Flaxseed Oil
References to the healing properties of flax are found in Greek and Roman writings dating around 650 B.C. Hippocrates, in the 15th century B.C. mentioned the use of flax to relieve imflamed mucous membranes, and for relieving abdominal pains and diarrhea. Theophrastus (Paracelsus) recommended the use of flax mucilage against coughs. Ancient East Indian scriptures state that in order to reach the highest state of contentment and joy, a yogi must eat flax daily. The Roman writer Tacitus of the 1st century A.D. praised teh vitures of flax in his writings. The 8th century emperor Charlemagne considered flax so important for the health of his subjects that he passed laws and regulations requiring its consumption. A 15th century abbess, Hildegard von Bingen used flax meal in hot compresses to treat both external and internal ailments.
Flax has been used since antiquity to maintain healthy animals. Its uses include:
- correcting digestive disturbances, especially in calves, where losses due to these distubrances can be very high;- feeding to pregnant cows to make calving easier and to produce healtheir calves;- preventing infectious diseases in cattle, such as hoof-and-mouth, which often took heavy tolls;- treating respiratory problems in horses (reported by my father, born in 1907);- improving coats, preventing distemper, improving general health of pets;- making horses' coats glossy; and show animals' coats full, shiny, and luxuriant; and- improving the general health and disposition of animals.Flax seed oil is the richest source of Omega 3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid at roughly 57%. Its omega 6:omega 3 ratio is very desirable at 0.3:1. Flaxseeds contain high concentrations of the shorter-chain omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. