Flax is a sweet herb that has laxative & expectorant qualities, also soothing irritated tissues.
Crushed flax seed is used in the treatment of severe cases of chronic constipation (usually mixed into breakfast cereals & taken with lots of liquid), gastritis & enteritis.
The seeds swell up in the intestines, encouraging elimination by increasing the volume of fecal matter.
The whole seeds also tend to draw out toxins & absorb fluid.
It is also helpful to relieve the symptoms of spastic colon, spasmodic colitis as well as diverticulitis.
It can be used for laryngitis, chronic bronchial complaints, coughs & sore throats & as a dietary supplement to help treat eczema, menstrual problems, hardening of the arteries & the oil for rheumatoid arthritis.
In Ayurveda, Flax is used internally in habitual constipation, functional disorders of the colon resulting from the misuse of laxatives & irritable colon, as a demulcent preparation in gastritis & enteritis.
Essential fatty acids can also be obtained from the seeds if the seeds are split before they are swallowed whole.
The urinary tract greatly benefits from the seeds.
Adding linseed to your daily diet can improve the absorption of calcium & the functioning of insulin.
Prevents liver damage & disease.
Linseed is good for treating skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dry, flaky skin.
It also reduces high blood pressure, can treat depression, relieves symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome.
Reduces inflammation associated with lupus, gout & arthritis.
Prevents certain types of cancers & improves sperm quality & can be used to treat male infertility.
Flax seed may relieve stubborn inflammation, soothe sunburn.
Regular use may help balance estrogen activity, reducing the risk of some cancers & heart disease & benefiting menopausal women.
May aid in maintaining strong bones, preventing the growth of many cancerous tumors & inhibiting the formation of gallstones.
Flax seeds are attributed with the ability to boost the immune system, increase vitamin D levels & prevent loss of calcium & magnesium.
The seeds may be beneficial in alleviating stomach acidity & heartburn. Whole flax seeds may pass through body undigested because they do not break down easily. They must be thoroughly chewed or ground into a meal to aid digestion.
These tiny miracle seeds may even have anti-aging benefits.
Studies have shown that taking flax seed oil internally can reduce the pain, swelling, inflammation & discomfort of arthritis, as well as reducing cholesterol & triglyceride levels.
A mixture of linseed oil & red wine is recommended by old Portuguese books for the treatment of wounds.
Flax seed oil is a valuable laxative for infants & invalids.
Will relieve constipation & expel worms.
To eliminate gallstones, take 1 1/2 - 2 tbsp linseed oil & lie down on your left side for a half hour.
The gallstones will pass into the intestines & be eliminated from there.
The oil was a folk remedy used for pleurisy & pneumonia.
Linseed oil reduces recovery time of tired & sore muscles.
It can help treat sprains & other injuries & also helps to heal bruises.
After a year of use, linseed oil can increase hair growth.
The ground seed mixed with boiling water to make a thick mush is used for poultices.
Crushed seeds form an ingredient in a poultice to treat chest complaints & pleurisy.
A poultice has an antibiotic effect & is useful to treat local inflammation, such as abscesses, eczema & skin ulcers.
Topical application of crushed flax seed poultice can be beneficial in the treatment of chronic coughs, in treating problems such as bronchitis, as well as in the treatment of emphysema.
External & painful boils can be relieved & subdued by application of poultice made from crushed linseeds or linseed flour.
A superb poultice for sprains, strained ligaments, bruises.
Use as a poultice on old sores, wounds & tumors.
Poultices should be changed at least every 2 hours; have a new, hot poultice ready to apply before the old one is removed.
Linseed meal is used for poultices, sometimes in combination with mustard seeds at the site of ulcerated wounds to relieve irritation & to discharge pus.
Treatment also for pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis as warm tea.
Any herb, such as smartweed, elm bark, hops, mullein, or any other herbs recommended, can be added.
To treat problems like constipation, liver congestion & rheumatic pain the whole plant may be made into an infusion & consumed daily.
A decoction of the seeds can be used for catarrh, chronic bronchitis, asthma, pleurisy, fever, dropsy, leprosy, pimples, age spots, burns, scalds, gout, inflammation, cystitis, lung & chest problems & digestive, gastritis, dyspepsia, diarrhea & urinary disorders.
