FLAXSEEDS-The Potent potion in Your Kitchen Cabinet

Flax is known as ATEES/ALSI/ATSI in Ayurveda

Commonly known as Linseed also

Scientific Name:Linum usitatissium

This has been a vital ingredient in the kitchen cabinet for generations in India. Originally grown in Bengal Bihar, UP & MP. Known to be an antioxidant, cancer-preventing, Rich source of Omega-3-fatty acids, ALA, Vitamin E, Thiamine & Vitamin B6 Folate. Oil is also obtained from the seeds. Both Oil and seeds are used in different forms for medicinal purposes. Hence in terms of what Ayurveda analyses Flax seeds are sweet to slightly bitter in taste, have a warming effect, pungent in effect after digestion, lubricating and viscous in nature. Mainly they ease out and balance the effect of Vata dosh and increase Kafa & Pitta. The extracted oil from seeds has slightly different properties in terms of taste-it also can create a sort of a flushed/burning effect, is to be used carefully. Like all herbs as studied in Ayurveda. Flax affects almost all organ systems & their diseased conditions. Apart from Ayurvedic textual references that advocate the use of Flax (Also) for various purposes; many research studies also affirm the beautiful effects of Flax in traditional medicine. It is amazing to see that cultural traditional remedies in kitchen &home, traditional textual Ayurvedic references & research work converge and reiterate each other.

 Summarizing, the Medicinal effect; The areas or body systems benefited by using Flax are as follows:

– Flax seeds are used for clearing GI Tract, like Constipation, intestinal obstruction, applied in case of haemorrhoids even used in  VASTI (Panchakarma) treatment for clearing channel obstructions.

-Flax is Diuretic, the obstruction & inflammations in the urinary tract are also taken care of with help of Alsi seeds.

-Flax is good for heart functioning (flowers & oil of Alsi)

-Flax aids expectoration of phlegm relieves cough.

-Flax relieves inflammation on skin & associated pain but isn’t a pain reliever as such.

-Flax is a stimulant in small quantities for the sperm functions (yet harmful for the same if used too much).

-Flax is extremely effective in case of relieving swellings in wounds with aiding the drainage of pus, relieves inflammation of membranes internally (as in case of organs like lungs) and eases out the associated pain.

-Flax is useful in the elimination of gall stones, useful in Splenomegaly

-Flax –Linseed oil is good for Immunity strengthening.

-Flax has anti-tumour properties.

-Good for concentration improves memory & strengthens  Nervous System

Some Practical usages:

The paste preparations in Milk, water, roasted gram flour/sattu, figs & soda are used for skin treatments, application on wounds, local lesions and treatment of freckles

Packs  & application is also useful in Gonorrhoea.

A tea of uncrushed seeds after soaking the seeds is good in case of dyspnoea, chronic expectorant cough, bronchitis

A slightly brewed drink of Flax is good in Pulmonary Hemoptysis in cases of KOCHs. However, Flax needs to be very judiciously used here, as it may cause bleeding otherwise

Packs & Poultices of flax are relieving in case of joint pains and abdominal pain too.

Good source of Omega-3 fatty acid and Vitamins, it is roasted and sprinkled in salads or eaten with meals in small amounts for general well being, necessary lubrication of body internally. Considered to be in the category of superfood seed category by weight management & nutrition experts.

Alsi is an important and potent Ayurvedic medicine. As much as it is effective in relieving and healing; the quantity and processing make it beneficial or may backfire in effect if not used under supervision. It is advisable to follow the principle of “Less Is More” if using as a home remedy on your own.

Dr Ashima Gulati Sardana BAMS(DU),MD(AM),PGPPanchakarma(Pune University),PGDMLS(Symbiosis)
General Ayurveda Practice & at Traditional Panchakarma Centres, Consultant at Weight Management Centres & Spas, Health Care centres in small pockets of urban floating population and R&D work for the development of Wellness Products. Dr Ashima Gulati Sardana is a ayurvedic doctor with 19+ years of post-qualification experience varying from the management of chronic, recurrent & Lifestyle related health issues with Ayurveda, Panchakarma Treatments and Aromatherapy in the contemporary context of Lifestyle management & Wellness. The approach is holistic for easy adaptations of Ayurveda Fundamentals in daily life thereby preserving good health and targeting the prevention of diseases.