Flax is an ancient crop originally from Western Europe and the Mediterranean regions. Today, worldwide cultivation of the plant takes place, often using the so-called cross-bred flax as a variety. Flax seeds, which are used medicinally, are mainly imported from Morocco, Belgium, Hungary, Argentina and India.
Flax and linseed in herbal medicine.
In herbal medicine one uses the ripe and dried seeds of the flax (Lini semen). In addition, however, the oil and the fibers of the plant are also used.
Characteristics of flax
Flax is an annual, up to 1 m tall, tender plant with erect, slender stems. The leaves of the plant are narrow-needled and hairless. The pretty light blue corollas open only in sunshine.
The fruits consist of light brown capsules, which contain several reddish-brown smooth seeds. There are varieties that are grown only for flax fiber extraction, others are used exclusively for flax seed extraction.
What exactly are flax seeds?
The material that can be used medicinally consists of the flax seeds. These are shiny, (reddish)brown, flat seeds which are slightly wider at one end than the other. On the narrower side, the seeds also have a small, laterally curved beak. The seeds are about 4-6 mm long.
If they are placed in water, a thick mucilage coating forms around them.
The smell and taste of flaxseed
Flax seeds are odorless when uncrushed. The taste of the seeds is mildly oily, and a mucilaginous taste is felt when chewed.
