FLAX,—COMMON.

Description:

Linum Usitatissimum. This valuable annual plant originally came from those parts of Egypt overflowed by the Nile. It is now extensively cultivated in this country. The seed is what is called Linseed. Linseed contains about one-fifth of mucilage, and one-sixth of fixed oil. The cake which remains after the expression of the oil, contains the farinaceous and mucilaginous part of the seed, and is used in fattening cattle. More ...

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Uses of Flax (Common):

Linseed is emollient and demulcent. The entire seeds, or the seeds ground into meal, called Linseed Meal, make very useful cataplasms, or poultices. In ulcerated and inflamed parts, it allays irritation and pain, and promotes suppuration. It is commonly used for abscesses, and other local affections, which require to be brought to a crisis as soon as possible. The infusion of the seed is much employed as a pectoral drink, in scalding urine, nephritic pains, etcetera.

Linseed Oil mixed with an equal quantity of lime-water is an excellent application for burns.As a domestic remedy for colds, coughs, and irritation of the urinary organs, Linseed Tea is most valuable. Take of Linseed 6 drachms , Liquorice root, 2 drachms ; bruise or slice the latter, and pour on both a pint of boiling water; in a covered vessel, let it stand four hours near a fire; strain; when cold it is fit for use. A little honey, and a table-spoonful of lemon juice, make it very agreeable, and more efficacious. Linseed Oil is sometimes given internally as a laxative, (in milk) from 4 drachms to 1 ounce. It is given in pleurisy and peripneumony with great success; and it is excellent in the gravel andstone.

• Mountain Flax
• Flax Weed