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Health Benefits of Flax Seeds and Flaxseed Oil

| Modified on Oct 02, 2024
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Flax Seeds and Flax Seed Oil.

Flax seeds (or flaxseed) and flaxseed oil (linseed oil) are highly regarded in the natural remedies community as valuable dietary supplements with numerous health benefits. These versatile seeds are derived from the flax plant, which has been used historically for food and medicinal purposes. Today, flax seeds are appreciated for their rich fiber content and omega-3 fatty acids, similar to those found in coldwater fish. Additionally, flax seeds provide lignans, which act as antioxidants and pseudoestrogens.

Health Benefits of Flax Seed Oil

Incorporating flax seeds or flaxseed oil into your diet can offer various health benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:

  • Digestive Health: Flax seeds are high in dietary fiber, which can help promote regular bowel movements and relieve constipation. The fiber in flax seeds adds bulk to the stool and supports overall digestive health.
  • Hormonal Balance and PMS Relief: Flax seeds contain lignans, phytoestrogens that can help balance hormone levels in the body. This property may alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as mood swings, cramps, and bloating.
  • Skin Health: The omega-3 fatty acids in flax seeds and flaxseed oil can help improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation, potentially improving conditions like eczema, acne, and dryness. Omega-3s also support overall skin elasticity and health.
  • Heart Health: Flax seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. ALA helps lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and decrease inflammation, which are all factors in maintaining a healthy heart.
  • Blood Sugar Regulation: Consuming flax seeds can help regulate blood sugar levels, particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. The fiber content in flax seeds slows down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, helping to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
  • Anti-Cancer Properties: Flax seeds' lignans have antioxidant properties that may help protect against certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer. These compounds can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of tumor development.

Flax Seed Mucilage for Respiratory Health

Flax seed mucilage is believed to support respiratory health by helping to clear mucus from the lungs. Here is a simple recipe for making homemade flax oil mucilage:

Ingredients:

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons of whole flaxseeds
  • 2 cups of water

Instructions for Making Flax Seed Mucilage

1. Pour the water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil.

2. Add the flaxseeds to the boiling water.

3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes. The water will thicken as the mucilage is released from the seeds.

4. Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the mucilage from the seeds.

5. Allow the mucilage to cool before using. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How to Use Flax Seed Mucilage

The mucilage can be consumed directly or added to beverages. For the best quality, it is recommended to use it within a week.

Conclusion

Flax seeds and flaxseed oil are highly beneficial additions to a healthy diet, offering a variety of advantages, from improved digestion and skin health to enhanced heart and hormonal health. These natural ingredients can be easily incorporated into meals and provide a powerful nutritional boost. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your diet, especially if you have existing health conditions.

Continue reading below to learn which remedies and methods Earth Clinic readers have found effective with flax seeds and flaxseed oil, and share your own experiences!

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Blood Pressure

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Posted by Rebecca (Allen, MI)
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I have been taking blood pressure medication for over one year. I heard, from two different sources, about using ground flaxseed & thought I would give it try in order to "wean" myself from prescription drugs. I have been amazed at the results. I take a total of 4 tablespoons a day - usually 2 in the morning & 2 at night. I usually just mix it in water but sometimes I put it in my food (oatmeal works well & so does soup). I have been using it for 6 weeks and have decreased my meds from 20 mg a day to 5 mg a day!! My blood pressure has been more stable and MUCH, MUCH lower than when I took the full dose of my daily medication. It really does work. My goal was to be off prescription medication by January 2006 but I think I will make well before then!!!

Replied by HS
(Florida)
02/23/2022

My favorite way of getting fresh ground flaxseed each day is to add a large spoonful in yogurt each evening. A healthy treat!

Rakaia
(Australia)
02/24/2022

Hi how much flaxseed are you taking? Also do you take prescribed medication along with the flaxseed?

