Flax Seeds | Linnseeds | Alsi | السی کے بیج

Linum usitatissimum Linn.

Linum humile Mill.

Family: Linaceae

Arabic Name(s): Bizr Kitan

Urdu Name(s): Alsi, Tukhme Katan, Barzalkatan, Tukhm-Zaghira, Tisi

English Name(s): Linseed, Flax

Parts Used

Seeds and oil.

Quality/Temperament

Warm and dry in the first order.

Functions and Properties (Pharmacological Actions)

Resolvent, emollient, suppurative, anodyne and analgesic, demulcent, expectorant, diuretic, aphrodisiac, roasted seeds are astringent, flowers cordial, oil has detersive, resolvent and analgesic activities.

Specific Action

Diuretic, expectorant, analgesic, hepatoprotective and antidiabetic.

Medicinal Uses

On all kinds of local inflammations, sores, and ulcers, mucilage of linseed is applied to the affected areas to resolve or to suppurate in case of hard swellings, pain is also relieved along with subsiding the affected inflamed areas. Also helps suppuration and bursts the blind ulcers and assists in driving off the putrid matter. In internal inflammations, for example in pleurisy, pneumonia, inflammation in bronchioles, peritonitis as well as inflammatory swellings in rheumatism are treated successfully if paste or ointment prepared to comprise major component as flax seeds are applied under a bandage, but in all such cases to increase warmness at the affected site some bruised seeds of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern (Rai) is applied prior to flax seeds application. This is said to be a traditional counter-irritant method adopted usually. Seeds mucilage is effective if dropped into the eyes for irritation. With Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. infusion of the seeds is a useful demulcent expectorant in colds, cough, urinary irritations, gonorrhea, spermatorrhoea, diarrhea, etc. Generally, its oral administration is considered to be antispasmodic. Oil with lime water is a useful application for burns and scalds and acts as a useful emollient. Seeds crushed and given to farm animals are good manure and bring good results as fattening.

Compound Preparations

Laooq Katan, Hab Maghz Badam, Safuf Muqliyasa, Sherbet Sadar, Zimad Kibrit, Qairooti Bazrul Katan, Laooq Zeeq un-Nafs, Marham Basliqun, Marham Dakhliyun, Ma’jun Mobahee Antaki.

Dosage

5 to 10 g. (approximately).