Flaxseed

Linum usitatissimum

Composition: The seeds contain fiber and fatty oil which contains linolenic acid esters, albumin, linustatin, and linamarin..

Use: Internal for chronic constipation, irritable colon, diverticulitis, gastritis, enteritis. External for local inflammation.

Action: Laxitive effect due to increase in volume within intestine and stimulation of intestinal peristalsis due to stretching reflexes. Coating action has mucosa protective effect.

Contraindications: Ileus of any organ.

Side Effects: None if administered with sufficient amounts of liquid.