Flaxseed

Linum usitatissimum;Linaceae

The Flaxseed poultice 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, according to Kloss, 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, according to Dr. Shook (ShoA: 182).

Internally, the oil is sometimes given as a laxative; it may expel gravel and stones in the glands, and has been administered in cases of pleurisy with great success. Mixed with honey, it has been used as a cosmetic for removing spots from the face (Gri:3 19). Taken internally, it is said to have cured severe cases of piles in less than three weeks, as long as the diet and lifestyle were properly attended to (Felk: 1148). It is likewise beneficial taken internally for dysentery, colic, and lumbricus (Ibid.). An oil for burns called Canon oil has been made of Flaxseed oil and limewater. Shook recommends that in addition to limewater, which contains inorganic calcium, eucalyptol also being added. He said that the chemical change in this combination makes the calcium into an organic glycero-oleate of calcium, which is one of the fastest healers and cell proliferant known. This is famous for burns and scalds (ShoA: 183).