Flax (Linum usitatissimum)

Flax is an annual herbaceous plant that is mainly characterized by its long stalk that supports fragile and lanceolate alternate leaves. The flowers have five petals and a beautiful blue sky in tree seeds are a shiny, smooth, pale brown. The herb is native to Egypt and is not found naturally in our country, but it is a plant that is grown on a large scale for industrial purposes, both textile fibers obtained from their stems as oil and flour are extracted from its seeds.

FLOWERING

According to the height where it is, can bloom from April to July. The seeds are harvested between August and September and once clean are dried at a temperature of 40 º C.

APPLICATIONS

Flax seed contains between 30 and 45% of the so-called oil-linseed oil-rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Mucilage and also has a substance that can be toxic in moderate doses. Furthermore, mucilage content in the seeds act as excellent mechanical laxative: the shell of the seed, when swallowed, swells, thereby increasing fecal mass while fueling bowel movements, resulting in a rapid and effective evacuation. Also, the oil has lubricating properties, is also a good antiseptic and has actions similar to vitamin F, very useful for eczema, bruises, boils and abscesses. The amount of toxic substance that has is quite small, but still be careful, that's why we recommend taking the whole seed, unmilled, as the protective cuticle prevents the toxic discards. For the same reason, linseed meal is only recommended for external use.

ADMINISTRATION

Seeds. Are swallowed whole without chewing, with plenty of water. The dose varies from 2 to 3 tablespoons, depending on the effect you want to achieve.
Poultice. To treat the abscess. Boiled in 250 cc. 60g water. flax meal, once heated, pour the batter onto a fabric that is covered with gauze and is expected to cool slightly to implement later on the treated area.
Infusion. Use a tablespoon per cup. Boil for 3 minutes and then, once cold, strained, with 2 or 3 cups a day is enough to achieve the desired effects.
Oil. It can be applied topically. There is a liniment prepared by mixing equal parts of linseed oil and lime water, the emulsion obtained is useful for burns. Pharmacy are marketed in both the seeds and flour. In addition, flax is one of many presentations compound.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Linaceae
HABITAT: Mediterranean countries
FLOWERING: April
PART USED: Seeds
CATALAN: Llinet
BASQUE: Liho, liño

USES

Laxative Moderate, Mild Emollient, Slight re-epithelizing.