There is growing interest among people to known about the benefits of flax seed oil .The powerful nutrients in flaxseeds can help fight many diseases such as arthritis, asthma, inflammation, diabetes and heart diseases.
Flax seed oil contains highest amount of Alpha linolenic acid (ALA). Several studies link ALA with lower risk of stroke, heart attacks and chronic kidney disease.
Latin Name: Linum usitatissimum linn
English Name : Linseed
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Alsi, Atasi
- Bengali: Masina
- Tamil: Alasidirai , Virai
- Telugu: Alsi
- Kannada: Agasebeeja, Agasi
- Malayalam: Agastha, Agasi
- Marathi: Javas
- Gujarati: Alshi, Arasi
- Punjabi: Ali
Sanskrit Name:
Uma : Powerful herb in case of Vata related problems
Tailaphala : The one who’s seeds are oily
Neela : has blue coloured flowers
Kusuma : It is having nose shaped flowers.
Flax seeds oil Benefits & Ayurvedic Description
Flaxseeds also known as linseed seeds are tiny, brown or golden-coloured seeds. The health benefits of these seeds have made them a part of the traditional cuisines of Asia, America, and Africa. They can be eaten in their raw form, but are more beneficial when sprouted or grounded into a tasty meal. The body can absorb the nutrients from flaxseeds more easily when it is ground or sprouted. These seeds are used to make flaxseed oil, which is also very easy to digest.
Ras ( Taste)
- Madhur ( Sweet)
- Tikta (Bitter)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Snigdha (oily)
- Picchila (sticky) and heavy
Classical categorization
Flax seed has been categorised in following group by Ayurveda Acharyas
Kaiyadeve nighantu has put Flax seed in Dhanya varga where as Dhanwantari nighantu has put it in suvarnadi varga.
In charak samhita it Flax oil categorized in Ahara yoni varga in chapter 27 of sutrasthana.
In Ashtang hrudya it is categorised in Tail varga in dravdravya vigyani adhaya ( Chapter 5 sutra sthan)
Benefits of Flax seeds
Prevents heart diseases
Flaxseed is a good source flavone C-glycosides. These polyphenolic compounds inhibit lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, and capillary permeability and fragility, thus leading to a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, USA suggests that flaxseeds are a good way to lower your risk of stroke, heart attack and chronic kidney disease. This is because of the presence of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), fiber, and lignans in them.
Helpful in Reducing Cholesterol
A study found that flaxseed is able to reduce the LDL cholesterol level in postmenopausal women owing to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans in it.
The soluble fiber present in flaxseed promotes digestive health and also helps in maintaining cholesterol as well as blood sugar levels. Insoluble fiber plays a vital role in keeping the heart healthy by lowering serum LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
In Asthma
Flax seeds have a beneficial effect on asthma and other respiratory disorder like pleurisy because of its anti inflammatory and anti tissue properties.
Helps to reduce Weight
These seeds can also help in weight loss because they are rich in fiber and certain other healthy fats. The rich fiber contain helps in keeping the hunger under control. This also helps improve Agni ( digestive fire), lower the risk of digestive problems, and improve obesity . Just by adding 30 gms of flax seed daily in diet one can lose average of 1 kg weight in about 12 weeks
For prostrate health
Flax seed contains a group of chemicals called lignans especially secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG)Lignans are fermented by bacteria in your digestive system and may reduce the growth of several cancers especially prostrate cancer, breast and uterus cancers.
A flax seed extract was clinically tested for its efficacy in reducing the benign prostrate hypertrophy and in urinary tract symptoms, the result proved flax seed are scientifically proven in both the conditions.
Advantages of flax seed in Ayurveda
Ushna : It is having hot potency
Vataghni: Helps in management of Vata dosha and diseases related to Vata dosha.
Kashar : Useful in cough and asthm
Balkarak : It helps improve strength .
Kasahar : Relives cold and cough..
Pittakrut : Flaxseed increases Pitta dosha in the body.
