Flax
(Linum Usitatissimum)
What is it?
Highly valued for its fiber and oil, flax has been cultivated for thousands of years. Flax seeds are a good source of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids (See page 329 for more information.) and also have laxative, pain-relieving, emollient and soothing effects.
What it does in the body
Flax seeds can be used to treat respiratory problems, constipation, and to soothe an irritated gut. Externally, flaxseed poultices can be used to treat burns, boils and pain.
Cautions
Very large doses of the seeds (over 100g) have been known to cause poisoning.