Flax, Golden

Flax

Linum usitatissimum

Botanical Family: Linaceae (Flax family)

Botanical Description

Linum usitatissimum is a slender annual growing 30-90cm tall with narrow, grey-green leaves and delicate, sky-blue flowers (some varieties have white or pink flowers). The small, flat, oval seeds can be brown or golden and have a glossy appearance. The Latin name means “most useful” – reflecting its importance as a fiber (linen), oil, and food crop.

Medicinal Actions

Primary actions: Demulcent, bulk laxative, anti-inflammatory, omega-3 source.

Traditional uses: Flaxseed has been used medicinally since ancient Egypt. Hippocrates used it for abdominal pains and diarrhea. The mucilage content makes it soothing for digestive and respiratory conditions.

Modern focus: Rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA – plant omega-3), lignans (phytoestrogens), and fiber. Studied for heart health, inflammation, and hormone balance.

Body Systems Affected

Digestive: Bulk laxative for constipation; mucilage soothes inflamed digestive tract.

Cardiovascular: ALA supports heart health; may help lower cholesterol.

Integumentary: Traditional for skin conditions; omega-3s support skin health.

Respiratory: Mucilage soothes coughs and sore throats.

Safety Information

Generally very safe as a food and medicine.

Water intake: Drink plenty of water when using as laxative; can cause obstruction if taken dry without adequate fluid.

Hormone-sensitive conditions: Contains lignans with weak estrogenic effects. Consult a practitioner if you have hormone-sensitive conditions.

Drug absorption: May affect absorption of oral medications. Take medications 1-2 hours apart.

Growing Guide

Hardiness: Annual. Tolerates light frost.

Light: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.

Sowing: Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked.

Spacing: Sow thickly, 2-3cm apart.

Harvesting

Seeds: Harvest when pods are brown and dry, before they shatter.

Method: Cut plants, dry further, then thresh to release seeds.

Drying & Storage

Store whole seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. Ground flaxseed goes rancid quickly – grind fresh as needed or store ground seeds in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Flax oil must be refrigerated and used within weeks.