Black flaxseed belongs to the flax family and is the most famous and widely used member of the flax family. The history of black flaxseed use dates back to ancient times and it is one of the first seeds cultivated by humans.
Black flaxseed has a warm and dry nature, and its seeds are used for medicinal purposes. Black flaxseed helps with digestion and is known for strengthening brain and nerve functions. It also plays a role in enhancing reproductive health, acts as a diuretic, and increases milk production in breastfeeding mothers. It is used to delay menstrual cycle delays as well. It is effective for relieving chest pain, internal organ pain, and rectal pain. For people who have difficulty urinating, it can help ease the process. To treat slow-healing wounds, a paste made from powdered black flaxseed, white seeds, barley flour, and cow's milk is applied as a thin layer on the wound to promote healing and drainage of pus.
It is safe to consume 10 to 20 grams of this plant daily in hot water or other foods. However, prolonged use of black flaxseed can increase body heat and cause a sore throat. Black flaxseed is a rich source of nutrients such as fiber, manganese, vitamin B1, alpha-linolenic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids. This seed may help reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases. Side effects of black flaxseed can include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and stomach pain. It is said that consuming black flaxseed reduces cholesterol and alleviates artery blockages. It is also beneficial for alleviating hot flashes in women due to menopause.
In traditional medicine, the following benefits of black flaxseed are noted:
Has a warm nature and is moderate in moisture and dryness.
General body strengthening.
Treatment of osteoporosis.
Enhancing sexual function.
Treating bedwetting in children.
Preventing arthritis.
Relieving thirst.
A decoction of black flaxseed is highly beneficial for treating coughs, colds, digestive disorders, respiratory issues, and urinary tract problems.
It is a useful food for the elderly, weak children, and individuals recovering from surgery.
You can use black flaxseed to treat old wounds by grinding the seeds in a mill and then mixing them with white seeds, cow's milk, and barley flour. Apply a layer of this paste as a poultice on the wound to promote drainage of pus.
Additionally, black flaxseed and its powder can be used in cooking like other spices. Brewing a tea from this medicinal plant is another way to benefit from its nutrients. Black flaxseed is also used in making halva or kachi. You can also mix the powdered seeds with grape syrup for consumption.
For using black flaxseed seeds, be sure to wash them quickly so that water does not seep into the seeds and release their gelatinous substance. Then, dry them with a towel and toast them in a pan while stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once toasted, let the seeds cool before grinding them and storing them in a tightly sealed container for use as a spice.
Store black flaxseed in a dry, cool place, and ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from entering. Under optimal conditions, black flaxseed can be kept for up to three months in a sealed container. You can consume between 10 to 20 grams of black flaxseed daily. Excessive consumption of black flaxseed can lead to bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and stomach pain.
