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.
Flax Seed Hair Gel
Posted by Kat (East Coast USA) on 10/20/2023
★★★★★
I've been using my own hair gel for about 2 years now. I have long thick naturally curly (dry) hair.
Here is the recipe:
- 3 cups water
- 6 tbsp whole flax seeds
- 1 tbsp black walnut oil
- 10 drops essential oil (optional)
Add seeds to cold water and bring to a boil. Simmer until it thickens, about 10 minutes, stirring often. Strain and let cool to lukewarm. Add oils and mix well. Store in refrigerator.
Dry Mouth & Dry Eyes
Posted by Cheryl (Atlanta, Georgia) on 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?
Blood Pressure
Posted by Pacific Coast Lady (Crescent City, CA) on 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 :)
Dry Mouth & Dry Eyes
Posted by Sharon (USA) on 02/24/2022
Wondering if this also helps with dry skin. Thank you.
Blood Pressure
Posted by Rakaia (Australia) on 02/24/2022
Hi how much flaxseed are you taking? Also do you take prescribed medication along with the flaxseed?
Blood Pressure
Posted by HS (Florida) on 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!
Dry Mouth & Dry Eyes
Posted by Cindy (California) on 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.
Dry Mouth & Dry Eyes
Posted by Tina (Seattle, Washington ) on 02/15/2022
★★★★★
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.
PMS
Posted by Ash (Maine) on 10/12/2021
Actually, flax should be taken in the first half (follicular) stage of your cycle if you're still menstruating. Some studies show that for younger women (premenopausal) it acts as an estrogen balancer, and for after menopause, it can help to increase estrogen. You can also look into seed cycling for your menstrual cycle too, which includes flax as well.
PMS
Posted by Cary (Atlanta) on 07/28/2021
Maybe try just taking it for the second half of your cycle-after you ovulate. I noticed the same problem when I was taking Omega 3 supplements but it didn't shorten my cycle if I waited until after I ovulated to take it each month.
Hyperthyroid Symptoms
Posted by Rebecca (Maryland ) on 08/01/2019
Flax may work for hyperthyroidism because it suppresses thyroid function altogether by increasing estrogen levels. Please look for another way because of the info in my other comment I posted on this thread...it's not worth the risk of serious hormonal imbalances and possible risks of cancer down the road.
Hyperthyroid Symptoms
Posted by Annabelle (Boston) on 08/03/2019
★★★★★
I am taking 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil now each day (and not the ground flaxseeds) and seeing tremendous relief in my hyperthyroid symptoms -my constant jitteriness, health palps and skipped beats, insomnia, etc. are GONE!! I am taking only the oil as I found that the ground flaxseeds make me stuffy for some reason - and the oil does not.
Hyperthyroid Symptoms
Posted by Annabelle (Boston) on 07/04/2019
★★★★★
Ground flaxseeds have greatly alleviated my hyperthyroid symptoms. They make me feel calmer and more relaxed immediately. I am seeing results from the oil as well.
Eyes
Posted by Dana (Miami ) on 08/27/2019
★★★★★
Taking 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil cured my dry eyes. I used to wake up in the morning feeling like they were ripping. I relied on Muro 128 ointment every night to prevent that searing pain & I was afraid if I forgot it. Since taking 1 tablespoon a day of flaxseed oil, my eyes are not dry at all - they never feel like they are ripping when I wake up in the morning. They don't even hurt when I put on eye makeup like mascara. I don't know if these incredible results would continue if I stopped taking flaxseed oil, but I never plan to stop. If you have dry eyes, it could be the solution for you! This is a very interesting
study to read about: BROOKLINE, U.S.A. — Dry eye treated orally with flaxseed oil has a high success rate, according to a 3-year follow-up of 200 patients. “We found that 85% had total relief of their symptoms at the 2-month check,” said investigator Carol F. Boerner, MD, an ophthalmologist in private solo practice here. “These patients, including my mother, commonly reported that the burning and stinging of their dry eyes went away in about 2 weeks. The results lasted as long as the treatment was continued.” Patients also reported that “dry skin symptoms, such as cracked cuticles; flaky elbows, legs and feet; and itchy backs were alleviated.”
