Flaxseed Oil
What is Flaxseed Oil?
Flaxseed Oil is just that, an oil made from the flax plant. The seeds (often called linseeds) and the oil are used for therapeutic purposes.
Why is it needed?
Flaxseeds provide the body with essential fatty acids, which it cannot make for itself.
One of the EPAs that flaxseed offers to us belongs to a group called Omega-3s. It also contains Omega-6 fatty acids and a substance called lignans.
These lignans appear to have an effect on various hormones in the body. The EFAs help to protect the cell membranes in the body allowing good nutrients to enter and keeping out the damaging substances.
What conditions has it been used to treat?
Primary:
- Heart disease
- Lowers cholesterol
- Angina
- High blood pressure
It is used to prevent the formation of gallstones and in some cases has dissolved them.
It seems to assist in the transmission of nerve impulses and because of this, it is has been used in the treatment of numbness and tingling and with nerve damage associated with diabetes.
It has been a favourite with those who suffer with constipation as it not only bulks out stools, due to its high fibre content, but it also lubricates too.
Secondary:
- Helps to treat infertility problems due to phytoestrogens (these are plant-based oestrogens that are very similar to the female hormone oestrogen) which help improve uterine function.
- It is also used to balance out the menstrual cycle and with its anti-inflammatory action working on pain it is effective to take if suffering from fibrocystic breasts and menstrual cramps. It is also used to treat cold sores and shingles as it possesses antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
How much is normally taken?
It is better to buy Flaxseed Oil in liquid form and take one teaspoon, working up to one tablespoon once or twice a week.
Taken as a fibre source you should take 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseeds with a glass of water up to three times a day. You could also mix the seeds into foods such as salads or cottage cheese, or mix it into fruit juices.
Are there any contraindications or side effects?
You may initially experience flatulence but on the whole flaxseeds are very safe.
