Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 7330242
(Found in the Wildflowers section of the shop)
Perennial. Wiry stems and five-petalled blue flowers with cream throats. Grows to about 1 ft (30 cm) high. Found in chalky areas in the wild.
Pharoahs have been found mummified in wraps made from Flax. Boiled fresh, the plant can be taken for rheumatism, colds, coughs and dropsy. An infusion made from the seeds makes a mucilaginous drink which can be used for inflammatory diseases and diarrhoea. It can also be used for bladder problems. Oil from the seed is called linseed oil and can be applied to burns. Sometimes used intravenously for spasmodic intestinal contractions. To obtain the oil, the seeds are roasted and then moistened with hot water and subjected to pressure to extract the oil. The cake which remains is called oil cake and is used for fattening cattle. Seeds are high in Omega 3 fatty acids which help reduce cholesterol levels. Use a tincture of linseed oil for coughs, hayfever, PMS, bladder inflammation and urinary tract infections. The oil is used widely in paint, ink, soaps and lino. The seeds will also add a nutty taste to recipes. The Native American Indians made Flax fibres into fishing lines and ropes.
String Flax round the left leg of a bride and she will definitely have children. Farm workers would jump over midsummer fires and ring the church bells on Ascension Day to ensure the Flax crop would be good. Yorkshire farmers would sit on the seed bags, facing east, before sowing. In Somerset, people would wear blue to encourage a good harvest. Put Flax in your shoe to prevent poverty.
A child who dances among the Flax at the age of 7 will acquire great beauty. Swiss Lake Dwellers (earliest evidence of European culture) used Flax fibres in weaving, as did ancient Egyptians (and, some believe, as fairies do too). In ancient Greece, Flax was used to make lamp wicks.
German folklore says to run through a Flax field naked three times after sunset to cure dizziness! In folklore, the seeds were crushed and blended with mustard to make a poultice for inflamed skin.
The seeds are oily and popular with birds, such as linnets and finches. Butterfly plant. Self-seeds well. Makes a good edging plant.
Plant in sun, flowers won't open in shade.
CAUTION - avoid seeds if you have bowel obstruction or inflammation/narrowing of the digestive tract or stomach. Immature Flax seeds are poisonous. It is also possible to overdose on mature seeds - symptoms include increased respiratory rate, gasping, staggering, weakness, paralysis, convulsion.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*