Information On Flax Seed - Linum Usitatissimum
Other Common Names: Ama, Annual Flax, Chih Ma, Common
Flax, Cultivated Flax, Hu Ma, Kahtan, Keten, Kettan, Kittan, Lin,
Linaza, Lino, Linseed, Linseed Flax, Linum usitatissimum
Range: Possibly native to Europe. Belgium; Britain; China;
Egypt; Germany; India; Iraq; Kurdistan; Mexico; Peru; Spain; Turkey;
USA; Venezuela
Habitat: Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile humus-rich soil in a sunny sheltered position. Prefers a cool moist climate.
Composition: The envelope or testa of the seed contains about
15 per cent of mucilage. The seeds themselves contain in the cotyledons
and endosperm from 30 to 40 per cent of a fixed oil, of a light yellow
colour, and about 25 per cent proteids, together with wax, resin,
sugar, phosphates, acetic acid, and a small quantity of the glucoside
Linamarin.
Seed (Fresh weight) - Water: 6.5 Calories: 498 Protein: 19 Fat: 35.5
Carbohydrate: 35.4 Fiber: 6.8 Ash: 3.5 Calcium: 220 Phosphorus: 415
Iron: 23 Vitamin A: 0.02999 Thiamine: 0.17 Riboflavin: 0.15999 Niacin:
1.4
Notes: The figures given here are the median of a range given in the report. Iron had an especially large range, from 2.7 - 43.8.
Its cultivation reaches back to the remotest periods of history,
Flax seeds as well as the woven cloth having been found in Egyptian
tombs. It has been cultivated in all temperate and tropical regions for
so many centuries that its geographical origin cannot be identified,
for it readily escapes from cultivation and is found in a semi-wild
condition in all the countries where it is grown.
Many traditions are associated with this useful plant. Flax flowers
were believed in the Middle Ages to be a protection against sorcery.
The Bohemians have a belief that if seven-year-old children dance among
Flax, they will become beautiful, and the whole plant was supposed to
be under the protection of the goddess Hulda, who, in Teuton mythology,
was held to have first taught mortals the art of growing Flax, of
spinning, and of weaving it.
Flax seed has a long history of medicinal use, its main effects
being as a laxative and expectorant that soothes irritated tissues,
controls coughing and relieves pain. The seed, or the oil from the seed
are normally used.
The seed is analgesic, demulcent, emollient, laxative, pectoral and
resolvent. The crushed seed makes a very useful poultice in the
treatment of ulceration, abcesses and deep-seated inflammations. An
infusion of the seed contains a good deal of mucilage and is a valuable
domestic remedy for coughs, colds and inflammation of the urinary
organs. If the seed is bruised and then eaten straight away, it will
swell considerably in the digestive tract and stimulate peristalsis and
so is used in the treatment of chronic constipation.
Flaxseed is by far the richest source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),
the parent compound of the omega-3 fatty acids. In comparison, fish
contain only trace amounts of ALA and fish oil can adversely affect the
taste and odor of food products.
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid because it cannot be synthesized
by the body. Research indicates that ALA improves immunity, the body's
ability to defend itself against foreign substances. Studies have also
shown that alpha-linolenic acid may lower the risk of stroke and other
cardiovascular diseases. Both the Food and Agriculture Organization and
the World Health Organization recommend an increased daily intake of
omega-3 fatty acids.
The oil in the seed contains 4% L-glutamic acid, which is used to
treat mental deficiencies in adults. It also has soothing and
lubricating properties, and is used in medicines to soothe tonsilitis,
sore throats, coughs, colds, constipation, gravel and stones. Flaxseed
is largely employed as an addition to cough medicines. As a domestic
remedy for colds, coughs and irritation of the urinary organs, Flaxseed
tea is most valuable. A little honey and lemon juice makes it very
agreeable and more efficacious. This demulcent infusion contains a
large quantity of mucilage, and is made from 1 ounce of the ground or
entire seeds to 1 pint of boiling water. It is taken in wineglassful
doses, which may be repeated ad libitum.
