Flax seed health benefits have been known since time immemorial and the seeds have been used as herbal remedy by civilizations throughout the ages.
Flax is a herbaceous annual plant that is native to the temperate areas of Asia and Europe.
The flax plant grows up to about 4 feet in height.
It possesses slender leaves that are green in color, lanceolate in shape, and about 20-40 millimeters long.
The flowers of the flax plant have five petals and are light blue in color.
The fruit is round shaped and contains several golden brown seeds.
The flax plant has been grown since ancient times for its highly-prized seeds, which are known to possess a variety of medicinal properties.
These properties are derived from the active constituencies from the seed. These are:
- omega-3 fatty acids
- fiber
- lignans
- thiamine
- riboflavin
- niacin
- pantothenic acid
- folate
- vitamin C
- iron
- magnesium
- phosphorus
The above mentioned compounds and nutrients turn the flax seed into a remedy that’s potent for the treatment of various intestinal and chest conditions.
It is said that flax seeds may induce a soothing action along the digestive tract.
Furthermore, the flax seeds tend to extract toxins out from the body by absorbing fluids and swelling up into a jellylike mass inside the body that functions as a sort of laxative.
Flax seeds may be consumed in various forms.
They may be taken straight, accompanied only by a glass of water.
They may also be infused into flax tea .
And they may also be pressed with only the oil taken.
They may also be macerated or turned into poultice for topical application.
The following are the health benefits of flax seed:
- Flax seed is said to help slow down the growth of tumors.
- Flax seed is known may help in the prevention of heart and cardiovascular disorders.
- Flax seed may help lessen the severity of diabetes.
- Flax seed may help enable smoother digestion.
- Flax seed may help enhance and build-up the immune system.
- Flax seed may help relieve disorders associated with inflammation, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, gastritis, lupus and diverticulitis.
- Flax seed, when applied topically as poultice or taken as flax tea, may help in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis and many respiratory disorders.
- Flax seed, when applied topically as poultice, may help heal boils and wounds.
- Flax seed may help improve the quality of hair, skin and nails.
