Flax is widely known as a plant from which fibers are made environmentally friendly, natural fabrics. People all over the world know and have been using them for several millennia. Also, everyone is familiar with the technical products obtained from this plant: twine, ropes and construction tow. Flax is slightly less popular as an oilseed crop. Although flaxseed oil is a biologically active substance and has the richest composition, it has not yet found such widespread use as sunflower oil in cooking or olive oil in cosmetology.
This valuable product is obtained from plant seeds, which are used not only as raw materials for its preparation, but also as an independent therapeutic agent. The healing properties of flax seeds were known back in the days of Hippocrates. They are small in size and oblong, slightly flattened in shape. The shell of the seeds is shiny and smooth, the color can be from dark brown to light yellow. For medicinal purposes, seeds are used, collected during the period of full maturity.
Why are flaxseeds good for you?
The famous ancient Greek healer advised the use of flax seeds to treat inflammation of the mucous membranes. On contact with hot water, they form a thick mucus, which has the following beneficial properties:
- anti-inflammatory;
- pain reliever;
- diuretic;
- softening;
- bactericidal;
- mild laxative;
- enveloping;
- choleretic.
Flax seeds are able to bring maximum benefits to the body, as they contain up to 48% oil, rich in fatty acids Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9. These polyunsaturated acids are extremely important for the body:
- Omega-3 improves metabolism, condition of nails, hair and skin, strengthens immunity, reduces inflammation and gives the body energy, normalizes blood sugar levels and the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Omega-6 lowers blood cholesterol levels, stimulates the elimination of toxins from the body, increases immunity, helps the body fight stress, slows down age-related changes, improves memory and brain activity, and helps to strengthen bone tissue.
- Omega-9 strengthens the cardiovascular system, normalizes metabolism, has an anti-inflammatory effect, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and is a means of preventing colds.
Flax seeds are a source of selenium, an essential element for the body. This substance is considered a powerful antioxidant, strengthens the immune system, increases the body’s resistance to infections and viruses, normalizes the work of the heart muscle and blood vessels, and ensures the full functioning of the thyroid gland.
An interesting fact: flax seeds contain twice as much potassium as bananas, which are traditionally recommended for consumption as the most important source of this beneficial element. Potassium is necessary for our body for muscle strength, improvement of cellular metabolism, regulation of fluid levels in the body, full functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Flaxseeds occupy a leading position among all plant products in terms of the content of lignans – biologically active compounds that are antioxidants, stimulate the activity of the central nervous system, have a positive effect on liver function and have antibacterial, antitumor and antifungal properties.
The seeds are high in fiber. This component causes a feeling of fullness and helps to remove toxins from the body. Also in the composition there are essential acids, vitamins A, E, F, C, group B, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron.
The calorie content of flax seeds is 534 kcal per 100 g, and their nutritional value is as follows:
- proteins – 18.3 g;
- fats – 42.2 g;
- carbohydrates – 28.9 g.
What are flax seeds used for, what do they treat?
Considering the beneficial properties of flax seeds, their effect on the body and contraindications for use, first of all, attention should be paid not only to the experience of ancient healers, but also to modern scientific research. They show that seeds are an active sorbent, which in its action is not inferior to such well-known activated carbon. The advantage over inorganic absorbent substances is their milder effect on the cells of the body.
Brewing flax seeds and taking this broth is recommended to improve digestion, as it promotes the secretion of gastric juice, improves the functioning of the pancreas and intestinal motility. This remedy is perfect for constipation, it has a laxative effect and at the same time removes toxins and toxins from the body.
The rich composition of the product allows the use of flax seeds as a mild therapy and for the prevention of diseases of many organs: blood vessels, heart and digestive tract. The high content of mucus protects the mucous membrane of the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract from irritation, which is important in the presence of gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers.
What else does flax seeds cure? They help relieve painful sensations of inflammation of the mucous membranes. To do this, you can use the following recipe: 1 tablespoon of seeds should be brewed in 1 glass of boiling water, let it brew for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, and then strain. You need to take the resulting liquid 3 times a day, 50 grams, warm, one hour before meals.
