The common flax is one of the traditional medicinal plants. Among other things, it is used in the form of flaxseed.
Occurrence and cultivation of the common flax
The flax seeds emerge from the flowers. In each of the roundish flower capsules are eight to ten seeds. The common flax (Linum usitatissimum) is one of the oldest human cultivated plants. It is also known as flax or seed flax. Flax belongs to the Linaceae family and is also used as a medicinal plant. Flax has been used by humans since the Stone Age and is used, among other things, as a versatile raw material. The ancient Egyptians used linen cloths to wrap their deceased. In modern times, however, the plant has lost some of its importance. The common flax is an annual plant and reaches a growth height between 30 centimeters and 1.50 meters. Its leaves are very narrow and have the shape of a lancet. The coloration of the five-petaled flowers is white-blue to blue. They appear in the months of June to August. Their diameter is about two to three centimeters. Flax seeds emerge from the flowers. Each of the rounded capsules contains eight to ten seeds. They can be harvested between August and October. As a cultivated plant, flax is grown all over the world. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and the Near East. The undemanding medicinal herb thrives best in a temperate climate. To grow, flax prefers sun and soil with plenty of nutrients.
Effect and application
The ingredients of flax include mucilages, linoleic acid, fiber, amino acids, lignan glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides, unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, phosphatides, and triterpenes and sterols. For medicinal use, the flax seeds and leaves are used. For homeopathy, the flowers are also of interest. Various therapeutic effects are attributed to flax. It has anti-inflammatory, laxative, emollient, analgesic and antispasmodic effects. The most important medicinal components of the plant are the flax seeds, which contain health-promoting mucilages and various B vitamins as well as vitamin E. Since flax seeds stimulate the intestines, they are used as a laxative. Flaxseeds are administered for internal use. For this purpose, the patient mixes one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed with liquid, cereal or yogurt. Due to their moisture, the flaxseed swells a little and releases mucus. Before ingestion, the patient leaves the flaxseed to soak for a while, after which it can be eaten. It is important to drink about half a liter of water after ingestion. In this way, the flaxseed is given the opportunity to swell completely within the gastrointestinal tract. This results in a softening of the stool, which can then pass through the intestines more easily. Flaxseed is taken two or three times a day. Flaxseed can also be brewed as a tea. This develops a positive effect on the urinary system. It is also possible to apply the healing seeds externally. For this purpose, the seeds are ground or crushed and applied in the form of a poultice for coughs, ulcers or inflammation of the skin. In addition, poultices made from boiled seed pulp can be used against boils. Supplemented with olive oil or honey, the healing effect is enhanced. Linseed oil, which is pressed from linseed, is suitable against rashes on the skin. The oil can be used both in the form of compresses and as an opening enema. In case of biliary colic, the oil can also be taken internally. The dose is 50 grams per drink. A spoonful of linseed oil a day is also said to prevent heart attacks. In addition, linseed oil can be made into an ointment and is used to treat inflamed wounds.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The common linseed has been used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times as well as in the Middle Ages. Thus, Theophrastus and Hildegard of Bingen already knew to appreciate its positive effects on health. The mucilage found in flaxseed acts as a swelling agent in the intestines. If the seeds bind with water in the gastrointestinal tract, this leads to their swelling, which in turn increases the volume of the intestinal contents. This has a positive effect on digestion.Thus, the fatty oil of the flaxseeds causes a lubricating effect, so to speak, which results in a faster removal of the intestinal contents. However, for the flaxseeds to develop their full effect, the patient must drink plenty of fluids. It can take two to three days for them to develop their laxative effect. Other applications of flaxseed or flax oil are sore throat, hoarseness, a pharyngitis, rhinitis, swelling of the glands, facial neuralgia, skin rash, shingles, toothache, boils and ulcers. Similarly, flax is used to treat sciatica, rheumatism, psoriasis, stomach acidity, gastritis, heartburn and abdominal discomfort. Homeopathy also uses common flax as a remedy for hay fever, bronchial asthma, hay fever, irritation of the urinary bladder or tongue paralysis. However, there are some contraindications. For example, flaxseed should not be taken if the patient has ever had an intestinal obstruction or suffers from constrictions in the stomach or esophagus. During pregnancy, a woman should rather avoid linseed oil, because its intake increases the risk of premature birth. In addition, flaxseed allows limited absorption of drugs in the intestinal tract. For this reason, simultaneous intake of flaxseed and other medicines is not recommended.
