skin rash

• biliary colic

importance to health

Common flax was cultivated by humans a long time ago and was used as early as the Stone Age. In 2005 he even rose to become Plant of the Year. In addition to its function as a medicinal plant, flax is also used as a raw material. Flax was used therapeutically by important ancient and medieval physicians such as Theophrastus and Hildegard von Bingen. Today, the importance of linen is limited. Nevertheless, it can be used effectively against various complaints and diseases. This includes constipation. In this way, common flax causes the stool to be removed from the body more quickly. However, the laxative effect can take two to three days to develop .

However, common flax also has a positive effect on other diseases. These include inflammation of the throat, sore throat, runny nose, hoarseness, toothache and swollen glands. Other indications are ulcers, boils, shingles, rheumatism, psoriasis, inflammation of the gastric mucosa, sciatica, abdominal pain, heartburn and skin rashes.In addition, common flax is used in homeopathy , which produces the remedy from the flowers. Homeopathic areas of application are irritation of the urinary bladder, chronic diarrhea, asthma, paralysis of the tongue, hay fever and hay fever. Common flax should not be taken if you have an intestinal obstruction or narrowing of the esophagus and stomach. It is also recommended not to use linseed oil during pregnancy , as it is one of the risk factors for premature birth.