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 Linum usitatissimum (Linaceae)
LINSEED, FLAX SEED
Linseed seeds, from the flax
plant that provides linen, are rich in polyunsaturated oils. Herbalists give
them for some forms of constipation and coughs, and in a poultice to draw
boils.
Linseed was one of the first cultivated plants;
records of this date from 5,000BC. It was used by the Egyptians to make cloth in which to wrap mummies, and the Bible
contains many references to the growing and spinning of flax. Now widely cultivated, it is an annual with narrow, green,
spear-like leaves and blue five-petalled flowers in mid to late summer. Fragile brown capsules containing flattened shiny seeds follow.
PARTS USED
Seeds.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Fixed oil based mainly on glycerides of linoleic,
linolenic, and oleic acids; the glycoside, linimarin; mucilage; protein.
ACTIONS
Bulk laxative; soothes internal body surfaces;
softens and soothes the skin; inhibits coughing.
MEDICINAL USE
Used internally to treat constipation associated with an abnormally functioning colon,
either one that lacks tone or is spastic, and to relieve dry and irritating coughs.
Applied externally as a poultice to draw boils and furunculoses (clusters of boils).
PREPARATIONS
Crushed seed.
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