Taken internally, flax seed decoction is a bulk laxative & demulcent, suitable for gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis & coughs.
To remove foreign bodies from the eye: place a grain of whole flax seed under the lower lid, close the lids. The seed becomes surrounded by a thick, adherent mucilage, which entraps the foreign body & soon carries it out from the angle of the eye.
To relieve the pain of burns & scalds, combine flax seed oil with lime-water & apply to the wound.
The dosage requirement of the linseed remedy for adults & children over 12 are about 5 - 10 g of the seeds - either whole or crushed, if these are soaked in water, they can be taken thrice daily with some liquid.
The person can be observed to see the effects of the dose 18 - 24 hours later.
This dosage regimen can be continued for 2-3 days at a time.
Half the adult dosage can be given to children who are from 6 - 12 years of age.
Linseed should be given to children under 6 years of age only under strict medical supervision.
A dosage of up to 50 g of the flax seed, which is nearly equal to 20 g flax seed oil taken a day, is known to be safe & also palatable for most people.
PRECAUTIONS:
The immature seed pods are poisonous & should never be ingested.
There is no conclusive evidence about the side effects on linseed on pregnant or lactating women. It is however better to be safe & use linseed or linseed oil in small amounts only.
Women suffering from hormone related conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, as well as cancer & men suffering from prostate cancer should stay away from the consumption of linseed.
Linseed is also known to cause blockages in the esophagus & parts of the intestinal tract. Therefore those with such conditions should keep away from its consumption.
Other side effects of linseed include flatulence, stomach pain & diarrhea.
Linseed should also not be taken along with herbs such as garlic, devil's claw, ginkgo, saw palmetto, horse chestnut, ginseng or ginger.
Flax contains lots of mucilage fiber in their coat which when eaten in large amounts may cause stomach pain, bloating & laxative diarrhea.
Flax seeds may not be strong enough for severe constipation & may feed congestion in the colon.
Large quantities of purging flax can cause fatal poisoning.Contains a cyanide-like compound.
Overdoses cause respiratory distress & paralysis.
RECIPES:
Flax seed is added to breads, used as a coffee substitute & the sprouts are used for salads.
The seeds can also be enjoyed as snacks either roasted, salted, or sweetened.
The freshly ground seed can be added to cereal, soups, or stews as a thickener.
Flax seeds are nutty yet pleasantly sweet in taste. Ground seeds are a great addition as toppings in yogurt, desserts, shakes etc.
Flax is widely used in confectionery, as an addition to biscuits, sweets, muffins & cakes.
Can also be added to vegetable soup in the same way as rice.
The soaked ground seed is excellent added to bread & cakes, about 2 tbsp of prepared flax seed to 500 g of flour.
It improves the digestive qualities of the bread or cakes & keeps them from speedy drying out.
Eat just 1 - 4 tbsp of freshly ground flax seeds per day.
Laxative: Take 1 tsp of the whole seed mixed with water, orange juice, vegetable juice, etc., to provide a gentle lubricant laxative.
Or use this mixture as an enema.
Poultice for rheumatism: The cooked seeds are added to fresh grated carrots & the mix is warmed to make a poultice to rheumatism & swellings.
Constipation: 1 tsp of the seed is placed in 1 l of water & gently simmered down to one-half litre.
The resulting liquid is given for constipation, for ulcerated sore throat & as an expectorant for bronchitis in one-fourth cup doses throughout the day.
Constipation: The whole seeds (ca 2 tbsp) can be taken with plenty of water to relieve constipation.
Follow with stewed prunes or prune juice.
Flax seed Tea:
4 tbsp flax seed meal
480 ml boiling water
ground cinnamon
Measure the flax seed meal into a 480 ml measuring cup & fill with boiling water.
Allow to steep about 12 -15 minutes.
Strain.
Add some ground cinnamon & sweeten to taste.
Infusion: use 1 tsp seed in 1 cup boiling water, let cool & take 1 - 2 mouthfuls 3 times a day.
Decoction: use 1 tbsp seed with 1 l water.
