Flaxseed oil (also known as Linseed oil) is derived from the seeds of the Flax plant, which is one of the oldest cultivated crops. The meaning of the word flax in Latin is “most useful” since every part of the flax plant is utilized. Besides its health and culinary purposes, flaxseed has been used for textile, paint, wood and leather preservation, animal care and many more. The oil contains the highest level of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA among vegetable oils and is very beneficial for inflammation, heart health and brain function.
Preventing Heart problems
Flaxseed oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that play a vital role in regularizing the functions of the heart and in treating atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, high blood pressure and increased levels of cholesterol which cause heart problems. Studies shows that eating a diet high in ALA omega 3 like flaxseed oil can help prevent heart attacks and lower the risk for developing heart diseases. Flaxseed oil also acts as a thinning agent and can prevent clogging of cholesterol and clots in the heart pipes.
Brain booster
It is a proven fact that Omega-3 fatty acids are indispensable for normal development of the brain and insufficiency may lead to neurological dysfunctions, for that reason flaxseed oil is a great choice as a “Brain booster”. Because it’s rich in omega 3 fatty acids it causes serotonin and andacctel-colin levels to rise, which are the neurotransmitters responsible for your mood and memory and it helps mental and physical endurance by fighting fatigue and controlling the brains aging process.
Skin care
Essential fatty acids are very important in skin care and help improve skin elasticity and texture, making flaxseed oil one of the top choices for improved skin health in general and pesky skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. These fatty acids help induce wound healing process, nourish skin, sooth irritations or soften roughness; hence the oil is very beneficial in various skin disorders.
Immunity and Inflammation
Flaxseed oil high fatty acid content can be vital in case you are dealing with inflammation and help support the immune system, augmenting vigor and muscular strength, and are very beneficial in cases of weak immunity and inflammation such as arthritis. Flaxseed oil is also rich in antioxidants that are extremely effective in guarding the system against the infestation of free radicals and toxic substances, and can help in preventing cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Storage
Flaxseed oil must always be kept in the refrigerator to retain freshness. To prevent oxidation and rancidity, it’s also key to keep the bottle tightly closed. It’s ideal to consume your flaxseed oil within six to eight weeks after opening. Because of oxidation it’s not recommended to cook with it but instead adding it to the food in your plate.
Beware: it’s not recommended to consume flaxseed oil if your using blood thinning medications.
Properties
Type: Oil
Element: Earth, Water
Color: Yellow/Brown
Taste: Sweet, Bitter
Natural Attributes: Oily, Heavy
Dosha impact: Kapha+, Pitta+, Vata–
Tissue impact (Vipak): Nourishing
Thermal impact (Virya): Warm
Digestive impact (Agni): Ignites digestion
Moves energy: Downwards
Channels (Srotas): Opens the channels when obstruction is due to excess contraction and/or dryness
Strength (Bala): +
Sturdiness (Ojas): Improves strength and immunity
Mind (Manas):
Feces: Lubricate, soften
Urine:
Occasion: Spring
Nutrient: Essential fatty acids
Chinese medicine syndromes: Move Liver Damp Stagnation, Nourish the Yin of the Liver and Kidney
Medicinal properties
- Nourishment (rasa):
- Blood-circulation-liver:Cardio-tonic, Hepatoprotective, Cholagogue
- Muscles: Muscle pain
- Fat:
- Bones-joints-tendon-ligaments: Joint pains, Artirathis, Anti-rheumatic
- Nervous system: Nervine, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory
- Reproductive and hormonal systems: Reduces semen
- Immunity: Immune stimulant, Antimicrobial ,Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory
- Vital essence and strength: Promotes muscle strength
- Mental:
- Skin: Emollient, Anti-inflammatory, Cicatrisant
- Kidney-Bladder:
- Respiratory system: Expectorant
- Digestive system: Laxative, Purgative, Demulcent
- Cleansing:
Harmful for: Eye infection, bleeding disorders