What is Flaxseed? How can I include Flax Seed in my Daily Routine - User Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Flax seed botanical name is Linum Usitatissimum, some other common names are alsi, linseed, atasi, katan, and flax. It is mainly found in the Indian region – Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Rajasthan. The seeds and the oil of the plant are used for their medicinal health benefits, the seeds increase the volume of the urine. It is one of the crops to be cultivated for its oil, bark fiber, and flax.

Flax Seed or flax is one of the most important oilseeds, it is a many-branched, bushy annual plant, with erect, slender stems growing up to 30 cm high with alternate, stalkless leaves and blue flowers in loose clusters.

Leaves – The leaves alternate, opposite, or whorled, simple, with 3 or 5 veins basally, with a small and lance-shaped.

Flowers – The flowers are borne on stems growing from the branch tips and have five petals, they are blue in color and bisexual, pentamerous.

Fruits – The fruits are rounded and ten-celled, each cell contains one oval seed, usually brown-colored.

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2. Nutritional Value

This plant contains rich minerals and vitamins, per 100 grams of flax seed contains – 6.5% moisture, 20.3% protein, 37.1% fat, 2.4% minerals, 4.8% fibers, and 28.9% carbohydrates. Its minerals and vitamin contents are calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, riboflavin, and niacin. Its caloric value is 530.

3. Ayurvedic Properties 

1. Rasa (Taste): It is sweet (Madhura) and astringent (Kashaya) tastes.

2. Virya (Potency): It is hot in nature (Ushna Virya).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is sweet (Madhura Vipaka).

4. What are the benefits of Linseed?

Linseed has many health benefits, it controls diabetes and blood sugar helps to improve digestion, and treats constipation problems. It is beneficial to control blood cholesterol and keep the weight in balance.

Flaxseeds contain plenty of plant-based, high-quality proteins that are rich in glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and amino acids.

Here are some health benefits of Linseed

For Chest Complaints

A loose poultice of the seeds can be applied with excellent results in chest troubles and diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis, and pleurisy.

For Constipation

Due to its laxative properties, it is beneficial to treat constipation and help in bowel movement.

For Genito-Urinary-Disorders

The flax seeds are beneficial in gonorrhea, irritations of the genitourinary organs, nephritis, and cystitis.

For Respiratory Disorders

The seeds are beneficial in treating respiratory diseases besides being a useful remedy for cols, cough, sore chest, throat, and pulmonary complaints.

Skin Disorders

Flax seed oil is an herbal and effective remedy for skin diseases like eczema and herpes, and blemishes on the face.

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6. How to use Alsi / Flax seed?

The whole plant and seeds are extensively used in the traditional system of medicine for various ailments like diabetes, skin problems, constipation, digestion, weight management, and respiratory wellness.

Here are some dosages and uses of Alsi / Flax seed

• Take 1 tsp of flax seed powder and make a tea, this tea helps to counteract wheezing or asthma.
• Take 1-2 tsp of flaxseed with water, once a day after meal. Helps to treat constipation.
• Apply flax seed oil on skin problems like boils, abscesses, and carbuncles.
• Take 1tsp of roasted flax seed twice a day, helps to treat cholesterol and manage weight.
• You can also include flax seeds in your regular menu.

7. Side Effects of the Flax Seed

All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based, and they don’ have any side effects but they may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have special health issues.

Some side effects of Alsi / Flax seed are mentioned below

• Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not take Alsi / Flax seed without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
• Do not take Alsi / Flax seed without a doctor’s prescription if you are on any kind of hormonal or sexual-related medication.
• If you are on any health supplements, advise the doctor before starting Alsi / Flax seed.
• If you are on diabetes or hypertension medication. Consult first the doctor before consuming Alsi / Flax seed.

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8. How can I include Flax Seed in my Daily Routine?

Flax seeds are rich in fiber, minerals, and other nutritional values, they have a mild nutty flavor that can be easily fit with several dishes. In this post we have shared some easy recipes, you can add any of them in your daily diet.

Flax Seed Indian Bread

Ingredients

• Wheat flour – 1 cup
• Flax Seed Roasted – 1tbsp
• Salt – ¼ tsp
• Red Chili Flakes – ¼ tsp
• Garlic Powder – ½ tsp
• Fennel Seeds Ground – ½ tsp

Method

• Take a mixing bowl and add all the items.
• Knead the dough with help of water and rest it for half an hour.
• Make delicious bread or paratha with a little amount of olive oil.