The use of flax seeds for weight loss
In various weight loss programs, flaxseed infusions, decoctions and jelly are used. They are considered one of the most beneficial weight loss aids as the weight is reduced gradually. You can take flaxseed with benefits not only for the figure, but also for the whole body, because together with it comes useful substances necessary for the health and full functioning of all organs.
To prepare the broth, 300 ml of boiling water is poured over 1 teaspoon of seeds and boiled over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes, then cooled and filtered. To prepare the infusion, 1 tablespoon of flaxseed is poured with 2 cups of boiling water and insisted in a thermos for 8 hours. A decoction or infusion is taken 2-3 times a day, half an hour before meals, 0.5 cups.
For weight loss, flax seed with kefir is also used. These products are recommended to be taken as an aid to those who follow a healthy diet, combined with an active lifestyle and moderate physical activity. The product should be prepared in the following proportion: 1 teaspoon of flax seeds, ground in a coffee grinder, per 100 grams of kefir.
You need to consume the resulting drink in the morning on an empty stomach, replacing the main meal, for a week. If the body takes the product well, after a week the amount of flaxseeds can be increased by 1 teaspoon, and after two weeks add another 1 teaspoon. The seeds should be ground immediately before preparing the drink, since in the air they very quickly lose their beneficial substances.
Purgation
Flax seeds have been used since ancient times to cleanse the intestines. This use is based on one of the beneficial properties of this product, namely the ability to have a mild laxative effect. The presence of fiber in the composition of flaxseeds affects: it perfectly cleanses the intestines, ridding the body of accumulated toxins and toxins. The significant content of this substance in the product improves intestinal motility and contributes to its rapid emptying.
To cleanse the intestines, flax seeds should be poured with cold water at the rate of 1 tablespoon of the product per 250-300 ml of water and infused for an hour, shaking occasionally. Then the infusion must be filtered and taken 0.5 cups on an empty stomach before bedtime. When using seeds to cleanse the intestines, you should ensure that you are getting enough fluids.
The use of flax seeds in cosmetology
The product is used not only as a remedy for bowel cleansing, weight loss and elimination of toxins from the body. In cooking, flax seeds are added to cereals, casseroles and baked goods. Ingestion significantly improves the condition of the skin and the appearance of the hair, so the beneficial properties of the product did not go unnoticed by cosmetologists.
Flax seeds have found their application in products for the face and body: masks, wraps, wipes. For these purposes, flaxseed mucus is used, which is obtained by boiling 1 tablespoon of seeds in 1 liter of water for 5 minutes. With this tool, you need to wipe the skin of the face and neck 2 times a day. It normalizes the sebaceous glands and visibly improves the complexion.
For dry skin, a mask is recommended. For its preparation, 1 tablespoon of seeds is poured with a small amount of boiling water and allowed to brew for 1-2 hours. The result is a gruel, which is applied to the face for 15-20 minutes, and after this time is washed off with warm water and the skin is lubricated with cream.
To prepare another version of the face mask from flax seeds, take them in the amount of 1 tablespoon, pour 0.5 cups of boiling water and leave to simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes. After that, the broth must be cooled, filtered and the resulting mucus must be applied to the face for 30 minutes, then rinsed with warm water.
This mask works well for chapped and sensitive skin prone to dryness. It has a softening effect and smoothes fine wrinkles. If you add natural vegetable oil to its composition at the rate of 1 tablespoon of oil to 2 tablespoons of broth, then such a mask will also have nutritional properties.
Contraindications and precautions
Like any other remedy used in traditional medicine, the product must be used in accordance with the dosage indicated by the manufacturer and taking precautions. Experts believe that the maximum daily dose of flaxseeds when taken orally for medicinal purposes should not exceed 25 grams, and for prophylaxis, 5 grams per day is enough.
Before taking flax seeds, it is necessary to compare the benefits and harms of their use, as well as consult a doctor for the absence of private contraindications. These may include individual intolerance and hypersensitivity to the product, diarrhea, acute and chronic cholecystitis, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, irritable bowel syndrome.
