Health – Flax, a Marvelous Little Seed

Flax is one of the oldest known textile fibers. Both flaxseed and linen cloth have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. It has been cultivated in all temperate and tropical regions for so many centuries that it is found semi-wild in almost all countries in which it is cultivated.

Cotton is only mentioned in the Bible once and wool has limited use in the hot climates of Bible countries; linen was used most of all for domestic purposes and it was a very important crop of Egypt. The most ancient mummies of Egypt were wrapped in linen shrouds, and Greek and Hebrew burials also included winding sheets made of it.

The priests serving in the temple were commanded to wear strictly linen clothes, and part of the Law of Moses forbade the mixing of linen and wool.

When Joseph was promoted to second-in-command in Egypt, he wore robes of linen. Among the offerings of the tabernacle were articles made of linen. Esther wore robes of linen when she became queen, and the robes of kings, rich men and the temple choir were made of this fabric. The veil of the Temple itself was made of linen. There are many more references to this fine-twined linen, which, however, compared to the fine fabrics of today, was still rather a coarse article. However, it is a high-vibrating fabric, much to be preferred to the synthetic fibers of today, and more people would feel healthier and less nervous if they were to wear linen or other natural fabrics.

The custom of blanching the flax fibers by exposing them to the sun and air, often on the flat roofs of houses, is practiced to this day in many parts of Europe as well as in the Holy Land. Read the story of Rahab hiding the two spies among the flax on her roof-top. See Joshua 2:6. The failure of the flax crop is considered one of God’s punishments in Hosea 2:9. The manufacture of linen from the flax fibers was a domestic industry of Jewish women. It was made by them into the robes and aprons worn by the priests and temple attendants.

Linen was for centuries the only universal textile fabric, and in Biblical days one of the most important crops in Palestine. Only in modern times has it been superseded by cotton.

The flax capsules are often called bolls, and the expression, the flax was bolled, as in Exodus 9:31, means that it had arrived at a state of maturity. When the bolls are ripe, the flax plants are harvested and tied in bundles or sheaves. These are immersed in water for several weeks, which causes them to ret, that is, causes the fibers to separate from the non-fibrous portions of the stems. The bundles are then opened and the retted stems spread out to dry, as in Joshua 2:6, after which they are combined or hackled to remove the fibers. These processes are represented in Egyptian tombs and papyri, yet likely the cultivation of flax for its fiber did not start in Egypt; some consider that it began in Mesopotamia and India and then, very anciently, spreading over the world. Its fiber has been found in the ancient lake-dwellings of Switzerland.

Flax is grown today around the world, Holland, Russia, the United States, Canada, Argentina and India furnishing the principal supplies. The Russian or Dutch-grown of Russian origin is preferred for flax-growing, as it is hardier than the large southern seed from the warmer countries.

It is sad that most people wear little linen, probably because clothing made from it must be ironed. It is extremely durable and is very comfortable in most every climate.

Much of the flax consumed today is made into oil, and most of the medicine either originates with the seed itself or its expressed oil.

The flax seed can be made into an infusion, a tea. This is used for soothing the mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts, etc. It is often employed as an addition to cough medicines and as a domestic remedy for coughs and colds. By adding a little honey and lemon, where allowed, the tea is much more agreeable. Many herbalists prescribe equal portions of flax, chia, and psyllium seed, ground freshly, soaked overnight in double the amount of water, stirred and drunk the next morning, for a bulky laxative.

A poultice made from flaxseed is probably one of the most famous applications of the herb. The ground seed is mixed with boiling water until it is a thick mush. Other herbs may be added to it for specific conditions, such as hops, mullein, etc. This is one of the best poultices for old sores, boils, carbuncles, inflammations, and tumors. It is excellent for enlarged glands, joints, swellings, pneumonia, pleurisy, sprains, bruises, contusions, or inflammations of any part of the body. Apply as hot as possible; cover with waxed paper or plastic, and keep warm, reapplying hot poultices as needed. It allays irritation and pain and promotes discharging of pus; lobelia will help cure boils. It is commonly used for abscesses.

Flaxseed Nutrition

This seed is tiny but mighty. The flax seed carries one of the biggest nutrient payloads on the planet. And while it’s not technically a grain, it has a similar vitamin and mineral profile to grains, while the amount of fiber, antioxidants, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in flax leaves grains in the dust. Additionally, flaxseed is very low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for people who limit their intake of starches and sugars. And its combination of healthy fat and high fiber content make it a great food for weight loss and maintenance—many dieters have found that flaxseed has been a key to keeping them feeling satisfied.

Flaxseed is high in most of the B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese, but this little seed is just getting started. There are three additional nutrient groups which flaxseed has in abundance, and each has many benefits.

Flaxseed is rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which are a key force against inflammation in our bodies. Mounting evidence shows that inflammation plays a part in many chronic diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers.

Flaxseed is high in fiber and it would be hard to find a food higher in fiber, both soluble and insoluble, than flax. This fiber is probably mainly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects of flax. Fiber in the diet also helps stabilize blood sugar, and, of course, promotes proper functioning of the intestines.

Flaxseed is high in phytochemicals, many antioxidants. It is perhaps our best source of lignans, which convert in our intestines to substances which tend to balance female hormones. There is evidence that lignans may promote fertility, reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, and possibly help prevent breast cancer.

Since flax has such a high fiber content, it’s best to start with a small amount and increase slowly, otherwise cramping and a laxative effect can result. People with irritable bowel syndrome may have an especially strong reaction to it, and should be extra careful.

Drink plenty of water. There is so much soluble fiber in flax that it is important to drink plenty of water when eating flax products; otherwise constipation may result. Remember to start slowly if you are not used to a high fiber diet.

The oil in flax is highly unsaturated. This means that it is very prone to oxidation (rancidity) unless it is stored correctly. The very best way is nature’s own storage system—within the seed. Flax seeds not exposed to large amounts of heat stay safe to eat for at least a year. However, flax meals, and especially flax oil, are a different story. The meal, stored away from heat and light, will keep fresh for a few months, and the oil must be protected by refrigeration in dark containers, preferably being consumed within a few weeks of opening.

Actually, the surprising thing about flax is not that the oils go rancid, but that they don’t go rancid as quickly as we would think considering how unsaturated they are. The oils are quite stable when the seeds are used in baked foods, for example. Researchers theorize that this is due to the high levels of antioxidants in the seeds.

A good point to remember is that flax seeds need to be ground to make the nutrients available; otherwise they just pass through. Also, when flaxseed oil alone is used, it contains neither the fiber nor the phytochemicals of whole flaxseed meal.