Linseed - Other uses

Respiratory disorders Taken in the form of soaked seed as described for digestive problems, linseed soothes the chest and airways and can prove helpful in conditions such as chronic or irritable coughs, hoarseness, bronchitis, pleurisy, and emphysema. The seed may also be applied to the chest wall as a poultice (see Topical use, below) to relieve congestive bronchitis.

Topical use Linseed also finds use when applied locally to the skin as a poultice. Put warm soaked seed in gauze or muslin and hold or bind in place on burns, bites and stings, boils, and hemorrhoids. A warm poultice can also be used to “draw” splinters and boils, the mucilage in the seed soaking up fluids and waste products.

Other uses Although research is so far not conclusive, there are indications that linseed can prove to be a useful remedy in a remarkably wide range of serious health problems. It appears to have a soothing effect on the kidneys and may be helpful in kidney disease. Within the gut it helps to prevent absorption of fats and sugars, and makes a good addition in both cholesterol-lowering regimes and diet-controlled diabetes. Partly as a result of its high phytoestrogen content, linseed appears to have important cancerpreventative activity, particularly against estrogen-dependent cancers such as breast cancer. It is thought to reduce re-absorption of estrogens within the colon, and is likely to prove useful in the treatment of colon cancer. In the above conditions, use linseed only after consulting your doctor or herbal practitioner.