Linum usitatissimum
Latin Name: Linum usitatissimum
Common name: Flax Seed
Family: Linaceae
Parts used: Seed
Constituents: Mucilage (3%-6%); fixed oil (30%-45%): alpha-linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids; protein (25%); phosphatides (0.7%); sterols; cyanogenic glycosides (1.5%).
Medicinal actions: Anti-inflammatory, demulcent, fiber supplement.
Medicinal use: Constipation, gastritis, enteritis.
Pharmacology:
- The mucilage in the seeds absorbs water into the stool making it a bulk-forming laxative to stimulate peristalsis.
- Seeds are high in anti-inflammatory Omega 3 (linoleic) fatty acids and are indicated in excessive mucous production and constipation.
Pharmacy:
- 1 tbsp of whole or crushed seeds with 4-8 oz water, BID/TID
- 2-3 tbsp of ground seeds with water to make a poultice or internal demulcent
Toxicity: None known.
Contraindications: Do not use in digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease, IBS, or colitis, or in hormone-sensitive disease such as endometriosis or PCOS.
Interactions: None known.