Herbal teas are key traditional medicines. This category includes a decoction of flax seeds, the benefits and harms of which we will consider below. It differs slightly from classic tea, in particular, in its consistency. But flaxseed tea has a number of health benefits, especially digestion.
The chemical composition of flax seed decoction
Although flax has been cultivated for thousands of years and is one of the oldest cultivated plants, its seeds have recently begun to be used in folk medicine. They are especially prized for their nutrient content.
The beneficial properties (and contraindications) of flaxseed decoction are due to the content of about 42% fat. Fatty acid:
- 47-71% – omega-3 fatty acid – α-linolenic;
- 10-22.5% – oleic acid (omega-9);
- 12-24% – linoleic acid (omega-6);
- 4-7% – saturated palmitic acid;
- 2-4.5% – saturated stearic acid.
The broth also contains about 20% protein, 29% carbohydrates, of which 27% is fiber. Other components include:
- phytoestrogens;
- phenolic substances (mainly lignans);
- slime;
- vitamins B1, B6, B3, B5;
- magnesium;
- zinc;
- iron;
- calcium.
The substances contained in flaxseed and flaxseed infusion prevent or reduce the risk of certain diseases. This property is mainly provided by omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, lignans.
Broth properties
Flaxseed is an excellent source of fiber. The infusion, drunk before meals, promotes fast satiety, slows down the onset of hunger. Scientists believe that fiber binds cholesterol in the intestines, preventing its absorption.
In the body, flaxseed is broken down into lignans, substances similar to female estrogen. Some scientists believe they can slow the development of breast tumors, other cancers that require estrogen. With systemic lupus erythematosus, flaxseed decoction improves kidney function, reducing blood density, cholesterol levels, and swelling.
Useful and medicinal
The healing properties of flaxseed and its decoction have been known for centuries. It contains a number of enzymes, carotene, vitamin E, provitamin A, mucous substances and, above all, a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids. They are important for human health, the body cannot produce on its own, therefore, they must be taken with food.
Essential fatty acids (omega-3 and -6) in the body function as a defense of cells, into which appropriate nutrients are introduced, prevent the ingress of harmful substances. Flaxseed is mainly used to treat stomach and intestinal problems, as it creates a protective film that is active for several hours. It helps to protect the gastric wall, prevent inflammation, support regeneration, and subsequent healing.
Other important substances that suggest why flax decoction is beneficial are the lignans mentioned above. These are compounds that have a positive effect on a number of hormones that help in the fight against bacteria, viruses, fungi, slow down and even stop the growth of cancer cells. Lignans are relatively high in flaxseed.
The broth benefits both women and men. Plant estrogens, phytoestrogens, affect the menstrual cycle by balancing the ratio of estrogen to progesterone. The medicinal infusion also helps to improve the condition of the lining of the uterus, so it can affect fertility. For men, it is a means of supporting the treatment of certain forms of infertility, prostate problems.
The usefulness of a natural remedy also lies in eliminating constipation, helping even in conditions where reliable laxatives do not help. The consumption of seeds normalizes the activity of the intestinal microflora, prevents the formation of fermentation and decay processes.
Compresses, lotions from it are used to treat edema, cramps, inflammation, menstrual pain. In this case, the compress must be prepared by mixing the crushed seeds with warm water. The mixture is immediately applied to a piece of tissue, applied to the painful area.
Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in stress, ADHD, and various mental disorders such as:
- depression (including postpartum);
- manic-depressive psychosis (or bipolar disorder);
- chronic fatigue syndrome.
Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can increase the brain’s resistance to toxins, reduce the toxicity of certain drugs, and increase the effectiveness of drugs that reduce blood clotting (Warfarin, Heparin, acetylsalicylic acid).
The beneficial effects of flaxseed decoction are confirmed by scientists:
- Diabetes. Studies have shown that taking the natural remedy 3 times a day for 3 months lowers hemoglobin A1C (normal blood sugar) in people with type 2 diabetes. Further research has confirmed that using it for 1 month can cause people with type 2 diabetes to decrease fasting blood glucose; within 3 months – a decrease in blood glucose levels in people with glucose intolerance.
