Linaceae
Flaxseed
Linum usitatissimum
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Middle East, Mediterranean
Also known as: Linseed, Common Flax, Flaxseed, Linen Flax
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
SeedOil
Therapeutic Uses
Constipation (bulk laxative + oil), hypercholesterolaemia (LDL reduction — meta-analysis), menopausal symptoms (SDG), cardiovascular protection, IBS, hot flashes.
Herbal Actions
Laxative (bulk + oil), phytoestrogenic (enterolignans from SDG), cardiovascular protective (ALA), anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolaemic
Active Constituents
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA omega-3 — 55% of seed oil), lignans (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside — SDG, primary phytoestrogen), soluble fiber (mucilage — 10%), insoluble fiber
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule💧 Infused OilPowder
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tbsp whole or ground seeds in water, yogurt, or smoothie daily |
| Tincture | Ground seeds: 1–3 tbsp daily. Seed oil: 1–2 tbsp daily. SDG supplement: 100–300mg daily. |
| Notes | Grind seeds before eating (whole seeds pass undigested). Ground seeds: add to food — heat stable enough for baking. Oil: refrigerate, do not heat (rancidity). For constipation: take with large amount of water. Estrogenic effects via gut conversion to enterolignans. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Estrogenic — avoid in hormone-sensitive cancers. May delay drug absorption (mucilage). Caution with anticoagulants. Large amounts in pregnancy — caution.
Side Effects: GI bloating (initial). Loose stools. Estrogenic effects. Cyanogenic glycosides (raw flaxseed in excess — not a concern at food amounts).