Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory, soothing
Application
apply moistened ground seeds as a poultice
Flax
(Linum usitatissimum)
Botanical Information
A slender branching annual plant with cup-shaped blue or white flowers. The small round, fruiting capsules contain the sharp-pointed glossy-brown seeds that are used for food and medicine.
Working with Flax
Part(s) Used
Seeds
Herb Forms
Oil, capsule, bulk herb.
As a poultice, flaxseed may relieve stubborn inflammation, draw out toxins, soothe sunburn, soften boils, and speed healing. Taken internally, flaxseed decoction is a bulk laxative and demulcent, suitable for gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, and coughs. The freshly-ground seed can be added to cereal, soups, or stews as a thickener. Regular use may help balance estrogen activity, reducing the risk of some cancers and heart disease and benefiting menopausal women.
Flax has a taste of SWEET and a temperature of NEUTRAL.
Cautions
Make sure to drink plenty of water when taking flaxseed.
Conditions treated with Flax
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
soothing anti-inflammatory
Application
oil
Condition
Treatment Support
soothing anti-inflammatory
Application
whole seed sprinkled on food
Condition
Treatment Support
demulcent, anti-inflammatory
Application
ground seeds sprinkled on food, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
demulcent, anti-inflammatory
Application
poultice externally
Condition
Treatment Support
bowel cleanser, bulk bowel mover
Application
1 teaspoon of fresh-ground seeds with 2 glasses of water
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
whole seed as a poultice
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
tea
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
tea
Condition
Treatment Support
estrogen regulator
Application
fresh ground seeds
Condition
Treatment Support
soothing anti-inflammatory
Application
seeds mixed with water externally
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatoroy
Application
oil or whole seed
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
