Flaxseed

Lini semen, flaxseed.  

Flaxseed consists of the dried, ripe seed of the collective variations of Linum usitatissimum L.  [Fam.  Linaceae], as well as its preparations in effective dosage.  The various cultivars of L.  usitatissimum (L.) Vav.  et Ell.  are equally acceptable for the indications listed in this monograph.  The seeds contain: fiber (hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin), fatty oil with 52 - 76 percent linolenic acid esters, albumin, linustatin, and linamarin.  

Uses

Internal:

• Chronic constipation, for colons damaged by abuse of laxatives, irritable colon, diverticulitis, as mucilage for gastritis and enteritis.  

External:

• As cataplasm for local inflammation.  

Contraindications

Ileus of any origin.  

Side Effects

If directions are observed, i.e., especially if the concomitant administration of sufficient amounts of liquid (1:10) is observed, there are no known side effects.  

As with any other mucilage, the absorption of other drugs may be negatively affected.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

Internal:

• 1 tablespoon of whole or "bruised" seed (not ground) with 150 ml of liquid 2 - 3 times daily.  
  
• 2 - 3 tablespoons of milled flaxseed for the preparation of flaxseed mucilage (gruel).  

External:

• 30 - 50 g flaxseed flour for a moist-heat cataplasm or compress.  

Internal:

• As seed, as cracked or coarsely ground seed, in which only the cuticle and mucilage epidermis are damaged; as flaxseed mucilage (gruel) and other galenical preparations.  

External:

• As flaxseed flour or flaxseed expellent.  

Laxative effects due to increase in volume and consequent initiation of intestinal peristalsis due to stretching reflexes.  Protective effect on the mucosa because of coating action.