Linum usitatissimum.  Linseed, Flaxseed, Linen-seed   Family: Linaceae   
The pericyclic fibres from the stem are used to prepare flax fibre. The oil has a number of uses in the poin and other industries.
TASTE: Mucilaginous and oily ODOR: Faint
PART USED: Ripe seeds and oil expressed from the seeds.
ACTIONS
GROUP: The Skin & Mucous Membranes- Demulcents
1. Demulcent.[1,3]
2. Emollient.[1,3]
3. Laxative.[1,3]
4. Nutritive.[2]
5. Pectoral.[2,3]
6. Antitussive.[1,3]
7. Aperient.[2]
8. Anodyne.[1]
9. Resolvent.[1]
INDICATIONS
1. Bronchitis,[2,3] and coughs.[3] Lower repiratory tract inflammation.[2] Pleurisy- poultice also. Respiratory catarrh.[1] Bronchitis and thoraxic pain- as poultice.[1]
2. Rheumatic conditions, especially of the joints.[2] Sprains.[2]
3. Laxative, when taken internally.[3]Demulcent.[3]
4. Boils and carbuncles.[2] Burns, irritations, boils- used as poultice.[2]
SPECIFIC INDICATIONS: Boils and carbuncless- poultice; bronchitis and thoracic pain- poultice.[2]
COMBINATIONS
- Lower respiratory disease, use with Sinapis alba- White mustard seed.
- Poultice in furunculosis and localised swellings or inflammation, use with Lobelia, Ulmus and Althaea root.
PREPARATIONS
Crushed or entire Seeds  3-6 g,[1,2] or by infusion.[1]
Oil  5-30 ml  in vehicle (combined with liquid) as purgative.[1,2]
Local   Poultice from oil .[1,2]
         
ORIGIN: Brazil. Cultivated in many temperate and tropical countries.
DESCRIPTION- An erect annual herb growing about 0.5 metre in height. Seeds; are born, oval, pointed at one end, polished and about 0.5 cm long although this varies.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents
Fixed oil 30-40% consisting mainly of glycerides of linoleic and linolenic acids.[1] Also essential fatty acids-[1]   together with oleic, stearic and palmitic acids.[1] A glycoside Linamarin.[1,2] Mucilage 6%.[1] Pectin. Protein 25%.[1] Resin.[1] Wax.[1] Sugar.[1]
References