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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 properties : Internal use It has been used to treat constipation, to protect the gastric and urinary membrane. 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.   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, 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. More information about medicinal properties of flax seed Industrial: Flax has been cultivated from the antiquity for the extraction of fibers and oil. F and the predominance of cotton cultivation relegated it to a second term.

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, vomiting, sickness, acceleration of the heart rate , cardiorespiratory breakdown and death