Boil until 1/2 l liquid remains.
Take in the course of a day.
Poultice: Cook seeds until they are soft.
Put them immediately into a linen bag & apply as hot as can be tolerated.
The poultice can be further improved by addition of other medicinal herbs, as linseed softens them & releases their healing powers along with its own.
Grated carrot, shredded parsley, daisy leaves, flowers of St. John’s Wort, hops, poppy heads, are all good added to linseed poultice, the mash then being bound over the affected area in the usual way.
Seeds: For constipation, take 1-2 tbsp whole seeds, washing them down with lots of water. If necessary, follow with stewed prunes.
Maceration: Thick herbal mucilage can be obtained by soaking the seeds in some water.
This can be taken for treating inflammations affecting the mucous membranes in the body, during problems such as gastritis & pharyngitis.
Flax seed Drink:
Soak 60 g of flax seed in enough water to cover.
Steep overnight, then pour off the water & discard.
Next, infuse the soaked linseed in 2 cups of water for several hours, standing in a warm place & stirring occasionally.
Then strain the seeds out of the liquid & drink.
If used to soothe coughs & chest ailments, add 100 g of honey & a handful of raisins.
Youth Dessert:
Whisk 4 tsp soft cheese with
2 tsp of flax seed oil
Add juice of half lemon
1 banana
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp ground sunflower seeds & nuts of your choice
Eat this dessert regularly to stay active & youthful for long time.
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
1 1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dry mustard
4 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
120 ml flax oil
120 ml balsamic vinegar
60 ml lemon juice
60 ml water
Combine all ingredients in a jar & shake well.
Keep refrigerated & shake well before each use.
Use within 2 weeks.
BEAUTY:
Promotes strong nails, bones & teeth & healthy skin.
Flax Seed Eye Pillows:
1/2 cup dried lavender
1 cup of flax seeds
Fabric for the pillow
Sew all the way around 3 sides.
Then pour in the mixture.
Fold the end in & stitch shut.
Flax seed eye pillows can be chilled for a soft & soothing cold pack & may help to cool a sunburn, fever, hot flashes or inflammation.
MAGIC:
Flax seeds are used to attract money by placing the seeds in a jar with a few coins.
A bit of flax placed in the shoe wards off poverty.
Use in money spells.
Place a few seeds in your wallet, purse or pocket to attract money.
Carry in your wallet or purse.
The blue flowers are worn as a preservative against sorcery.
For protection while asleep, mix equal parts of flax seed & mustard seed & keep the mixture next to the bed.
On the other side of the bed place a pan of cold water, & you will be guarded while you sleep.
A box containing red pepper & flax seeds prevents evil from entering your home.
During the Middle Ages, the flax flowers were believed to be a protection against sorcery.
At American wedding celebrations, people would kick up their feet as high as they could in order to help the host’s flax grow taller.
In New England, women danced in the sun on Candlemas in order to make the flax grow well.
In Romania, it was considered bad luck to work with flax on a Friday, as Mother Friday ruled spinning & weaving & would be offended.
In Wexford, Ireland, people thought it very bad luck to spin flax on Saturday afternoon or the eve of a holiday.
In Belgium, women did not spin on Shrove Tuesday in order to prevent the flax crop from failing.
In West Scotland, on Halloween, bundles of flax, broom & heath were tied to a pole & lit, to be run around the village as protection.
Knotwork magic with flax cords goes back at least to Roman days.
Sprinkle an infusion made with flax seed around the area before divination to get a more accurate reading of someone’s future.
The child who runs or dances in a flax field at the age of seven is assured of growing up to be attractive. Newborn babies are placed in a flax field to sleep for similar reasons.
In Hoodoo flax seed is widely thought to be a powerful guardian for children & bring better luck in family matters.
A Flax Seed Spell:
This spell will create a mojo or magick bag the contents of which will protect the child forever.
For this spell, you will need a charm bag, an angelica root, chamomile, flax seeds, a coin minted on the child’s birth year, a small piece of silver or a bead with the child’s name engraved on it & one baby tooth if it has fallen out.
Add the angelica root, chamomile & flax seed into the charm bag.
Add the coin to the bag.
