What Is Flax, or Linseed Oil?

(From: wholehealthmd.com)

A source of fiber for linen fabric since ancient times, the slender flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) also boasts a long history as a healing Herb. First cultivated in Europe, the plant's brown seeds were regularly used to prepare balms for inflamed skin and healing slurries for constipation. Today, flaxseeds--also called linseeds--are best known for the therapeutic oil that is derived by pressing them. Rich in essential fatty acids, or EFAs, flaxseed (linseed) oil has earned a solid reputation for treating a range of ailments, from heart disease to lupus.

Health Benefits

The essential fatty acids in linseed oil are its key healing components. EFAs are particularly valuable because the body needs them to function properly but can't manufacture them on its own. Essential fatty acids work throughout the body to protect cell membranes, keeping them efficient at admitting healthy substances while barring damaging ones.

One of the EFAs in linseed oil--alpha-linolenic acid--is known as an omega-3 fatty acid. Like the omega-3s found in fish, it appears to reduce the risk of heart disease and numerous other ailments. (1) Linseed oil is an excellent source of omega-3s: Just 1 teaspoon contains about 2.5 grams, equivalent to more than twice the amount most Americans get through their diets. Linseeds also contain omega-6 fatty acids in the form of linoleic acid; omega-6s are the same healthy fats found in vegetable oils.

In addition, linseeds are a rich source of Lignans, substances that appear to positively affect Hormone-related problems. Lignans may also be useful in preventing certain cancers and combating specific bacteria, fungi and viruses, including those that cause cold sores and shingles. (2-4) When taken in ground form, linseeds provide an extra fiber boost, easing the passage of stools and benefiting the digestive tract in multiple ways. (5)

Specifically, linseed oil (and linseeds) may help to:

Lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease and control high blood pressure. Several studies indicate that linseed oil, as well as ground linseeds, can lower cholesterol, thereby significantly reducing the risk of heart disease. (6, 7) Taking linseed oil may also protect against Angina (chest pain) and high blood pressure. In addition, a five-year study done recently at Boston's Simmons College found that linseed oil may be useful in preventing a second heart attack. It may also help prevent elevated blood pressure by inhibiting inflammatory reactions that cause artery-hardening plaque and poor circulation.

Counter Inflammation associated with gout, lupus and fibrocystic breasts. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to limit the inflammatory reaction associated with these conditions. In cases of lupus, linseed oil not only reduces inflammation in the joints, skin and kidneys, but also lowers cholesterol levels that may be elevated by the disease. (8) Taking linseed oil for gout may lessen the often sudden and severe joint pain or swelling that is a symptom of this condition. In addition, the ability of omega-3 fatty acids to boost the absorption of iodine--a Mineral often found in low levels in women suffering from fibrocystic breasts--makes linseed oil potentially valuable for treating this often painful condition. (9)

Control constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders and gallstones. Because they are high in dietary fiber, ground linseeds can help ease the passage of stools and thus relieve constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disease. (10) In those with diverticular disease, linseeds may also keep intestinal pouches free of waste and thus keep potential infection at bay. Taken for inflammatory bowel disease, linseed oil can help to calm inflammation and repair any intestinal tract damage. In addition, the oil may prevent painful gallstones from developing and even dissolve existing stones.

Treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea. The essential fatty acids in linseed oil are largely responsible for its skin-healing powers. Red, itchy patches of eczema, psoriasis and rosacea often respond to the EFA's anti-inflammatory actions and overall skin-soothing properties. Sunburned skin may heal faster when treated with the oil as well. In cases of acne, the EFAs encourage thinning of the oily sebum that clogs pores.

Promote healthy hair and nails. The abundant omega-3 fatty acids in linseed oil have been shown to contribute to healthy hair growth (in fact, low levels of these acids may cause dry and lackluster locks). Hair problems exacerbated by psoriasis or eczema of the scalp may respond to the skin-revitalizing and anti-inflammatory actions of linseed oil as well. Similarly, the oil's EFAs work to nourish dry or brittle nails, stopping them from cracking or splitting.

Minimize nerve damage that causes numbness and tingling as well as other disorders. The EFAs in linseed oil assist in the transmission of nerve impulses, making the oil potentially valuable in treating conditions of numbness and tingling. The oil's nerve-nourishing actions may also help in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, a degenerative disorder of the nervous system, and protect against the nerve damage associated with diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Reduce cancer risk and guard against the effects of aging. The lignans in linseed oil appear to play a role in protecting against breast, colon, prostate, and perhaps skin cancer. (11, 12, 13, 14) Although further studies are needed, research undertaken at the University of Toronto indicates that women with breast cancer, regardless of the degree of cancer invasiveness, may benefit from treatment with linseed oil. (15, 16) Interestingly, the oil's lignans may protect against various effects of aging as well.

