Flax (Linum usitatissimum) belongs to the Linaceae family; it is a plant that can reach a maximum height of about one metre, with beautiful small blue flowers and oval petals. Flaxseeds are protected by a hard outer coating, are reddish-brown in colour, 4–6 mm long and 2–3 mm wide.

What are the properties of flaxseeds

Flaxseeds have a high content of laxative mucilages and pectins, polyunsaturated fatty acids — including linoleic acid — and a good content of proteins, mineral salts, vitamins, trace elements, fibre and enzymes. Since whole seeds are poorly digestible, to benefit from their properties it is always better to grind or crush them before adding them to dishes, bearing in mind that once reduced to flour they should be consumed quickly as they go rancid easily.

How to use flaxseeds

Like all oil-bearing seeds (walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, pistachios, etc.), flaxseeds also contain valuable nutrients such as proteins, minerals, vitamins, beneficial fats, anticancer and antioxidant substances, and they also possess mucilages that make them advisable as a support in the prevention of constipation and against heartburn: just one tablespoon in the morning on an empty stomach is enough, to be taken with at least a quarter of a litre of water, herbal teas or fruit juices, or added to bread or the cereal flake mixture at breakfast.

A drink can be prepared with the seeds by steeping 4–5 tablespoons of flaxseeds in one litre of cold water for about twenty minutes, then straining and drinking — preferably in the morning on an empty stomach. Cold-pressed oil is also ideal; it is extremely rich in omega-3 fats (essential for the integrity of cell membranes) and should be used in modest quantities as a dressing — 1 or 2 teaspoons every day.

Flaxseed flour

Flaxseed flour can also be an excellent substitute for eggs: one tablespoon of ground flax mixed with three tablespoons of liquid replaces one egg when baking biscuits and cakes. Flaxseeds can be bought in health food shops and keep for a considerable time if stored in a cool place away from sunlight.

External use of flaxseeds in natural medicine

For external use, flaxseeds are used for conditions of the respiratory tract, for catarrh, hoarseness, coughs and tracheitis, as well as for boils (in these cases in the form of compresses and bandages). Should there be any digestive issues, flaxseeds can easily be ground in a blender or coffee grinder and then sprinkled over salads and soups.