Flax
|
Botanical Name |
Linum usitatissimum (Common Flax), Linum perenne (Perennial Flax) |
|
Family |
Linaceae |
|
Other Names |
Linseed, Mary's linen cloth |
|
Habitat |
Grassland |
|
Description |
Annual, hairless up to 90-120cm/3-4ft. Erect stem Leaves: lance shaped to 4cm Flowers: solitary, 5 petals, pale blue saucer shape 1 ˝ cm across 3-5 white veins June – July Seeds flat, shiny and brown 5-6mm |
|
Introduced to |
Europe, Britain |
|
Parts used |
Seeds |
|
Cultivation |
Dry sandy soil full sun. Sow in flowering site September – March, thin to 12cm apart |
|
Harvestings |
Seeds: when ripe September |
|
Actions |
Demulcent, emollient, laxative, pectoral |
|
Constituents |
30-40% fixed oils including glycerides of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid Lignans –secoisolariciresinol and its diglucoside Mucilage (6%), protein Linamarin, lotaustralin, cyanogenetic glucosides |
|
Combines with |
Mustard, marshmallow |
|
Skin |
Burns |
|
Respiratory |
Bronchitis, lungs |
|
Genito –urinary |
Childbirth |
|
Other Uses |
Linen |
|
Other notes |
Found in Egyptian tombs Egyptians used flax derived linen to wrap mummies The seeds are said to give protection from witchcraft The first recorded use of flax in Western Europe was in Ireland 500AD To ensure a good crop of flax farmers use to ring the local church bells on Ascension day |
Flax –Purging
|
Botanical Name |
Linum catharticum |
|
Family |
Linaceae |
|
Other Names |
Fairy flax, mountain flax |
|
Habitat |
Meadows |
|
Description |
Leaves: opposite, small. Lower leaves: obovate. Upper leaves lanceolate with entire margins Flowers: small white 5 petals, serrates sepals May-September |
|
Native to |
Europe |
|
Cultivation |
Chalk or limestone |
|
Parts Used |
Herb |
|
Actions |
Anti-rheumatic, diuretic, laxative |
|
Constituents |
Volatile oil (0,15%) Lignans and tannins |