Flaxseed, Prep & Dose

Internally the cracked or coarsely ground seed, in which only the cuticle and mucilage epidermis are damaged is used. Gruel and other galenic preparations are also available for internal use. A 2005 randomized cross-over study in 12 healthy individuals found that diets supplemented with flaxseeds that had been crushed or milled, as opposed to simply left whole, substantially improved the bioavailability of the seeds' healthful enterolignans. Externally, as flaxseed meal or expellant.

Flaxseeds oxidize very rapidly after being ground. Grinding your own fresh flaxseeds as needed is best. Flaxseed begins to oxidize within 20 minutes of grinding. Sprinkle on food or mix in liquid. Start with 1 teaspoon and gradually work your way up to a dose of 2-3 tablespoons 2 times daily.

It takes 3 tbsp flaxseed meal to get 500mg of EPA and DHA.

Capsules: 1,000 mg, 1300 mg

To prepare a demulcent for use in gastritis and enteritis, allow 5 to 10 g of whole seeds to stand in cold water for 20-30 minutes, then pour off the liquid.

Constipation: 1 dessertspoon of whole or bruised (not ground) seed with at least 150 ml. of liquid 2-3 times a day.

Lower Cholesterol: 35-50 g daily of crushed seeds as a fiber supplement. May be incorporated into muffins or breads.

Gastritis & Enteritis: 2-4 TBS milled flaxseed prepared as above (the seeds should not be taken in the dry state, should be pre-hydrated)

Topical: 30-50g flaxseed flour for a hot moist cataplams or compress.

Physio-Medical Therapeutics, Materia Medica and Pharmacy BY T. J. LYLE, A.M.M. 1897

Linseed Tea: