| Most Common Name: | Flax |
| Botanical
Name: | Linum Usitatissumum | | Also
Known As (other names): | Linseed |
General description: Flax also known as Linseed is
one of the most used herbal preparations in England. Flax is not originally from
England, although at present it is grown in all temperate zones, but must have
had its origin in or near Egypt, the Middle East or north Africa as it was the
primary source of clothing material as far back as the pyramids go. Even today
the fibers of the stems are processed to weave a linen. The seeds are used
for medicinal purposes and Linseed oil is also widely used in industry.
Flax is currently being tested for its alleged beneficial effect on breast
cancer and prostate cancer - at this stage evidence and claims are anecdotal.
Flax
Use for/In treatment of: | | Inflammation |
Bronchitis | Catarrh |
| Boils | Burns |
Laxative |
Flax
Properties: | | Emollient |
Laxative | Pectoral | | Expectorant |
Demulcent | |
Flax
Constituents: | | Below we list
reported constituents of this herb. This may not be complete as continuous
research constantly discovers new constituents. Where possible we also provide
information about constituents and their application, effect and side effects,
if any. We do not provide information on the interaction between constituents.
We do not give quantities of each individual constituent as these vary
considerably due to region and climate. By comparing the treatments above with
the constituent benefits below some indication of quantities can be gained. | |
Fixed Oil containing: Linoleic Acid: One of the Omega 6 fatty acids
one of the two Essential Fatty Acids important for the regulation of cholesterol
and inflammatory processes in the body. Linolenic Acid: Present as a-linolenic acid
this is one of the Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3) present in many vegetable
oils. Large doses can cause nausea and vomiting. There are no known negative
effects of external use. Linolenic acid is emollient. |
Lignans: Lignans occur in a variety of plants and cannot be
classified in terms of properties as a group. Some are antiviral and
antimicrobial while others are antioxidant and anti-tumour. The latter are
currently being researched as there is some indication that they may have a
positive cardiovascular effect. | |
Cyanogenic Glucosides: In Cyanogenic
Glucosides nitrogen occurs as prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid) - one of the most
toxic plant compounds. The occurrence of cyanogenic Glucosides is wide spread in
the plant kingdom and is present in many plants and foods in the seeds of many
stoned fruits (apricots, almonds and prunes to mention a few) as well as many
seeds of grasses and legumes.
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Glycosides: Most glycosides remain inactive
until they are hydrolysed in the gastric tract by specialised bacteria which
then releases an aglycone (phenols, terpenes, steroids and quinones) that has
the active effect. These compounds could be phenol, sulphur or alcohol based and
many of them like the Cyanogenic glycosides are extremely toxic.
Glycosides are widespread in plants and are extremely
varied in action, effect and medicinal application.
Glycosides are characterized by the chemical composition
of a combination of sugar and non-sugar compounds capable of forming esters with
an acid or ethers with alcohols.
When glycosides hydrolyse (with enzymes or acids) they
form glycones (sugar moiety) or aglycones (non-sugar moiety)
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Mucilages: Long chain polysaccharides that
become mucus like when mixed with water. Mucilages are present in almost every
part of every plant but are often found in significant quantities in specific
plants where the concentration of mucilage is high enough to have therapeutic
value.
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Mucilages and Gums (Polysaccharides): Widely
present in the plant kingdom these substances are hydrophilic, being able to
attract and bind with a volume of water that far exceeds the mass of the gum or
mucilage. Apart from their propensity to attract
water, Mucilages and Gums are virtually inert and also almost fully indigestible.
Generally the small amount of digestion that happens extracts very little sugar and no
noteworthy pharmacological effect. Because of
this neutrality and indigestibility their value if ingested is that they are
demulcent - which means that they coat and protect the lining of the gastric
tract, if applied externally they are emollient - which means that they coat and
protect the skin. |
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Contraindications, do not use if: | | | | | | | | | | We
at Beneforce are certainly not experts in the use of every herb. In our studies
and research we do come across warnings that a herb should not be used in
certain circumstances or for certain conditions and ailments. Where possible we
will reflect these on our pages but cannot guarantee that for any herb our list
of contraindications are complete or valid. We urge that you consult an
appropriate and knowledgeable practitioner before treatment. |
Flax
is Administered as/Available in: | | | | | | | | |
* Statements made
have not been evaluated by American Food and Drug Authority or similar board
or authority of any other country.
The content of
this website, products offered on the website and any correspondence that we
may enter into with you have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Authority. The information and products offered on this website and any
website or publication that we may refer to or link to are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or in any way improve or ease any conditions,
disease or symptoms. The content of the website, products and documentation
provided is for your entertainment and enlightenment only. None of the
content of this website, packaging and documentation provided with products
offered on this website or any correspondence entered into is intended or
should be construed as a substitute or augmentation of advice from your
physician or medical practitioner. You should not use any information
provided by us in any form to diagnose or treat any condition or disease.
You must consult your healthcare practitioner or doctor before commencing
any dietary change, taking or ceasing to take any medication, starting or
stopping a treatment of any suspected or diagnosed medical condition or self
improvement plan. |
Warning! |
Read our detailed warning and disclaimer |
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