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FLAX

Scientific noun: Linum usitatissium L.

Common noun : Flax

Family: Flax family -Linaceae

Habitat: Cultivated long time ago like a textile plant and for its seeds. Today it can be found like a naturalized plant in some dry places, rich in organic waste.

Active principles: Mucilages Pectin Acids: Chlorogenic, oleic, linoleic,alpha-linoleic and palmitic Linamarin Linustatin Lotaustralin Proteins Fiber Magnesium, phosphorus, potassium , iron

Active parts: The seeds

Medicinal uses of linseed: - Medicinal: Internal use: The seeds, once dry, are known as linseed. These, used internally, are very useful for their laxative properties to treat constipation, either eating them raw, blended with abundant water ( about 1 to 3 daily spoonfuls a couple of times to the day together with at least 8 glasses of water a day ), or by means of cold infusions (A spoonful for a cup of water. A couple of cups a day). Contrary to most of the laxatives that usually irritate the intestine, the protective action of the mucilages make this plant a non aggressive one for the intestine, although the effects are not as quick as in other products and we will have to wait two or three days to achieve the expected results. In the same way, for its demulcent properties , this very preparation has a reparative and protective effect on the gastric and urinary membrane, so that it has been used to combat the stomach irritations or inflammations of the digestive or urinary tracts in general, especially in diverticulitis ( inflammation of the colon) or cystitis ( inflammation of the bladder) . It is also very useful for its mucolytic properties by helping to eliminate the secretions that take place in the respiratory tract as consequence of cold , bronchitis,etc. The richness in alpha-linoleic acid and other fatty unsaturated acids of linseed protects our heart, avoiding "angina pectoris", by preventing the arteriosclerosis and diminishing cholesterol. (Eat bread or other meals that contain the seeds of this plant) The ingestion of foods that include these acids helps to prevent the appearance of tumors in the chest and in the skin. Also there is much research about the possibility that phytoestrogenic lignans may be effective in the cancer decrease because of their antioxidant, antiestrogenic and antitumoral properties. External use: In external use, one takes advantage of its demulcent properties (it softens and protects the irritated parts of the skin) It also has emollient properties ( It softens the skin, forming a layer on it that impedes the evaporation of water) So, we can elaborate cataplasms with the flour of the seeds that will be suitable for the treatment of skin affections, as eczemas, swellings produced by blows or twists, maturation of furuncles, etc. (This is carried out stirring the flour with very hot water which will produce a thick dough. This is put in a gauze and applied on the affected area) Equally the oil of this plant is used externally to cure affections of the skin. You can use it in the same cases we saw above or in different ones such as burns or hair fall (In the first instance, apply a layer of oil diluted in the same proportion of water on the burnt surface; in the second one, one should carry out a daily lotion of one's hair with the flax oil diluted in the same proportion of water. Gargles with cold infusions of seeds during 9 hours are useful to combat sore throat. (Make gargles with this preparation) With the infusion of 10 gr. of seeds for a liter of water can be carried out vaginal rinsings for the treatment of the inflammations of the uterus (metritis) The same preparation can be used to carry out enemas to reduce swelling of the rectum. Industrial: Flax has been cultivated from the antiquity for the extraction of fibers and oil. Flax oil is used fundamentally in the industry of paintings and varnishes by its capacity of quick drying, because it forms a protective layer on the painted surfaces against environmental factors. We use it to protect wood, iron or other exposed materials . This same oil enters as one of the main components in the production of the linoleum, a type of waterproof product that is used to cover floors. Fiber is obtained from the stem. The process can be carried out industrial or manually. In the last case, the plant is cut and exposed to the environmental conditions so that the natural fermentation decomposes it and allows to separate the vegetable fiber from other refuse . With this fiber, after some different manual processes , a natural thread is elaborated that is used for the production of a cloth similar to cotton, although stronger, smoother and as fresh and absorbent as this. As a textile fiber, flax began to be cultivated about 5000 years ago. It was very important in the Egyptian empire, where mummies were buried with linen cloths. Later on, the Romans extended its cultivation . It was most used during industrialization. Later on, the discovery of synthetic fibers and the predominance of cotton cultivation relegated it to a second term. These preparations should not be ingested in obstructions of the esophagus, intestine or pylorus. By ingesting it we can alter the absorption of medications, among them the insulin of the diabetics. Flax oil, with similar properties to the seeds, should be bought in herb shops or pharmacies, using that one that has been produced by means of appropriate procedures that inhibit the enzymes that cause the liberation of cyanhydric acid. Medical advice should be read carefully.

Toxicity: Possible. Linamarin, as a result of the action of linase enzyme, produces cyanogenetic glycosides. To avoid them it is advised to eat the seeds whole or to carry out cold infusions or to boil them at least during 10 minutes. Big quantities of this plant should not be ingested. Many investigators consider that the quantity of glycosides that can be liberated is not big enough as to be toxic The use of flax cakes in animals has produced intoxications when this product has not been subjected to heat treatments that destroy the enzyme linase or they have not been industrially extracted by the appropriate solvents. The component proportions in fodder for pigs and cows should be controlled and it should never be given to hens or other poultry, for which these cakes are always toxic. Linseed flour, used externally, can produce reactions to the skin if it is too old and it has become rancid, so we should use it quickly after grinding the seeds. Under the same conditions flax oil can also be irritating to the skin. Symptoms: Asphyxia, bad breath, vomits, sickness, acceleration of the heart rate , cardiorespiratory breakdown and death