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Linseed Seeds Organic |
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Linseed Seeds Organic
LINSEED - Organic
Linum usitatissimum
History and Folklore
Linseed derives from flax, and is the source plant of linen, one of the earliest known fibre plants. It grows best in a mild, somewhat humid climate. In the days of antiquity it was grown as far north as Scotland and as far south as Egypt, where mummies have been found wrapped in linen shrouds that date back thousands of years. The fibres are extracted by a process known as 'retting', which is a time consuming and labour intensive process. The strands of fibre must be cleaned and brushed before they can be spun. They can be spun so fine as to create an almost silken texture or, left rough they can be used for canvass and carpet backing. Flax also provides us with a wonderful, fine quality oil, though the variety grown for the highest yield of oil is not the same as that grown for fibres. Our ancestors used flax oil to fuel their lamps and of course, for cooking. Today it is mostly used to treat wood or may be added to paints to give them a smooth texture and lustrous finish.
But concealed in its seeds, Flax also offers some great (though mostly undervalued) nutritious and healing properties. Food grade Linseed oil is currently being rediscovered for its nutritional benefits. It is the richest vegetable source of omega 3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient that the body can not produce by itself. Particularly vegetarian diets often lack this essential nutrient and Linseed is the perfect source for it. Both the seed and the oil pressed from it have healing properties. (Food grade Linseed oil is not the same as the stuff available from DIY shops, which is boiled to death and contains no nutrients.)
Medicinal Uses:
Linseed is best known as a gentle and effective laxative. The seeds contain great quantities of mucilage, which forms a jelly like substance when combined with water. This property helps to make hardened stools soft and easier to pass, while adding bulk and stimulating the peristaltic movement of the bowels. Applied externally a poultice of seeds may also help to soften hardened glands. For example, hardened breasts can be treated with a plaster made from linseed paste. Internally such a paste, when eaten hot, calms and soothes a colicky stomach. The oil or seed plaster can also be used as a first aid treatment for burns and scalds. Linseed tea is soothing for bladder catarrh or inflammation of the urinary tract. Oil and seed are also beneficial for the gallbladder.
Magical Uses:
Since Flax used to be such an enormously economically important plant there are many rites and customs associated with the herb, most of which focus on encouraging the Flax to grow plentifully and tall (tall flax=long fibres). In modern practice Linseed can be used for fertility and prosperity magic. The seeds are also said to offer protection against evil sorcery. The oil may be used as magical lamp fuel or as a base for anointing oils.
BOTANICALS:
Plants nourish and feed us, add spice to our life, bestow health and beauty, scent and colour and brighten our days. They mediate love, hope and gratitude; they clothe and cleanse us, they heal and soothe our bodies, minds and souls. They touch every aspect of our existence, from our daily sustenance to the air we breathe, to the keys to other dimensions. They are the alchemists that turn sunlight into the green force of life, continuously revolving, restoring, rebirthing through the cycles of time. They truly are the greatest gift of nature, yet also the one we most take for granted.
Star Child's range of botanicals derives from many regions and traditions of the world. We supply only the best quality herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources if available. The greater the demand for organic products the more readily they will become available. Your choice to buy and our commitment to supply organic herbs is part of the driving force that sows the seeds for a greener, healthier future.
USE:
There are dozens of ways in which herbs can be used. Many culinary herbs not only impart a great flavour but also have subtle effect on the digestive process. Other herbs are more medicinal than culinary and can be used as remedies, based on the wisdom of age old traditional plant knowledge. For more detailed information on the different types of preparations that can be made with herbs, please refer to the BOTANICALS USAGE section.
CAUTION
We support the notion of taking responsibility for one's own well being and thus strive to make all herbs available for use at your own discretion. It should be noted however, that not all herbs are safe to use in all circumstances. Special cautions may apply when suffering from certain medical conditions, when taking synthetic prescription drugs and during pregnancy. Research and familiarize yourself with any herb you intend to use and make sure you are aware of all special cautions that may apply. The information given here is based on thousands of years of traditional use. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace a visit to a medical professional where this is necessary.
If symptoms persist or re-occur, or if you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to explore natural health alternatives with you.
Pregnancy is a very special time. If chosen wisely herbs can give tremendous support throughout the entire process. However, due to the vulnerability and sensitivity of the unborn child it is especially important to make sure that the herbs you are using are safe. (This also applies during the time of breast-feeding as all substances ingested by the mother are processed and passed on with the mother's milk). Many herbs may be useful during the latter stages of pregnancy or during labour, but could be dangerous during the first few months. Inform yourself - don't risk regret.
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