Description and Composition
Linseed is one of the most irnportantoilseeds.lt is a many
branched bushy annual plant, with erect, slender stems grow
ing upto 30 cms high. It has alternate, stalkless leaves and
blue flowers in loose dusters. The fruits are roundish, and 10-
celled. Each cell contains one seed which is oval, smooth shining and usually brown-coloured. Linseed is one of the first crops
to be cultivated for its oil, bark fibre and flax.
An analysis of linseed shows it to contain moisture 6.5 percent, protein 20.3 percent, fat 37.1 percent, minerals 2.4 percent, fibre 4.8 percent and carbohydrates 28.9 percent per 100 grams of edible portion. Its mineral and vitamin contents are calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Its calorific value is 530. Linseed contains substantial amount of oil. This oil is a very valuable source of linoleic acid. It contains linoleic and linolenic acids.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
Seeds and oil of the plant are both used for their medicinal properties. The seeds increase the volume of urine.
Respiratory Disorders
The seeds are beneficial in the treatment of respiratory diseases besides being a useful remedy for colds, coughs, sore chest,
throat and pulmonary complaints. Linseed tea or infusion can be given repeatedly in one glass doses. For cough and colds, the tea is given with honey. An infusion made by soaking 30 grams of the powdered seeds overnight in a glass of water can be given with lime juice in
tuberculosis
with beneficial results.
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Genito-Urinary Disorders
The seeds are valuable in
gonorrhoea, irritations of the genito-urinary organs, nephritis and cystitis, provided taken in the form of tea repititively.
Constipation
One or two teaspoons of seeds with water can treat
constipation.
Chest Complaints
A loose poultice of the seeds can be applied with excellent results in chest troubles and diseases like
pneumonia,
bronchitis, broncho-pneumonia and
pleurisy. The counter-irritant effect of the poultice can be enhanced by dusting mustard powder over it.
Linseed emulsion or tea can be made by heating a teaspoon of the powdered seeds in about 360 ml of water. The liquid is reduced to half its quantity by boiling, and can be sweetened with sugar candy or sugar. Even children can be given this tea to counteract wheezing or
asthma.
Skin Disorders
A hot poultice of the seeds is a popular household remedy for
skin diseases like
boils,
abscesses and carbuncles. Equal parts of linseed oil and lime water mixed together is an effective remedy for burns, scalds and skin diseases like
eczema and herpes. Its oil is also used for removing blemishes from the face.
Methods of Preservation: The seeds are roasted over slow fire, powdered and stored for use when needed.
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