- Cholesterol. Research shows that various flaxseed products (including decoction) lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in people with normal cholesterol, in pre- and postmenopausal women with high cholesterol.
- An autoimmune disorder (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE). According to research, the use of flaxseed improves kidney function in people with SLE.
Harm and contraindications
Flaxseed and flaxseed infusion are an ideal component of a healthy diet. But … Phytoestrogens, other medicinal substances in reasonable quantities, if the dosage is exceeded, can be harmful . The maximum daily dose of broth is the amount prepared from 2 tablespoons. seed.
The use of flax seeds is not recommended for patients with severe medical conditions such as:
- hormonal disorders;
- blood clotting disorder;
- gallstones;
- stones in the kidneys.
If you are undergoing treatment for a serious illness about consuming flaxseed, you should consult your doctor. Contraindications include medication. the use of flax seeds can reduce their effectiveness. There should be an interval of 1-2 hours between taking the drug and consuming the decoction from the seed.
According to some experts, it can even be dangerous during pregnancy and breastfeeding because it acts like the hormone estrogen in the body. But there are no reliable clinical studies confirming the harm of flaxseed during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Some studies show that using it during the 2-3 trimesters of pregnancy may increase the likelihood of premature birth, while other studies show that it is safe to use it during this period.
How to make flaxseed decoction
The preparation of a natural medicine confirms that this is more than just herbal tea. There are many variations, recipes for decoction of flax seeds; how to cook it correctly, read below. One of the recipes combines tea and infusion. Fill the seeds with water, leave to insist , preferably overnight. The liquid gradually turns into mucus, which is then poured over with cold water (hot water is used for tea).
Another recipe is classic. Seeds are filled with hot water, infused for about 15-30 minutes. Sometimes they also boil briefly. Flaxseed tea is a great form flaxseed decoction.
Application features
Flax seed infusion harnesses the plant’s life force. The water awakens her. In addition, the seed has the ability to form mucus in water, which is beneficial to the human body.
To stabilize sugar
The beneficial properties of flaxseed help prevent type 2 diabetes, the transformation of the disease into type 1. With diabetes, it is useful to drink the following broth.
Preparation :
- Pour the seed into a saucepan.
- Fill with water.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Strain, leave to stand for 1 hour.
- Drink 3 times a day for ½ glass (duration of admission without interruption – 1 month) – in the morning on an empty stomach, at lunchtime, in the evening.
With edema
A compress made from crushed flax seeds is an excellent natural remedy for puffiness, pain in joints, muscles.
- 3 tbsp crushed seeds;
- 200 ml of boiling water;
- gauze or linen.
Pour boiling water over the crushed seeds, leave for 20 minutes. Apply the mixture to gauze or cloth, wrap, apply to the affected area, leave for 30 minutes. Repeat the procedure 1-2 times a day for a week.
For hair
The broth will help with hair loss, ease combing. Flaxseed is rich in natural mucus, a complex mixture of polysaccharides. The mucus makes the hair smoother, making it easier to comb. Essential omega-3 fatty acids strengthen hair, prevent, stop hair loss.
- 2 tbsp crushed flaxseed;
- 200 ml boiling water.
Pour boiling water over the seeds, leave for 30 minutes. Apply the mixture to hair for 30 minutes. Rinse.
Headache
Headaches are often related to hormone levels in the body. For this reason, products rich in essential fatty acids help women with headaches. They help to reduce the level of hormonal substances – prostaglandins, involved in the formation of inflammation, contraction of blood vessels.
One such remedy is flaxseed. Drink a decoction made from 1 tablespoon. seeds or consume them in a crushed form for 1-2 tsp. in a day.
From cough
To make a cough reliever, you need:
- 1 tbsp Flaxseed;
- 1 tbsp plantain;
- ½ liter of boiling water.
Pour boiling water over flax and plantain, leave for 2 hours. Pour the broth into a thermos, drink throughout the day. Continue the treatment for 14 days.
Cancer
To obtain the maximum anti-cancer effect, the seeds must be ground and consumed within a maximum of 2 hours after grinding. Do not grind them for future use. The antitumor effect is present only raw, without heat treatment. Take 2 tsp. in a day.