Carve the name of the child on the coin or on a bead & add it to the collection.
Add any baby’s teeth if they have fallen out. One is sufficient.
Now keep this conjure bag in a safe place where it will not be disturbed.
When the child is old enough to inherit it, let the child keep it safe.
It can be used for laryngitis, chronic bronchial complaints, coughs & sore throats & as a dietary supplement to help treat eczema, menstrual problems, hardening of the arteries & the oil for rheumatoid arthritis.
In Ayurveda, Flax is used internally in habitual constipation, functional disorders of the colon resulting from the misuse of laxatives & irritable colon, as a demulcent preparation in gastritis & enteritis.
Essential fatty acids can also be obtained from the seeds if the seeds are split before they are swallowed whole.
The urinary tract greatly benefits from the seeds.
Adding linseed to your daily diet can improve the absorption of calcium & the functioning of insulin.
Prevents liver damage & disease.
Linseed is good for treating skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dry, flaky skin.
It also reduces high blood pressure, can treat depression, relieves symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome.
Reduces inflammation associated with lupus, gout & arthritis.
Prevents certain types of cancers & improves sperm quality & can be used to treat male infertility.
Flax seed may relieve stubborn inflammation, soothe sunburn.
Regular use may help balance estrogen activity, reducing the risk of some cancers & heart disease & benefiting menopausal women.
May aid in maintaining strong bones, preventing the growth of many cancerous tumors & inhibiting the formation of gallstones.
Flax seeds are attributed with the ability to boost the immune system, increase vitamin D levels & prevent loss of calcium & magnesium.
The seeds may be beneficial in alleviating stomach acidity & heartburn. Whole flax seeds may pass through body undigested because they do not break down easily. They must be thoroughly chewed or ground into a meal to aid digestion.
These tiny miracle seeds may even have anti-aging benefits.
Studies have shown that taking flax seed oil internally can reduce the pain, swelling, inflammation & discomfort of arthritis, as well as reducing cholesterol & triglyceride levels.
A mixture of linseed oil & red wine is recommended by old Portuguese books for the treatment of wounds.
Flax seed oil is a valuable laxative for infants & invalids.
Will relieve constipation & expel worms.
To eliminate gallstones, take 1 1/2 - 2 tbsp linseed oil & lie down on your left side for a half hour.
The gallstones will pass into the intestines & be eliminated from there.
The oil was a folk remedy used for pleurisy & pneumonia.
Linseed oil reduces recovery time of tired & sore muscles.
It can help treat sprains & other injuries & also helps to heal bruises.
After a year of use, linseed oil can increase hair growth.
The ground seed mixed with boiling water to make a thick mush is used for poultices.
Crushed seeds form an ingredient in a poultice to treat chest complaints & pleurisy.
A poultice has an antibiotic effect & is useful to treat local inflammation, such as abscesses, eczema & skin ulcers.
Topical application of crushed flax seed poultice can be beneficial in the treatment of chronic coughs, in treating problems such as bronchitis, as well as in the treatment of emphysema.
External & painful boils can be relieved & subdued by application of poultice made from crushed linseeds or linseed flour.
A superb poultice for sprains, strained ligaments, bruises.
Use as a poultice on old sores, wounds & tumors.
Poultices should be changed at least every 2 hours; have a new, hot poultice ready to apply before the old one is removed.
Linseed meal is used for poultices, sometimes in combination with mustard seeds at the site of ulcerated wounds to relieve irritation & to discharge pus.
Treatment also for pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis as warm tea.
Any herb, such as smartweed, elm bark, hops, mullein, or any other herbs recommended, can be added.
To treat problems like constipation, liver congestion & rheumatic pain the whole plant may be made into an infusion & consumed daily.
A decoction of the seeds can be used for catarrh, chronic bronchitis, asthma, pleurisy, fever, dropsy, leprosy, pimples, age spots, burns, scalds, gout, inflammation, cystitis, lung & chest problems & digestive, gastritis, dyspepsia, diarrhea & urinary disorders.
Taken internally, flax seed decoction is a bulk laxative & demulcent, suitable for gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis & coughs.
