Linum usitatissimum
It is commonly known as Flax. It is an annual herb, stem erect, smooth, about 7.0cm high and branching at the summit. Leaves small, up to 3.8 cm long, alternate, linear-lanceolate, attenuated at both ends. Flowers are pale blue about 2.5cm across; sepals 5, two outer elliptic and three inner broad. Fruits are capsule, small, and globular with persistent basal calyx and contain 10 seeds, one in each cell.1
It is found in United States of America, Canada, Europe, Russia and India.
It contains linolenic acid, linoleic acid, mucilage, protein, and small amount of linamarin.2
It is covered by Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India as well as homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of United States.
Linum usitatissimum is rich in mucilage and unsaturated fats, and is indicated in intestinal and chest problems. It is being used as a folk medicine to soothe irritation in the digestive tract.2 It is serviceable in respiratory complaints like bronchitis, asthma, cough, because for its expectorant properties. It is serviceable in conjunctivitis, chemosis, oedema of eye-lid, etc. It is used in crop of herpes (where the poultice was applied), urticaria. One complete blotch from crown to toes, smarting, stinging, and burning.3 Several studies have reported that it has a property to lowering cholesterol and controlling heart level.4
Recommended dose: 5-10 drops 1-3 times a day.
References:
- P. N. Varma, Indu Vaid, Encyclopaedia of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia, Updated edition 2007, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.
- Andrew Chevallier, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, 1st Edition, 1996, Dorling Kindersley, London.
- J. H. Clarke, Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica, Reprint Edition 1992, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.
- Herbswisdom, http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-flaxseed-oil.html