Nutritional facts
Flaxseeds have 534 calories per 100 grams, corresponding to 27.5 calories for each teaspoon (5 grams) of whole seeds. They consist of 42% fat, 29% carbs, and 18% protein in per 100gms
One teaspoon (5 grams) of whole flax seeds provides the following nutrients:
- Calories: 27.5
- Water: 3.5%
- Protein: 0.9grams
- Carbs: 1.5 grams
- Sugar: 0.1 grams
- Fiber: 1.4 grams
- Fat: 2.15 grams
- Flax seeds are a good source of several vitamins and minerals:
- Thiamine: This vitamin is also known as vitamin B1. It’s essential for normal metabolism and nerve function.
- Molybdenum: Flax seeds are rich in molybdenum. This essential trace mineral is abundant in seeds, grains, and legumes.
- Magnesium: It is an important mineral that has many functions in your body, magnesium is occurs in high amounts in grains, seeds, nuts, and green leafy vegetables.
- Copper: An essential mineral, copper is important for growth, development, and various bodily functions.
- Phosphorus: This mineral is usually found in protein-rich foods and contributes to bone health and tissue maintenance.
How to use Flax seed
Flax seed can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Flax seed: Take 1 to 2 (5 to 10 gms) teaspoon of flax seed two times after meals.
- Flax oil: 3 to 5 ml flax seed oil with luke warm water.
- Flax oil capsule: 1-2 capsules one to two times daily .
- Part Used : Seeds and oil
Home Remedies of Flax seed
Flax seed face mask : This is very useful to keep the skin hydrated and moist.
Take 2 gms of grounded flax seed add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of curd to it. Mix it well and apply it on the face, keep it for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash the face.
In Asthma : This home remedy is very useful in people suffering from asthma. It is for external use only.
Take 10 gms of flax seed and add little water in it. Now make a paste from it. Then again add little warm water to it to make the paste thinner. Apply this paste on the chest and keep it for half an hour and clean it with cotton.
For Lipomas : Make a paste from flax seed powder by adding warm water. Then add 1 pinch of turmeric to this paste. Apply this warm paste on the affected area ,where there in lipoma or cyst.
In case of Burns : Take 2 gms of calcium carbonate powder( chuna) add 5 drops of flax seed oil and aloevera gel to it. Apply this on the place of burn helps to heal the burn wound .
Flax seed oil
Flax seed oil has been mentioned in Ayurveda for internal and external use. It found useful in balancing the Vata dosha, useful in skin problems and cough.
Flax oil is sweet ( madhur) is taste. It is teekshna means piercing and strong. Flax oil is light in digestion as compared to flax seeds. It is induces mobility, purgation and relieve constipation.
Flax seed oil is used in different ways such as for abhyanga ( massage), basti ( for enema), for nasya ( as nasal drop) as well as karna pooran ( as ears drops)
Flax seeds oil benefits
Take 3 to 5 ml of flax seed oil at night before bed time helps to relieve constipation, piles and IBS with constipation.
Flax oil is beneficial in weight reduction and also reducing high cholesterol levels.
Flex seed oil has shown benefits in management of high blood pressure and other heart diseases.
Flax seed oil benefits in improving brain function and is helpful in healing problems such as ADHD and depression.
Side effect of Flax seed and oil
While flax seed and oil has many benefits and is generally safe, however it may cause
- It is not advisable to use in bleeding disorder, nasal bleeding.
- Digestive discomfort such as gas, bloating and abdomen fullness in some people.
- Avoid in people having low sperm count or taking treatment for infertility
- Allergic reactions in rare cases.
Pregnant or lactating women and those on medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently asked question
1.Can flax seed and oil be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can flax oil be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin .
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine ?
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does flax seed and oil take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly flax seed start showing results. However it is observed that results are usually visible in 1-2 weeks or even months.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this product.
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Flax seeds
Flax seeds is main ingredients in following medicines
Kolakulathadi choornam : It is one of the churna used in udwarthana process for weight loss .
Sarshapadi lepa: It is one of very useful ayurvedic lep to treat inflamed cyst, lymph node and others
Gojivhadi kashay : Useful in treatment of fever, cough and bronchitis.
Conclusion
Flax seeds are rich source of omega 3 fatty acid, minerals and vitamins and several plant compound like lignans and phytosterol which have linked to various health benefits. They have been found effective in managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Moreover it may help fight heart disease by regulation cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. However it may cause some digestive discomfort in some people. Flax seed has very important role to play in managing todays lifestyle diseases naturally without side effects
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
.
Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
.