To remove foreign bodies from the eye: place a grain of whole flax seed under the lower lid, close the lids. The seed becomes surrounded by a thick, adherent mucilage, which entraps the foreign body & soon carries it out from the angle of the eye.
To relieve the pain of burns & scalds, combine flax seed oil with lime-water & apply to the wound.
The dosage requirement of the linseed remedy for adults & children over 12 are about 5 - 10 g of the seeds - either whole or crushed, if these are soaked in water, they can be taken thrice daily with some liquid.
The person can be observed to see the effects of the dose 18 - 24 hours later.
This dosage regimen can be continued for 2-3 days at a time.
Half the adult dosage can be given to children who are from 6 - 12 years of age.
Linseed should be given to children under 6 years of age only under strict medical supervision.
A dosage of up to 50 g of the flax seed, which is nearly equal to 20 g flax seed oil taken a day, is known to be safe & also palatable for most people.
PRECAUTIONS:
The immature seed pods are poisonous & should never be ingested.
There is no conclusive evidence about the side effects on linseed on pregnant or lactating women. It is however better to be safe & use linseed or linseed oil in small amounts only.
Women suffering from hormone related conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, as well as cancer & men suffering from prostate cancer should stay away from the consumption of linseed.
Linseed is also known to cause blockages in the esophagus & parts of the intestinal tract. Therefore those with such conditions should keep away from its consumption.
Other side effects of linseed include flatulence, stomach pain & diarrhea.
Linseed should also not be taken along with herbs such as garlic, devil's claw, ginkgo, saw palmetto, horse chestnut, ginseng or ginger.
Flax contains lots of mucilage fiber in their coat which when eaten in large amounts may cause stomach pain, bloating & laxative diarrhea.
Flax seeds may not be strong enough for severe constipation & may feed congestion in the colon.
Large quantities of purging flax can cause fatal poisoning.Contains a cyanide-like compound.
Overdoses cause respiratory distress & paralysis.
RECIPES:
Flax seed is added to breads, used as a coffee substitute & the sprouts are used for salads.
The seeds can also be enjoyed as snacks either roasted, salted, or sweetened.
The freshly ground seed can be added to cereal, soups, or stews as a thickener.
Flax seeds are nutty yet pleasantly sweet in taste. Ground seeds are a great addition as toppings in yogurt, desserts, shakes etc.
Flax is widely used in confectionery, as an addition to biscuits, sweets, muffins & cakes.
Can also be added to vegetable soup in the same way as rice.
The soaked ground seed is excellent added to bread & cakes, about 2 tbsp of prepared flax seed to 500 g of flour.
It improves the digestive qualities of the bread or cakes & keeps them from speedy drying out.
Eat just 1 - 4 tbsp of freshly ground flax seeds per day.
Laxative: Take 1 tsp of the whole seed mixed with water, orange juice, vegetable juice, etc., to provide a gentle lubricant laxative.
Or use this mixture as an enema.
Poultice for rheumatism: The cooked seeds are added to fresh grated carrots & the mix is warmed to make a poultice to rheumatism & swellings.
Constipation: 1 tsp of the seed is placed in 1 l of water & gently simmered down to one-half litre.
The resulting liquid is given for constipation, for ulcerated sore throat & as an expectorant for bronchitis in one-fourth cup doses throughout the day.
Constipation: The whole seeds (ca 2 tbsp) can be taken with plenty of water to relieve constipation.
Follow with stewed prunes or prune juice.
Flax seed Tea:
4 tbsp flax seed meal
480 ml boiling water
ground cinnamon
Measure the flax seed meal into a 480 ml measuring cup & fill with boiling water.
Allow to steep about 12 -15 minutes.
Strain.
Add some ground cinnamon & sweeten to taste.
Infusion: use 1 tsp seed in 1 cup boiling water, let cool & take 1 - 2 mouthfuls 3 times a day.
Decoction: use 1 tbsp seed with 1 l water.
Boil until 1/2 l liquid remains.
Take in the course of a day.
Poultice: Cook seeds until they are soft.
Put them immediately into a linen bag & apply as hot as can be tolerated.
The poultice can be further improved by addition of other medicinal herbs, as linseed softens them & releases their healing powers along with its own.
