Herbal Spotlight: Flax | Linum usitatissimum

At first glance, the grass-like plant with little, pretty, blue flowers seems pretty unassuming. But behind the plant we call flax, is a long and fascinating history dating back 30,000 years ago, when the first evidence of its use was found in an ancient cave in what is now the Republic of Georgia. Since then, humans have cultivated flax primarily for textiles (linen), meal for livestock, and medicinal uses.

Scientifically proven to balance hormones, boost immunity, strengthen lungs, and provide much needed Omega-3 fatty acids, the flax seed is a powerhouse for health. Plus, it’s readily available and low-cost. Could flax be the answer to some of our modern health issues? Judging from it’s latin name, Linum usitatissimum meaning “The Highly Useful One”, the answer is a resounding yes.

Properties: demulcent/anti-inflammatory, emollient (moisturizing), pectoral (lung strengthening)

Energetics: neutral, neither cooling or drying

Uses: constipation, hormonal imbalances, immune boosting,

Preparations: powder, tea, oil, poultice

Here are just a few ways to incorporate flax into your daily routine:

Nutritional Uses

• Toss 1 TB of freshly ground flax seeds* into your smoothie, porridge, salad or müsli

• Add 2-4 TB of freshly ground flax seeds when making bread, muffins, energy balls etc.

Remedy Uses

• Make a flax seed poultice for burns and boils by combining a little water to ground flax to make a paste. Apply to wound and cover with a bandage.

• Add 1-2 TB of ground flax seeds to a cup of warm water to relieve constipation.

  *Ground flax seeds go rancid pretty quickly. A better way is to but whole flax seeds and grind them yourself using a high-speed blender, food processor, or dedicated coffee grinder. Grind a cup at a time, keep in the refrigerator and you’ll have enough to last you through the week!

TIP: Here’s an interesting design project that shows just how versatile and beautiful flax products can be http://www.flaxproject.com/