Pacific Coast Lady
(Crescent City, CA)
02/24/2022

I eat a tsp every morning sprinkled over my omelette. I should try a bit more during the day. I'll check what all I am getting as it has a lot of nutrients I can use for sure. I also sprinkle a tsp each of Nutritional Yeast and chia seeds. I do eat yogurt but I don't like the texture after adding any of those things. I put chia seeds in my fat-bombs for my Keto, but maybe I could try adding Flaxseed to those ;) good idea so thank you for your reply HS :)

Santo
(New Territories)
07/19/2024

I do the same thing.

Cancer

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Posted by Lori (Orlando, FL) on 03/23/2009
 ★☆☆☆☆

Flax seed use with Prostate Cancer:

This question is for Ted-

My father has prostate cancer, he had the HIFU treatment last year. His PSA was just done and has jumped from 1.4 to 10.7 in just 3 months. In November 2008, I encouraged him to start taking ground flax seed meal daily. I have recently read conflicting articles on the use of flax seed meal with prostate problems (estrogen). I'm thinking maybe the flax seed is responsible for the recent elevated PSA? I'm hoping you could shed some light on that. He also currently takes Vit C, D3, E, fish oil, selenium. He is drinking ACV and alkaline water (bought an alkalizer). I need to harp on him for his sweet tooth, so I'm sure there is a candida issue.

Replied by Merrin From Mundaring
(Perth, Western Australia)
10/28/2012

I use Ground flaxseed and cottage cheese or yoghurt = B17 (Laetrile) and Calcium which is necessary to transport B17 to cells.

From my notes on You Tube video "Robert O. Young, The pH Miracle". That bitter taste when you chew apple or grape seeds is a form of cyanide which is harmful in large quantities but healthful in small quantities.

Replied by Richard
(WA)
10/01/2024

This study suggests that flax supplementation REDUCES the risk of prostate cancer.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19064574/

Cancer
Posted by Ruth (Ionia, Michigan) on 03/09/2008
 ★★★★★

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my name is ruth, I used flax seed to cure my tumors. I would grind them in my coffee grinder. Then I would use about 2tsp a day and sprinkle them over my salad. I found it easier to eat them that way. I also would make flaxseed bread I would use about a 1/2 cup in my loaf of bread . It is very important to grind the flaxseed up to get the benfit of the seeds. Other wise the seeds will just pass right threw you. I did this for about a year and when I went back and had my ultra sound they were gone. I also had a tumor in my breast. I was benine but that also disappeared as well . I never tryed the BSM because I never heard about it working on tumors until now. I end up have a historectomy because my uterus fell. but I still take it so I don't get any tumors in my breast

Canker Sores

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Posted by Mary (New York, NY) on 06/30/2008
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Many thanks to Jennifer from Northern Idaho. I tried the flax seed oil capsules and my canker sores have not appeared since. I had taken lysine capsules for two years when one day the canker sores reappeared. The flaxseed capsules have worked beautifully. Highly recommended.

Canker Sores
Posted by Jennifer (Northern, Idaho) on 01/28/2008
 ★★★★★

I was having chronic canker sores, usually 3 at a time. I tried everything I'd ever heard of with little success. I started taking Omega 3 in the form of flax seed oil for general health reasons. Within a week or so my sores were gone and I haven't had one since. I alternate between flax oil capsules (6 a day), ground flax seeds (2 tablespoons) and eating about 1/4 cup of walnuts.

Chelitis

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Posted by Janet G. (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) on 09/29/2009
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after one bad year of chelitis i found something totally at random which was very effective. i noticed that once i introduced flax oil daily to my diet the problem quickly vanished. i took a total of 6 capsules daily at 3 intervals the capsules were 1000 mg. each. i have never had the condition again. so 2 capsules 3 times daily... inexpensive and it worked.