Flaxseed oil, mixed with an equal quantity of lime water, known then
as Carron Oil, is an excellent application for burns and scalds.
The bark and the leaves are used in the treatment of gonorrhea. The
flowers are cardiotonic and nervine. The plant has a long history of
folk use in the treatment of cancer. It has been found to contain
various anticancer agents.
Along with carotenes, flavonoids, and other valuable phytochemicals,
lignans are shown to play an ever increasing role in numerous aspects
of human health. Lignans are phytochemicals that protect against
certain cancers, particularly those that are hormone sensitive. Lignans
in flaxseeds are 200 to 800 times more concentrated than any other
lignan source.
Seed - raw or cooked. The seed contains 30 - 40% oil, which
comprises mainly linoleic and linolenic acids. The seed also contains
cyanogenic glycosides (prussic acid). In small quantities these
glycosides stimulate respiration and improve digestion, but in excess
can cause respiratory failure and death. Cultivars low in these
glycosides have been developed and large quantities of the seed would
need to be eaten to achieve a harmful dose. The seed is used in breads
and cereals, it can also be sprouted and used in salads. The seed is
hard to digest and provokes flatulence. A nutritional analysis is
available.
The roasted seed is said to be a coffee substitute. A herbal tea can
be brewed from the seed. An edible oil is obtained from the seed,
though it needs to be properly refined before it can be eaten. Some
caution is advised in the use of the seeds for food since some
varieties of this plant contain toxins.
A fiber is obtained from the stem. It is of very high quaiity and is
used in making cloth, sails, nets, paper, insulating material etc. The
plant is harvested just after it flowers. The yield is 0.5 to 0.9
tonnes of fiber per hectare.
Known Hazards: The seed of some strains contain cyanogenic
glycosides in the seed though the toxicity is low, especially if the
seed is eaten slowly. It becomes more toxic if water is drunk at the
same time. The cyanogenic glycosides are also present in other parts of
the plant and have caused poisoning to livestock.
Other Common Names: Ama, Annual Flax, Chih Ma, Common
Flax, Cultivated Flax, Hu Ma, Kahtan, Keten, Kettan, Kittan, Lin,
Linaza, Lino, Linseed, Linseed Flax, Linum usitatissimum
Range: Possibly native to Europe. Belgium; Britain; China;
Egypt; Germany; India; Iraq; Kurdistan; Mexico; Peru; Spain; Turkey;
USA; Venezuela
Habitat: Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile humus-rich soil in a sunny sheltered position. Prefers a cool moist climate.
Composition: The envelope or testa of the seed contains about
15 per cent of mucilage. The seeds themselves contain in the cotyledons
and endosperm from 30 to 40 per cent of a fixed oil, of a light yellow
colour, and about 25 per cent proteids, together with wax, resin,
sugar, phosphates, acetic acid, and a small quantity of the glucoside
Linamarin.
Seed (Fresh weight) - Water: 6.5 Calories: 498 Protein: 19 Fat: 35.5
Carbohydrate: 35.4 Fiber: 6.8 Ash: 3.5 Calcium: 220 Phosphorus: 415
Iron: 23 Vitamin A: 0.02999 Thiamine: 0.17 Riboflavin: 0.15999 Niacin:
1.4
Notes: The figures given here are the median of a range given in the report. Iron had an especially large range, from 2.7 - 43.8.
Its cultivation reaches back to the remotest periods of history,
Flax seeds as well as the woven cloth having been found in Egyptian
tombs. It has been cultivated in all temperate and tropical regions for
so many centuries that its geographical origin cannot be identified,
for it readily escapes from cultivation and is found in a semi-wild
condition in all the countries where it is grown.
Many traditions are associated with this useful plant. Flax flowers
were believed in the Middle Ages to be a protection against sorcery.
The Bohemians have a belief that if seven-year-old children dance among
Flax, they will become beautiful, and the whole plant was supposed to
be under the protection of the goddess Hulda, who, in Teuton mythology,
was held to have first taught mortals the art of growing Flax, of
spinning, and of weaving it.
