Posevnoy Len.

Flax: properties and application

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is an annual herbaceous plant of the flax family, up to 120 cm high. It is cultivated in central Russia, in the north of the European part of the country and in Siberia. Flax has a single, erect stem and numerous linear-lanceolate, pointed, sessile leaves, which are covered with a waxy coating.

Flax blooms in June - August, and its flowers are blue or blue, located at the top of the stems. The fruit is a spherical capsule that ripens in July - August.

Fiber flax and curly flax are grown in Russia for industrial and national economic purposes. Linen is produced from the plant, and fatty oil is produced from its seeds.

Flaxseed oil is a valuable product that is used to make drying oil, varnish, paint, linoleum, artificial leather and green soap. It is also used as food and contains linoleic, linolenic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids.

Flax seeds contain fatty oil, protein, vitamin A, carbohydrates, mucilage, enzymes and the glycoside linamarin. The seeds have an enveloping, mild laxative and anti-inflammatory effect, so they are indicated for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

The mucus contained in the seeds prevents the absorption of toxic substances from the intestines that are formed during infectious diseases and poisoning. Mucus taken orally remains on the mucous membranes for a long time, protecting them from irritation by harmful substances, since it is not influenced by the juices of the gastrointestinal tract. It is used for inflammatory diseases of the bronchi, gastritis, peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, chronic colitis, inflammation of the bladder and kidneys.

To prepare mucus, pour 3 g of seeds into 1/2 cup of boiling water, shake for 15 minutes and filter. Take 2 tablespoons 3-4 times a day. For diarrhea, pour 1 tablespoon of seeds into 1/2 cup of hot water, boil over low heat for 15 minutes, filter and use for one enema. For chronic constipation, it is recommended to consume 1-2 tablespoons of flax seeds daily as an infusion or added to food.

In addition, flax is used for the production of paper, ropes, ropes and fabrics. Linen has been known since ancient times and is still a popular material for sewing clothes, bed linen and other textiles.

In folk medicine, flax seed is used as a remedy for cough, bronchitis, gastritis, peptic ulcers, constipation, hemorrhoids and other diseases. Additionally, the lazy water obtained by boiling the seeds is used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.

However, like any medicinal plant, flax has contraindications. For example, it is not recommended to use it for cholestasis, cholelithiasis, ulcerative colitis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

In general, flax is a valuable plant that has a wide range of applications in various industries and folk medicine. However, you should consult your doctor before using it as a medicine.