Replied by Naz
(Karachi Pakistan)
11/19/2013

Hi there, I suffer from really bad chelitis and I feel its more than that...can u pls tell me what brand u used? also 6 capsules seem a lot...were there any side effects? Thanks! :)

Cholesterol

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Posted by Bridgette (USA) on 10/18/2005
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Freshly ground Flax Seed. Buy the Flax Seeds whole and organic. Grind them just before using... a few tablespoons per day on your food, salads, etc or just grind and eat them alone. Never substitute with pre-ground or the oil... they are not as effective at lowering cholesterol. Extra vitamin C helps too.

Cholesterol, Constipation, Allergies

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Posted by Mow (Tulsa, Ok) on 06/27/2012
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I had constipation, tried to include fiber in diet from fruits and veggies but guess what, it was difficult that way. Then I came to about ground flax seed, decided to give it a try, took three teaspoon of it every night for three nights, did not help, increased the dose to three table spoon, from fourth day I have been going regularly without any effort. Drink a lot of water though. It builds immune system, because of that or adding honey to it, which I tried to drink everyday but could never make it a routine, my allergy is gone. Oh one more thing, my cholesterol is down to normal, for which I have been having medicine for a long time. Fiber in your diet actually helps reduce cholesterol. Take it, you will thank me and flax seed.

Replied by Timh
(Louisville, Ky, Usa)
06/28/2012
2043 posts

Mow, I've been using the humble milled flax seed for several yrs w/ very good results. Perhaps i'm wrong, but it's not as much the "fiber" content of FS but it's gentle yet strong purging action on the colon. I find FS much more gentle compared to Senna or Cascara Segrada; and for this reason one can use it on a daily basis for colon health. I use approx 1/2 spoon 3x day. Another bonus is the good omega 3 fatty acids of flax.

Replied by Lisa
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
06/28/2012

Hi Mow, Glad to hear that you really benefitted from flax seed. Could I also suggest you check out chia seed? It's a power- packed little seed that was used by the Aztecs and Mayans as an endurance food to help increase energy while hunting. I have fallen in love with it. I drink it every morning in a pure fruit probiotic drink also reaping the benefits of probiotics. They're super nutritious w/ 22% protein and containing both Omega 3 and 6 fats. They can help you lose weight since they're very liquid absorbant so they make you feel full. They also help detoxify you and cleanse your colon! They're also easier to digest than flaxseed.

These are only some of the benefits of chia seed, so hopefully you'll check them out. Take care, Lisa

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
06/29/2012

Lisa, I use chia seeds too, and have read that they get digested even if they are not chewed! Flax and sesame seeds don't and should be milled before eating or chewed very well.

Replied by Lisa
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
06/29/2012

Hi Mmsg, Glad to hear you've discovered the benefits of chia as well. I love its versatility. The other nice thing about chia is it has a stable shelf life as opposed to flax seed. I've turned a couple of vegan girls onto it and they like to make chia pudding. Haven't tried making that myself but it sounds yummy! One recipe I found was chia seeds in almond milk with stevia to make a tapioca- type pudding. I think I really must try that one! Here's to health and joy, Lisa

Constipation

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Posted by Suzanne (Abbotsford, Bc) on 03/10/2010
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When travelling, my daughter had problems with constipation, as many do. I had a lot of ground flaxseed along, so she ate a dessert bowlful for her cereal that morning, and voila! Problem solved. It IS important to drink lots of water with it, though.

Constipation
Posted by Christine (Doncaster, Yorkshire) on 08/30/2009
 ★★★★★

I have suffered constipation for years, not anymore. I take flax seeds every night so does my friend since I recommended them to her, about 3tbls swollowed down with plenty of water.

Constipation
Posted by Shannon (Glen Burnie, Maryland) on 10/01/2007
 ★★★★★

I was bulimic for ten years. I severly messed up my stomach and colon. I was taking mass amounts of laxatives and have been severly constipated. My solution is drinking 8-10 cups of water (works better than any prescribed laxative) and I eat flaxseed meal on my yogurt. I also have eliminated fats because it's the hardest thing to digest and i get violent muscle spasms after I eat it. I also eat no flour and sugar because I have a food addiction. I also have to excercise because it stimulates the colon and helps to relieve constipation. My only problem now is my chronic fatigue. I still am so weak some days- even after 2 1/2 years of not binging and purging and I don't know why I still so weak.

