For more than 5,000 years, flax has been a culinary and medicinal staple in many countries around the world. It also has been highly prized as a fiber to be spun into yarn to make fine linen. Suddenly, flax meal, oil and seeds have become hot health items, being consumed by increasingly more Americans. Why? Because it is considered a remarkable natural healer.

Hippocrates extolled the benefits of flax for intestinal discomfort, and Charlemagne decreed laws to support the cultivation of flax for food and medicine. In the Middle Ages, flax was commonly used in breads and cereals.

Grown predominately in Canada, Eastern Europe, Australia and the United States, flax is a rich source of fiber, protein, and many vitamins and minerals. It contains 40% oil, most of which is omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, of all seeds, flax contains the highest amount of linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6), both of which aren’t produced in the body. The high oil content adds moisture to bread, thus extending its shelf life. Flax is the richest source of lignans, fairly recently discovered plant hormones. Lignans are purported to support the immune system and enhance breast health, among other benefits. They may protect against the formation of gallstones and maintain strong bones, as well.

Flax has been very effective in relieving constipation. It creates mucilage by quickly absorbing liquid in which it is placed. Mucilage also helps restore intestinal flora destroyed by antibiotics, birth control pills and other drugs, and helps repair the mucous coating in the digestive tract. The flax liquid should be drunk before it thickens. When the mucilage is made into a poultice, it can be useful for the treatment and pain relief of boils and sores.

Flax has also been used effectively for:

• High blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol
• Stomach ulcers
• Cardiovascular problems
• Temporary relief of arthritic pain
• Mental sluggishness
• Depression
• Chronic illness
• Prevention of growth of new cancer cells
• Regulation of blood glucose
• Heartburn
• Restoration of acid/alkaline balance
• Bacterial and fungal ailments

Cosmetically, flax is noted to improve the health of skin by trapping moisture in the lower layers of the epidermis. Its mucilage can be used as a hair-setting solution or facial mask.

Animals as well as humans have received benefit from flax. Flax-fed horses, for example, have shinier coats and improved hooves. They exhibit calmness and are free from allergic skin reactions.

Flax is beneficial only if the shell is broken. Otherwise, seeds pass through the system whole because they can’t break down. For those who use flax oil, it is important to be aware that it should not be heated. Because it quickly turns rancid, flax oil should be bought in small quantities and stored in the refrigerator. Once a bottle of oil has been opened, it is recommended to use it up within three weeks. Since there are many inferior flax oil products, be sure to look for cold expeller pressed and unrefined oil.

The Coop carries flax in capsules, meal, whole seeds in bulk, and oils. It can also be found in bread and cereal.

Flax Poultice

Pour 1/2 cup of hot water over 1/2 cup of ground flax seeds (meal). Spread on a clean cloth and place over an affected area of the skin for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Flax Facial