For constipation
The most famous use of flaxseed decoction in the treatment of constipation.
In the morning, fill the seeds with cold water, leave to infuse until evening. Drink the whole glass in the evening. The next morning, success is guaranteed.
With diarrhea
Flax can also help with diarrhea. But after drinking it, you need to drink enough water, because it absorbs liquid.
1 tbsp crushed seeds, washed down with 100 ml of warm water, will be an excellent remedy for diarrhea. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times a day for 2-3 days.
Compound
The seeds contain fatty oil, mucus, vitamin A , proteins, linamarin glycoside , organic acids and a number of other substances.
Release form
Seeds are round on one side and pointed on the other, flattened, unequal. Their surface is smooth and shiny; when viewed through a magnifying glass with a 10-fold magnification, a seed scar of a light yellow color is clearly visible on it. The thickness of each of them is up to 3 mm, the length is up to 6 mm.
The color of the seeds can vary from yellowish to deep brown. There is no smell. The aqueous extract has a slimy oily taste.
The seeds are produced packaged in paper, polyethylene or polypropylene bags of 50, 75, 100 and 150 grams, one bag in a cardboard box.
pharmachologic effect
Herbal remedy for the treatment of peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux . Relieves inflammation and pain, envelops the alimentary canal, causes a laxative effect.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics: useful properties of flax seeds
The healing properties of flax seeds are determined by the presence of linamarin glycoside, fatty oil and mucus in their composition. Once in the alimentary canal, these substances envelop it, thereby protecting the sensitive endings of the nerve fibers of the gastrointestinal mucosa from irritation and preventing the development of inflammatory processes (especially with hypersecretion of the stomach ).
Flaxseed oil is a source of PUFA. From 55 to 70% of their total amount falls on linolenic (belongs to the ѡ-3 acids), another 10-20% – to linoleic (belongs to the class of ѡ-6 acids).
The ratio of ѡ-6 and ѡ-3 fatty acids in oil obtained from flax seeds is considered optimal for complete nutrition.
In addition, the product contains plant fiber, which helps to cleanse the body, improve the microflora of the intestinal tract and normalize digestion. Useful properties of White Flax Seed allow you to effectively use them for obesity and functional constipation.
The expediency of using a means for cleansing the intestines is due to the fact that when it enters the large intestine, the seeds continue to swell, loosening the feces and facilitating their movement.
Due to the high concentration of gluten (mucus), flax envelops, relieves pain and inflammation. These properties make it possible to use the phytopreparation not only for the stomach, for the intestines, but also for a number of diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Insoluble fiber from flax seeds reduces the absorption of toxins, which makes it possible to use the agent to cleanse the body in case of various kinds of poisoning.
The lignans contained in the outer layer of seeds contribute to the normal growth and intrauterine development of the child, stimulate lactation, smooth out unpleasant symptoms of menopause, prevent the development of neoplasms in the mammary glands, and reduce the manifestations of hormonal imbalance.
PUFA, which are part of the grains, reduce the risk of atherosclerotic vascular lesions . Their seedlings are indicated for thrombophlebitis and hypertension , as well as for varicose veins . In addition, the plant helps to restore the functioning of the heart and blood vessels .
Indications for use
The use of flax seeds is indicated to reduce irritation in ulcerative and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract : including gastritis , stomach ulcers , esophagitis , enteritis , colitis , etc. In addition, the seeds are prescribed as a remedy for constipation .
Topically used to treat burns and inflammatory skin diseases .
In folk medicine, the drug is used to remove parasites from the body, treat respiratory diseases, protect against the negative effects of exposure to radioactive radiation, in diabetes mellitus , diseases of the urogenital tract and diseases associated with a lack of prostaglandins , in allergies , sexual dysfunction in men and women, edema, some mental illness (including depression and schizophrenia ), alcohol and drug addiction .
Flax seed decoction is used to reduce weight and maintain slimness. The use of ground seed is indicated in the postoperative period to strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of inflammation.
Flaxseed lignans in the colon are biotransformed into active phytoestrogens, which maintain hormonal balance and prevent the development of hormone-dependent tumors . This property allows the use of phytopreparations for the prevention of cancer.
