* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Flax Linum usitatissimum L.
Family: Linaceae.
Other Names: Linseed; Lin (French); Lein, Flachs (German); lino (Italian); lino (Spanish).
Description: An erect annual herb of up to 1 m in height with slender stems bearing small, hairless leaves and attractive blue flowers. The fruit capsules contain reddish-brown, smooth seeds. Some cultivars are grown for stem fibres (flax); others for the seeds or seed oil.
Origin: Mediterranean region and western Europe. Flax is an ancient cultigen (probably derived from L. angustifolium) with large, indehiscent capsules and large seeds.
Parts Used: The ripe, dried seeds (linseed; Lini semen).
Therapeutic Category: Bulk laxative.
Uses and Properties: Whole or crushed linseeds taken orally as a bulk-forming laxative to treat chronic constipation and symptoms of irritable colon, spasmodic colitis and diverticulitis. The mucilage is beneficial in cases of gastritis and enteritis. Seeds or seed flour can be applied externally to treat local inflammations.
Active Ingredients: Large amounts (6-10%) of mucilage are present in the external wall of the outer cell layer of the seed coat. The seed itself contains 35-45% oil (including linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, ALA), 20-25% proteins and 25% fibres. Also present are sterols arid triterpenes (cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, sitosterol and others) together with up to 1% cyanogenic di- and monoglycosides (linustatin, neolinustatin, and linamarin, lotaustralin, respectively).
Pharmacolgical Effects: The mucilage causes an increase in the volume of the colon contents (leading to the stimulation of peristalsis) and lubricates the stools. If cracked seeds are ingested, the oil adds to the lubricating and emulcent effects. Overweight people should use only whole seeds to avoid unnecessary calories. The cyanogenic glycosides release cyanide (HCN) which is rapidly inactivated in the human body; there is no danger of intoxication (especially if whole seeds are ingested). Linseed lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Antibiotic, hypoglycaemic and anticarcinogenic effects have been observed.
Notes:L. catharticum contains lignans (such as podophyllotoxins) and has been used as a purgative.
Preparation and Dosage: One tablespoon of whole or cracked (not ground) seeds with 150 mL of water taken three times per day. A compress or cataplasm can be made with 30 - 50 g of linseed flour.
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Directions
Stir 1/4 of a teaspoon into a glass of water and consume 3 times daily, with meals.
Additional Information
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
TerraVita is packed in childproof, tamper-proof pharmaceutical-grade recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
