Summary

The use of flax dates back to the ancient Egyptians. The textile industry uses the plant fibers to make linen. The seeds contain fixed oils, fiber and polyphenols (lignan) that possess essential nutritional and medicinal properties.

Historically the ancient Greeks used flaxseed as a mild laxative, and this remains a valuable remedy for sluggish bowels. The fiber-rich seeds absorb water thus acting as a bulk laxative. Consuming ground flaxseeds ensures regular bowel movements. Soluble fiber also helps improves diarrhea and helps normalize stool consistency. Therefore, ground flaxseed can improve symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Externally herbalists apply flaxseed poultices to treat purulent skin infections, like abscesses.

Flaxseeds contain the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids α -Linolenic acid (ALA) and Linoleic acid (LA), which are omega 3s and omega-6 respectively. Although many nuts and seeds contain omega-6s (LA), the western diet is generally low in omega-3s (ALA). Thus consuming flaxseeds helps balance the omega 3 to 6 ratio in the body and reduce inflammation.

Flaxseed contains an important lignan glycoside called Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). Gut bacteria metabolize and activate SDG to form mammalian lignans (enterodiol & enterolactone) that act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and are important phytoestrogens. Naturopaths often recommend ground flaxseeds to help balance female hormones. The phytoestrogens in flaxseeds reduce the risk of both breast and prostate cancer.

Whole flaxseed contains fiber and lignans that improves glycemic control thus aiding weight loss and diabetes, however the oil doe not. Clinical trials show the ground seeds lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Also, the lignans, which are polyphenols, scavenge free radicals and reduce inflammation that both contribute to atherosclerosis. Therefore many components in the seed work synergistically to prevent heart disease.

Indications

High in soluble fiber; acts as a mucilage and bulking agent.

Gastrointestinal
• irregular bowels
• chronic constipation
• diarrhea
• general inflammation of GI tract
• esophagitis
• gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
• gastritis
• laryngitis
• colitis
• gastric ulcers

Hepatobiliary
• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Cardiovascular
• high cholesterol

Reproduction
• female hormonal imbalance
• dysmenorrhea
• menopausal hot flashes
• benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Cancer
• prostate cancer (prevention)
• breast cancer (prevention )

Actions

• Bulk Laxatives
• Antihyperlipidemic
• Phytoestrogenic
• Demulcent
• Emollient
• Antioxidant
• Antiinflammatory
• Nutritive
• Hypoglycemic • Due To Soluble Fiber

Constituents

Mucilage
Fixed Oils
Soluble Fiber
Lignans

Posology

• Ground flaxseed (added to food): 1-2 tbsp/day

Safety

Warning: Hydration while taking flax is important as bulk laxatives absorb water; patients must be instructed to consume adequate amounts of fluids following administration.

Interactions

Medications• Take medications away from soluble fiber because it can decrease their absorption and impair their effectiveness.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002