Benefits and contraindications of flax seeds
Flax seed: benefits and harms
The tool is a source of essential compounds and fatty acids, including those that the human body is not able to produce on its own.
The lignans they contain have a positive effect on hormonal status, help fight fungal, viral and bacterial infections , and reduce the risk of developing cancer .
Amino acids protect cell membranes, preventing the penetration of harmful agents into the intracellular space and providing nutrients to the cells.
Regular intake of grains helps to reduce cholesterol concentrations and prevents recurrent myocardial infarction .
Plant fibers, which are present in large quantities in grains, increase the volume of feces, and the fatty oil contained in them softens them and facilitates bowel movements.
The oil can be useful in the treatment of certain kidney diseases , diabetes , hypertension , AIDS / HIV infection .
However, it should be remembered that taking more than 50 grams of raw seeds per day can lead to poisoning. The optimal daily intake for an adult is no more than 2 tablespoons of seeds (or oil from them). It is forbidden to take the remedy for long courses.
Seeds are usually drunk for a two-week course, then take a break for 2 weeks. According to this scheme, treatment can be continued for up to 4 months. Then it is necessary to withstand a break of at least a month.
Flax seed: benefits for women
The benefits of flax seeds for the female body are enormous. In addition to the fact that this tool promotes gentle bowel cleansing, normalization of the digestive tract and weight, it also inhibits oxidation processes, thus slowing down the aging of the body and allowing you to maintain the beauty of skin, nails and hair.
The seeds contain a rare and very valuable element – selenium , which takes part in the formation of proteins, enhances the immune defense, maintains normal liver function, and promotes the removal of heavy metal ions from the body, including cadmium and arsenic . In addition, the trace element is a powerful carcinostatic agent.
It is very important that selenium in seeds is present in a form that is easily digestible for the body.
The phytoestrogens contained in the seeds are similar to endogenous estrogens , due to which the agent evens out the ratio of progesterone and estrogen , and also has a positive effect on the menstrual cycle .
Features of use and contraindications
Absolute contraindications for flaxseed:
- individual intolerance;
- aggravated cholecystitis ;
- dyspeptic symptoms;
- intestinal obstruction.
You should not use seeds and oil from them for pancreatitis and cholelithiasis , peptic ulcer , keratitis , hepatitis , liver cirrhosis .
The seed is contraindicated in any pathology of the intestines and esophagus, while this prohibition does not apply to oil.
There are a number of diseases in which seeds and oil from them cannot be taken, however, an infusion or decoction is recommended. Raw grains are indicated for diseases of the heart and blood vessels , which are characterized by high cholesterol levels . In those cases when triglycerides prevail in the blood , and not cholesterol , the patient is shown the use of a decoction.
A decoction or jelly is also prescribed for a number of inflammatory and functional bowel diseases, in which it is forbidden to take oil and raw grains (for example, with irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis ).
Side effects
Hypersensitivity reactions. Sometimes nausea may appear; at the initial stage of treatment, mushy stools are possible.
Instructions for use: how to take flax seeds?
How to use Flax Seeds?
Inside, flaxseed mucus or seeds pre-soaked in water are used.
In case of ulcerative and inflammatory lesions of the alimentary canal, mucus is taken 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, 50 ml per dose. Treatment continues for 2 to 3 weeks.
Flax seed for constipation is taken 2 or 3 times a day for 1-3 tsp, washed down with plenty of water (at least a glass).
For constipation, you can also use the infusion of semen. To do this, pour 200 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of whole grains, wrap and insist for at least 4 hours. The medicine is drunk at night, without straining, a glass at a time.
The effect of the application develops within 24 hours.
For burns and a number of skin diseases, the agent is used externally in the form of a poultice.
Colon cleansing with flax seeds
Cleansing the body is carried out with an infusion of flaxseed in sunflower oil. To prepare it, 100 grams of beans crushed in a coffee grinder are poured into 0.25 liters of unrefined cold-pressed oil and the resulting mixture is left in a dark place for a week (while the product is infused, it must be shaken periodically).