Treat menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, female infertility and endometriosis. Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) in linseed oil help stabilize a woman's estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle and relieve the hot flashes of perimenopause and menopause. In a randomized, double-blind, wheat germ Placebo-controlled clinical trial, linseed improved mild menopausal symptoms by about 35 percent for hot flashes and about 44 percent for night sweats. (17) Linseed oil may also improve uterine function and thus treat fertility problems. In addition, the essential fatty acids in linseed oil have been shown to block production of Prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that, when released in excess amounts during menstruation, can cause the heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis.

Fight prostate problems, male infertility and impotence. The EFAs in linseed oil may help to prevent swelling and inflammation of the prostate, the small gland located below the bladder in males that tends to enlarge with age. (18) Symptoms of such enlargement, such as urgency to urinate, may lessen as a result. The EFAs also play a role in keeping sperm healthy, which may be of value in treating male infertility, and they can improve blood flow to the penis, a boon for those suffering from impotence.

Note: Linseed oil has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders. For information on these additional ailments, see our Dosage Recommendations Chart for Linseed Oil.

Dosage Information

Special tips:

Liquid linseed oil is the easiest form to use, although it must be kept refrigerated.

Capsules containing linseed oil are convenient for traveling, but can be quite expensive in comparison to the liquid form. Also, a large number of capsules--approximately 14 containing 1,000 mg of oil each--are needed to get the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of oil.

If using ground linseeds, just add 1 or 2 tablespoons to an 8-ounce glass of water and mix.

For heart disease prevention, gout, lupus, acne, eczema, cancer prevention, hair or nail problems, endometriosis, male infertility, prostate problems and impotence: Take l tablespoon of linseed oil in the morning.

For high blood pressure: Take l tablespoon of linseed oil a day, along with 1,000 mg of fish oils three times a day.

For hemorrhoids: Add l tablespoon of ground linseeds to an 8-ounce glass of water and drink the mixture once a day. Make sure to drink extra glasses of water throughout the day as well. The treatment may take a few days to have an effect.

For gallstones: Take l tablespoon of linseed oil in the morning.

For psoriasis: Take l tablespoon of linseed oil each morning, along with 1,000 mg fish oils three times a day.

For sunburn, numbness and tingling: Take l tablespoon of linseed oil twice a day.

For diverticular disorders: Add 2 tablespoons of ground linseed to an 8-ounce glass of water. Drink this mixture twice a day. Make sure to drink extra glasses of water throughout the day as well. The treatment may take a few days to have an effect.

For menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms, female infertility, and rosacea: Take 1 tablespoon of linseed oil a day, along with 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil or borage oil three times a day.

Be sure to check out our Dosage Recommendations Chart for Linseed Oil, which has therapeutic dosages for specific ailments at a glance.

Guidelines for Use

For best absorption, take linseed oil with food. It is easily mixed into juices and other drinks, and its nutty, buttery flavor complements cottage cheese, yogurt and many other foods. You can also use it instead of olive oil in a salad dressing. Don't cook with it, however; this will deplete the oil's nutrient content.

Buy linseed oil in an opaque plastic (glass) bottle; this will prevent light from spoiling it.

Check the expiration date on the label, as the oil spoils quickly. Keep it refrigerated for freshness. Should the oil develop a powerful odor, discard it.

General Interaction

There appear to be few if any drug or nutrient interactions with flaxseeds (or their oil). Because linseed may interfere with the absorption of certain medicines, however, it's a good idea to consult your doctor if you are already on medication and want to take it in any form.

Possible Side Effects

Ground linseeds may produce some initial flatulence, but this won't last long.

Cautions

To prevent ground linseed from swelling up and obstructing your throat or digestive tract, drink plenty of water (one 8-ounce glass of water per tablespoon of ground flaxseed) along with it.

Don't take linseed oil or ground flaxseed if you have a bowel obstruction of any kind.

Allergic reactions to linseed have occurred. If you suddenly have difficulty breathing after taking the supplement, it is imperative that you get medical attention promptly.

Linseed oil is also called linseed oil. The industrial types of linseed oil found in hardware stores are not for internal consumption, however. They may have poisonous additives.

Organic Flax Seeds

Sprinkle liberally on your salad, dips and desserts.  

Nutritionists often recommend up to 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil a day.