Flax seed has a long history of medicinal use, its main effects
being as a laxative and expectorant that soothes irritated tissues,
controls coughing and relieves pain. The seed, or the oil from the seed
are normally used.
The seed is analgesic, demulcent, emollient, laxative, pectoral and
resolvent. The crushed seed makes a very useful poultice in the
treatment of ulceration, abcesses and deep-seated inflammations. An
infusion of the seed contains a good deal of mucilage and is a valuable
domestic remedy for coughs, colds and inflammation of the urinary
organs. If the seed is bruised and then eaten straight away, it will
swell considerably in the digestive tract and stimulate peristalsis and
so is used in the treatment of chronic constipation.
Flaxseed is by far the richest source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),
the parent compound of the omega-3 fatty acids. In comparison, fish
contain only trace amounts of ALA and fish oil can adversely affect the
taste and odor of food products.
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid because it cannot be synthesized
by the body. Research indicates that ALA improves immunity, the body's
ability to defend itself against foreign substances. Studies have also
shown that alpha-linolenic acid may lower the risk of stroke and other
cardiovascular diseases. Both the Food and Agriculture Organization and
the World Health Organization recommend an increased daily intake of
omega-3 fatty acids.
The oil in the seed contains 4% L-glutamic acid, which is used to
treat mental deficiencies in adults. It also has soothing and
lubricating properties, and is used in medicines to soothe tonsilitis,
sore throats, coughs, colds, constipation, gravel and stones. Flaxseed
is largely employed as an addition to cough medicines. As a domestic
remedy for colds, coughs and irritation of the urinary organs, Flaxseed
tea is most valuable. A little honey and lemon juice makes it very
agreeable and more efficacious. This demulcent infusion contains a
large quantity of mucilage, and is made from 1 ounce of the ground or
entire seeds to 1 pint of boiling water. It is taken in wineglassful
doses, which may be repeated ad libitum.
Flaxseed oil, mixed with an equal quantity of lime water, known then
as Carron Oil, is an excellent application for burns and scalds.
The bark and the leaves are used in the treatment of gonorrhea. The
flowers are cardiotonic and nervine. The plant has a long history of
folk use in the treatment of cancer. It has been found to contain
various anticancer agents.
Along with carotenes, flavonoids, and other valuable phytochemicals,
lignans are shown to play an ever increasing role in numerous aspects
of human health. Lignans are phytochemicals that protect against
certain cancers, particularly those that are hormone sensitive. Lignans
in flaxseeds are 200 to 800 times more concentrated than any other
lignan source.
Seed - raw or cooked. The seed contains 30 - 40% oil, which
comprises mainly linoleic and linolenic acids. The seed also contains
cyanogenic glycosides (prussic acid). In small quantities these
glycosides stimulate respiration and improve digestion, but in excess
can cause respiratory failure and death. Cultivars low in these
glycosides have been developed and large quantities of the seed would
need to be eaten to achieve a harmful dose. The seed is used in breads
and cereals, it can also be sprouted and used in salads. The seed is
hard to digest and provokes flatulence. A nutritional analysis is
available.
The roasted seed is said to be a coffee substitute. A herbal tea can
be brewed from the seed. An edible oil is obtained from the seed,
though it needs to be properly refined before it can be eaten. Some
caution is advised in the use of the seeds for food since some
varieties of this plant contain toxins.
A fiber is obtained from the stem. It is of very high quaiity and is
used in making cloth, sails, nets, paper, insulating material etc. The
plant is harvested just after it flowers. The yield is 0.5 to 0.9
tonnes of fiber per hectare.
Known Hazards: The seed of some strains contain cyanogenic
glycosides in the seed though the toxicity is low, especially if the
seed is eaten slowly. It becomes more toxic if water is drunk at the
same time. The cyanogenic glycosides are also present in other parts of
the plant and have caused poisoning to livestock.
- Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
- Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
- Plants For A Future
- A Resource and Information Centre for Edible and other useful plants.
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