The finished medicine is taken within 10 days, a tablespoon three times a day, half an hour to an hour before meals. Shake the mixture well before use to make it smooth.
The effect usually appears on the 7th day of taking the infusion, in some cases later. During the period of treatment, the diet should be dominated by fish, vegetables and fruits; flour, alcohol and sugar should be excluded (sugar can be replaced with natural honey and fruits).
An infusion of vegetable oil is contraindicated in cases of cholelithiasis , hepatitis , and exacerbated chronic pancreatitis . In these cases, the use of a tincture in water may be recommended.
To prepare the medicine, 1 teaspoon of seeds is poured with 200 boiling water and insisted for at least 2 hours (for the best effect, it is recommended to leave the infusion in a thermos for the whole day).
It is necessary to drink the infusion 1 glass per day (without straining). The course lasts from 2 to 3 weeks.
How to use flaxseeds and flaxseed oil: additional recommendations
To improve its digestibility, flaxseed oil is recommended to be taken with food or drinks: with kefir, juice, yogurt, cottage cheese and other products.
Crushed grains must be washed down with plenty of liquid (at least 250 ml per tablespoon). Otherwise, when they swell, they can provoke a violation of the patency of the alimentary canal.
How to brew seeds to make slime?
To prepare mucus, 200 ml of hot boiled water is poured into 1.5 teaspoons of medicinal raw materials, stirred for 15 minutes, strained, and the seeds are squeezed out.
Application in cosmetology: how are flax seeds useful for hair and skin?
The use of flaxseeds, as well as oils and flours from them, allows you to cope with a number of cosmetic problems and give the skin and hair a healthy, radiant appearance.
From acne, wounds and ulcers, the external use of flax preparations, as well as the intake of seeds inside, helps. Flour is used in the form of a face scrub, as well as in various masks.
To prepare a linen face mask, a tablespoon of flour is poured into 0.5 cups of water and, with vigorous stirring, bring the mixture to a boil. The gruel is applied to the face warm. To enhance the effect, you can add a little hemp oil to the mask.
To prepare a mask for dry skin, boil 2 tbsp in 2 glasses of water until a mushy state. spoons of grains. The mass cooled to warm is applied to the face through a layer of gauze. Wash it off with warm water, then rinse your face with cold. If dilated vessels are visible on the face, the mask should be cool, and it should also be washed off with cool water.
For oily skin, a mask with the addition of oatmeal is effective. To prepare it, you should mix a teaspoon of grains with a teaspoon of oatmeal. The mixture is poured with milk (fresh). When the ingredients are swollen, the gruel is applied to the face.
To give the mask nutritional properties to 2 tbsp. tablespoons of mucus from flaxseeds, you can add 1 tbsp. a spoonful of heavy cream, sour cream or butter. This mask can be applied to the delicate skin around the eyes.
Flax seeds for hair are used as masks. To strengthen the hair, give it a healthy shine and splendor, pour 2 tbsp. tablespoons of whole seeds 0.5 cups of boiling water and then beat the resulting mass in a blender.
The mask is applied to the hair and scalp while warm. After the gruel is completely distributed, cover the hair with a film and a towel. You can wash it off after 2 hours. The frequency of the procedure is 2 times a week.
Reviews of flax-based masks are impressive: almost all the girls who used mucus for the face and hair note that their hair has become healthier, stronger and more manageable, and the skin has cleared of blackheads and blackheads.
Flaxseed Recipes
To prepare a vitamin cocktail, grind 1 tbsp. a spoonful of grains and combine them in a blender with 1 teaspoon of flaxseed oil and a glass of carrot juice. Before use, the cocktail is allowed to ripen for 5 minutes.
When coughing 3 tbsp. tablespoons of seeds are poured into 0.3 liters of boiling water, shaken well and after 10 minutes add 1.5 teaspoons of aniseed seeds, 5 teaspoons of licorice and honey (400 g). The mixture is stirred, boiled for 5 minutes and filtered. The medicine is drunk in a quarter of a glass 3 times a day before meals.
