Linum usitatissimum
Botanical Nomenclature | Linum usitatissimum |
Common Name | Common Flax, Linseed |
Taxonomy- Family | Linaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Linum usitatissimum is a perennial plant growing from 0,30 to 1m, with lanceolate, green leaves, blue flowers and spherical fruits. The flowering lasts from June to July and the harvesting from July to August. |
Region Found | Ioannina (Smolikas, Gramos, Pindos) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Seeds |
Active Substances | Mucus, pectin, fats, organic acids, essential oil (30-40%), vitamin F, E, linomarine (cyanogenic glycoside), linamarase (enzyme), linoleic acid, O3-oleic acid, proteins |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea is used as emollient, soothing, laxative, anti-inflammatory and diuretic against inflammation of the urinary and digestive system. It is recommended for the treatment of constipation, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, menstrual pain, menopausal symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and depression. It is consumed as dietary supplement to control cholesterol and sugar levels. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as laxative and diuretic in the form of herbal tea (10-20g of dried herb in 1L of boiled water, 2 times a day) as well against respiratory diseases in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried herb in 360mL of boiled water, 2 -3 times a day). It is applied externally to the skin as antirheumatic and soothing in the form of poultice (4: 15 parts of fresh herb and hot water). Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | No side effects have been reported. |
References | 1) http://www.medicinenet.com/flaxseed_linum_usitatissimum-oral/article.htm 2)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25433250 3)http://www.alwaysayurveda.com/linum-usitatissimum/ 4)http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail234.php#Cautions 5)http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874114008149 6)http://www.drugs.com/npp/flax.html |