Constipation
Posted by Deirdre (LA)
★★★★★

Flax seed oil capsules soon after waking with a glass of water works wonders. You may have to experiment with the brand to find the best one for your body.

Depression

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Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio ) on 01/03/2009
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Based on reviews, and the fact my daughter has a condition called Lymphatic Malformation, and my Mom has some health problems, I decided to give "Barleans" Flaxseed oil a try. I bought a whole 32oz, and was worried I would not be able to use it all. First of all, I believe in oils. Some of the most healing things on this Earth are oils, and fats, such as Castor, Olive, and coconut oil. I had heard it tasted a little strong, but it was actually the mildest tasting oil I have used so far. Even more mild tasting than olive oil. Coconut oil is very hard for me to eat, and ofcourse castor oil is gross,. So...I used flaxseed oil in a banana milkshake with soy protean powder, AND WAS AMAZED! I could not taste it AT ALL, and if anything, it imparted a nice pleasant flavor to it.

Immediately My Mother and I felt something wonderful. I did hear something about using flaxseed oil to treat Depression, and I have to say guys, it's real.

She said her mind felt very clear, and she just felt a lot better, and I had a distinct feeling of increased energy. Even my eyesight seemed clearer, my mind felt clearer, it was amazing. I felt strangely happy. I felt so good, I felt a charge. I felt like the blood was pumping in my veins, and I set out to clean the whole house! I also played with my daughter, and I'm usually feeling so tired and sort of depressed at the end of the day, I usually don't have the energy. Some of the oil got on my hands, and it left a really nice pleasant scent to it. This oil is great!!.. and I see what all the fuss is about. You cannot taste it at all in shakes, it's awesome. It's the most powerful oil I've used so far. I feel a distinct difference when taking it. It's like the depression is gone.

Diabetes

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Posted by Lilian (Atlanta, Georgia) on 01/26/2009
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At the beginning of the year (2009) my husband and I went on the famous cabbage diet (more as a cleansing mechanism than for weight loss). My husband was diagnosed with diabetes II 3 years ago. His starting fasting glucose was 260. We kept his sugar at the 130 range fasting over the past 3 years with medication. Well, a week after the diet his sugar had gone to 110 -fasting. Now 3 weeks later it has gone to 89-105 fasting. We thought the diet changes (we have been more careful about what we put in our mouth) made the difference. However we just realized that at the beginning of the year he also changed from fish oil cabs to Flax oil (2 in the morning, 2 at night). We believe the mix of cleansing our bodies of toxins and the use of flax has contributed to his low sugar levels. He continues to take his Metformin, but we hope to discontinue (or lower dose; from 2 a day to just 1) in the next month or so. P.S: because of his diabetes, while on the diet, he had a low sugar (1g) bowl of cereal in the morning and 1 at night if he felt hungry.

Dry Mouth & Dry Eyes

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Posted by Tina (Seattle, Washington ) on 02/15/2022
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Flaxseed oil is amazing for dry mouth & dry eyes - I noticed a difference within just a few days - I highly recommend this remedy if you are suffering from these issues like I was.

Replied by Cindy
(California)
02/16/2022
★★★★★

I also find flaxseed oil to be excellent for eliminating dry eyes. I take 1 capsule a day for this. I have used it for at least 5 years.

Sharon
(USA)
02/24/2022

Wondering if this also helps with dry skin. Thank you.

Replied by Cheryl
(Atlanta, Georgia)
02/24/2022

How do you use flaxseed oil for dry mouth? Do you rinse with it? I have had chronic dry mouth since youth! My mouth has more caps and empty holes as a result. I have a few original teeth that I'm fighting to keep. Tried and no real solution has worked. How do you use flaxseed oil? How long does it kick in?


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