With gastritis, 20 g of seeds are poured into 1 liter of water, insisted for 5-6 hours, filtered and taken before meals for 0.5 cups.
With sinusitis 2 tbsp. tablespoons of flaxseed are brought to a boil and boiled in 0.5 liters of milk, and then the steam is inhaled until the mixture cools completely.
For spurs on the heels, lotions with flaxseed boiled in milk are used.
In diabetes mellitus , an infusion of 1-3 teaspoons of seed in a glass of purified (boiled) water is shown. The remedy is infused for 2-3 hours and drunk in full once a day, before bedtime.
To make a bath for cleansing the skin of the feet, improving blood circulation and relieving fatigue 2 tbsp. tablespoons of grains are brewed with a liter of boiling water. The broth is combined with 3 liters of water at room temperature and dipped into the prepared foot bath (for 10-15 minutes).
Grains can be used as an additive to cold dishes, vegetable and fruit salads, sauces, cereals, mashed potatoes, fermented milk products, juices and vinaigrette. Cottage cheese with herbs, sour cream and flaxseed is very useful. The ground seeds are added to natural coffee to give it a nutty flavor.
You can also add them (pre-frying and grinding in a coffee grinder) to baked goods.
Overdose
Overdose has not been reported.
Interaction
Acting as a laxative, grains can interfere with the absorption capacity of the stomach and intestines, so the interval between taking them and taking other medicines should be at least 2 hours.
Due to the presence of phytoestrogens in their chemical composition , the agent can reduce the effectiveness of estrogen – containing drugs.
When combined with antibiotics , flaxseed can lose most of its medicinal properties.
Terms of sale
Non-prescription drug.
Storage conditions
The product should be stored in a place protected from moisture and light at room temperature.
Shelf life
special instructions
Flax ordinary: description, composition, growing at home
Wikipedia reports that flax is a herbaceous annual from the Flax family. The value of the plant for medicine is due to its rich chemical composition: in the ground parts of the plant there are 20 phenolcarboxylic acids and linamarin glycoside, in the seeds – from 30 to 48% of drying fatty oil, up to 12% of mucous substances, carbohydrates, organic acids, linocinamarine , protein , sterols …
The protein contained in the seed, in terms of biological and nutritional value, as well as the balance of the composition of amino acids, is several times higher than the protein of most legumes and cereals.
The calorie content of flaxseed is 534 kcal per 100 g of product.
The plant has an erect stem, the height of which ranges from 60 cm to 1.5 m. Numerous leaves 2-3 cm long are spirally located on the stem. The flowers are small or medium in size, their number is relatively few.
The plant is grown as a spring crop. Its stems are used as raw materials for obtaining fiber, sealing material and building insulation. Flaxseed oil is used mainly for technical purposes and sometimes for food. The seed has found application in both folk and traditional medicine. The cake is used as feed for dairy cattle.
Flax is often planted as an ornamental crop in personal plots. Seeds are planted in winter or at the end of April. The place for them should be sunny, but moderately humid.
Care involves weeding and periodic watering. Before flowering, you can apply a complex mineral fertilizer for flowering plants.
Flax seed flour
Ground flaxseed and flaxseed flour are completely different products. The main difference is that the flour does not contain flaxseed oil, which is rich in seeds. Thanks to this, flour is stored much longer than seeds.
Flour is about a third of dietary fiber. In addition, it contains up to 50% vegetable protein, PUFA ѡ-3 and ѡ-6, B vitamins and trace elements important for maintaining health.
Like seeds, flour primarily normalizes the functioning of the digestive tract.
For prophylactic purposes (including for the prevention of window diseases ), it should be introduced into the diet as a component of various dishes. To meet the daily requirement for plant fiber, it is enough to consume 80-100 g of the product. It can be baked goods or cereals with the addition of flaxseed flour.
The content of carbohydrates in flour is low, so it does not provoke obesity even with prolonged use and, on the contrary, helps to normalize body weight. In diabetic patients (both type 1 and type 2), the remedy allows the concentration of sugar in the blood and improves metabolism.
Precautionary measures
Only freshly prepared mucus should be consumed. Flax seeds are prepared as needed, the finished product cannot be stored.