Grated carrot, shredded parsley, daisy leaves, flowers of St. John’s Wort, hops, poppy heads, are all good added to linseed poultice, the mash then being bound over the affected area in the usual way.
Seeds: For constipation, take 1-2 tbsp whole seeds, washing them down with lots of water. If necessary, follow with stewed prunes.
Maceration: Thick herbal mucilage can be obtained by soaking the seeds in some water.
This can be taken for treating inflammations affecting the mucous membranes in the body, during problems such as gastritis & pharyngitis.
Flax seed Drink:
Soak 60 g of flax seed in enough water to cover.
Steep overnight, then pour off the water & discard.
Next, infuse the soaked linseed in 2 cups of water for several hours, standing in a warm place & stirring occasionally.
Then strain the seeds out of the liquid & drink.
If used to soothe coughs & chest ailments, add 100 g of honey & a handful of raisins.
Youth Dessert:
Whisk 4 tsp soft cheese with
2 tsp of flax seed oil
Add juice of half lemon
1 banana
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp ground sunflower seeds & nuts of your choice
Eat this dessert regularly to stay active & youthful for long time.
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
1 1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dry mustard
4 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
120 ml flax oil
120 ml balsamic vinegar
60 ml lemon juice
60 ml water
Combine all ingredients in a jar & shake well.
Keep refrigerated & shake well before each use.
Use within 2 weeks.
BEAUTY:
Promotes strong nails, bones & teeth & healthy skin.
Flax Seed Eye Pillows:
1/2 cup dried lavender
1 cup of flax seeds
Fabric for the pillow
Sew all the way around 3 sides.
Then pour in the mixture.
Fold the end in & stitch shut.
Flax seed eye pillows can be chilled for a soft & soothing cold pack & may help to cool a sunburn, fever, hot flashes or inflammation.
MAGIC:
Flax seeds are used to attract money by placing the seeds in a jar with a few coins.
A bit of flax placed in the shoe wards off poverty.
Use in money spells.
Place a few seeds in your wallet, purse or pocket to attract money.
Carry in your wallet or purse.
The blue flowers are worn as a preservative against sorcery.
For protection while asleep, mix equal parts of flax seed & mustard seed & keep the mixture next to the bed.
On the other side of the bed place a pan of cold water, & you will be guarded while you sleep.
A box containing red pepper & flax seeds prevents evil from entering your home.
During the Middle Ages, the flax flowers were believed to be a protection against sorcery.
At American wedding celebrations, people would kick up their feet as high as they could in order to help the host’s flax grow taller.
In New England, women danced in the sun on Candlemas in order to make the flax grow well.
In Romania, it was considered bad luck to work with flax on a Friday, as Mother Friday ruled spinning & weaving & would be offended.
In Wexford, Ireland, people thought it very bad luck to spin flax on Saturday afternoon or the eve of a holiday.
In Belgium, women did not spin on Shrove Tuesday in order to prevent the flax crop from failing.
In West Scotland, on Halloween, bundles of flax, broom & heath were tied to a pole & lit, to be run around the village as protection.
Knotwork magic with flax cords goes back at least to Roman days.
Sprinkle an infusion made with flax seed around the area before divination to get a more accurate reading of someone’s future.
The child who runs or dances in a flax field at the age of seven is assured of growing up to be attractive. Newborn babies are placed in a flax field to sleep for similar reasons.
In Hoodoo flax seed is widely thought to be a powerful guardian for children & bring better luck in family matters.
A Flax Seed Spell:
This spell will create a mojo or magick bag the contents of which will protect the child forever.
For this spell, you will need a charm bag, an angelica root, chamomile, flax seeds, a coin minted on the child’s birth year, a small piece of silver or a bead with the child’s name engraved on it & one baby tooth if it has fallen out.
Add the angelica root, chamomile & flax seed into the charm bag.
Add the coin to the bag.
Carve the name of the child on the coin or on a bead & add it to the collection.
Add any baby’s teeth if they have fallen out. One is sufficient.
Now keep this conjure bag in a safe place where it will not be disturbed.
When the child is old enough to inherit it, let the child keep it safe.
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