Hot Flashes
Posted by Jasmine (Usa) on 07/11/2018
★★★★★
Funny you should say that! I had been experiencing horrible hot flashes but they had pretty much abated and I didn't know why. I also have constipation issues and I try to eat an abundance of fresh veggies, prunes, plenty of fiber and water, etc., and then I added ground flax seed. It helped the constipation, but until I read what you wrote, I didn't put it together that the hot flashes were greatly lessened and just about gone, and it happened since I stated the flax! I drink lots of black tea as well, and I could count on my first hot flash of the day along with my morning tea, but not since the flax. I bake it into homemade bread, but I'm going to be more generous and find other ways to use it now, too. Thanks!
Side Effects
Posted by Michael (New Zealand) on 07/30/2016
I include a quote from Carolyn Simon, Naturopath as follows:
"Are there any contraindications, concerns or adverse effects reported?
When taken by adults within the recommended dosage range there are no adverse effects and Flax-seed oil is non-toxic.
Babies and children, who have not been disadvantaged by many years on a western-style diet and are therefore unlikely to have an unbalanced ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3, are not recommended to take Flax-seed oil on a regular supplementary basis. Occasional doses as needed to relieve constipation or skin rashes can be beneficial.
Until more research is available, caution is recommended with flax-seed oil intake if you are at risk of macular degeneration. While studies show fish oil omega 3s have a preventative role, higher consumption of the plant based omega 3 ALAs has been linked to increased risk of this disease. More research is needed to clarify these findings.
People with either diabetes or schizophrenia may have problems converting ALA to EPA and DHA, so fish oil (a rich source of these), rather than flax-seed oil is recommended in these cases.
Some reports warn that flax-seed oil ALA has been linked to higher risk of breast and prostate cancers. Closer examination of various studies shows this view is not supported. Problems arise when ALAs from high consumption of saturated fat sources (butter, red meat etc) are included in data. Such foods are known to increase risk of many cancers due to their oxidative effect, whereas much current research has linked high quality flax-seed oil to a reduced cancer risk."
(I trust this is not confusing and maybe puts your mind at rest )
Side Effects
Posted by Annie (Sedona, Az) on 07/29/2016
Are there other side effects other than the ability to absorb the fat due to over burdened liver? My husband is following Budwig cancer protocol. Not sure he is absorbing the fat even though it is a healthy fat.
Side Effects
Posted by Michael (New Zealand) on 07/28/2016
According to Carolyn Simon, Naturopath, there can be pluses and/or minuses for Flax Seed Oil consumption by those people desiring health benefits from this interesting plant source, especially the vegetarians who eschew animal-based sources. I may write further on this subject because consuming Flax Seed Oil is becoming increasingly popular here in New Zealand, as a pure product that assists with the balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 composition in the human body. Apparently there are issues that one should be aware of when deciding whether or not to start taking Flax Seed Oil. Other readers may be more aware of these than I am?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 05/17/2014
You drink it!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 01/14/2014
Lou, was this tea recipe drunk or used externally?
Indigestion
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 01/13/2014
Another helpful thing for indigestion which I saw on Dr. Oz, get some Digestive Enzymes that contain protease, lipase and amylase. GNC makes one. Good luck!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 01/13/2014
I think my keloid scar went away with an apple cider tea. I put apple cider in a crock pot and added cloves, ginger, stick cinnamon and nutmeg, I believe. There's a recipe on Earth Clinic similar to this.
Chelitis
Posted by Naz (Karachi Pakistan) on 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! :)
Flax Seed Tips
Posted by Kelly (Cinti, Ohio) on 03/09/2013
Hello everyone, a heads up about the easiest way to get flax and flax seed oil into you. Pre-hydrate 1 Tbsp FS with 1 cup water (with lid-old food jar) and refridgerate. The water softens the seed and frees the oil so there is no need to grind. A local herbalist here told me this as he does this every morning to dump into his health shake. And flax seed tea is great for soothing gallbladder pain etc. I add cinnamon for flavor. I would not keep the hydrated flax more than a couple of days where the same ratio of chia seeds can be kept for up to a couple of weeks. Blessings.
Side Effects
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 10/29/2012 2048 posts
Laura: Milled Flaxseed is good for cleansing the colon, but does nothing for infection. My gold standard for colon health is half-spoon flax 2x daily and Liquid Aloe Vera Softgels at least 2x week or more if necessary. You may need to add some Oregano Oil also, same time as flax to kill the pathogens.
Side Effects
Posted by Laura (Orlando, Fl) on 10/28/2012
Hey everyone.. Why is it that whenever I use ground flaxseed in my morning smoothie it seems like I suddenly am six months pregnant yea my tummy just sticks out of nowhere and I am not kidding and also, all my hypothyroid symptoms seem to just come out of nowhere. Help someone.... I am trying to be a little more healthy but it seems like its not working. Does anyone know if flaxseed slows the thyroid down. Please advice. Thank you guys so much
Cancer
Posted by Merrin From Mundaring (Perth, Western Australia) on 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.
Hot Flashes
Posted by Suzy Q (Ontario, Ca) on 09/21/2012
★★★★★
Two weeks ago I started adding about 1 tsp of ground flaxseed to 1 meal a day and now I have no hot flashes. What a delight!! I found that black tea made mine worse but now I can have all the tea I want.
Cholesterol, Constipation, Allergies
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 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
Cholesterol, Constipation, Allergies
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 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.
Cholesterol, Constipation, Allergies
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 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
Cholesterol, Constipation, Allergies
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 06/28/2012 2048 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.
Cholesterol, Constipation, Allergies
Posted by Mow (Tulsa, Ok) on 06/27/2012
★★★★★
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.
PMS
Posted by P.b. (Cape Breton, Ns) on 02/16/2011
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Just another comment on flaxseed oil for PMS! It worked wonders. 1000 mg/day, every day, and no mood swings (formerly debilitating for me) or breast tenderness.
There was a side effect though - it shortened my cycle by a week. I couldn't stand that so I'm off it now. But haven't found anything else yet that worked as well.
Skin
Posted by Mariana (Billings, Mt) on 05/10/2010 11 posts
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello, I just wanted to write and let you know what I used to cure my eczema. I developed an allergy-induced eczema on my legs when I started trying to eat dairy again (I knew I had been allergic before but thought I might have grown out of it). I quit eating the dairy after a few months, after developing a nasty case of eczema. It cleared up somewhat, but never completely went away for almost four years. It was especially bad on my inner thighs, and I would scratch it at night and it would bleed and get sores. I had to go on very strong steroids and antibiotics for it several times.
Then, this year I bought some cinnamon flavored flax oil (COLD PRESSED), at the health food store in the refrigerator section. I started taking 1 or 2 tablespoons a day. Usually I would take one in the morning and another at night. I noticed after about a week that my eczema was looking and feeling much smoother, and by the end of three weeks it was COMPLETELY gone. I couldn't believe it, and I couldn't believe I had suffered with it so long when the remedy was so easy.
I continued to take the flax oil for a few months, but I noticed it also had a side effect for me. I am a 26-year-old female and, the flax oil at that dose made my periods come much closer together, sometimes only two weeks apart. So I stopped taking the flax oil, and they went back to normal.
Now I am taking canola oil and another oil mix that is high in omega-3 acids, and the eczema has not returned. I think it was the high dose of omega 3-s that cured me, but maybe it was also something specific to the flax oil? I always ate quite a bit of fish, and that didn't seem to help any (which is also high in omega 3's). Anyway, if I start having any problems with eczema again I will know what to do. An extra monthly cycle or two is definitely worth clearing have clear eczema-free skin!!!!
Constipation
Posted by Suzanne (Abbotsford, Bc) on 03/10/2010
★★★★★
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.
Hemorrhoids
Posted by Shari (Denver, Co) on 12/29/2009
Hemorrhoids-Try flaxseed oil. It's an Omega-3 oil known to be anti-inflammatory and it has the ability to heal the bowel. Start with a teaspoon a day, taken with food. Flaxseed meal, which has a taste and consistency similar to ground nuts, is an excellent permanent addition to the diet. It's high in all kinds of vitamins and nutrients, and is very beneficial to every system in the body. Flax is high in fiber so start out slow and work up to 2 tablespoons a day. Add it to your morning cereal or stir it into a glass of juice for a nutritious drink.
Nails
Posted by Erex (Fayettville, Ny) on 12/24/2009
★★★★★
After eating for a couple of months about 3 tablespoons a day of flax seeds, which I was taking for another condition, I found my nails started growing in clear and healthy. I learned this quite by accident.
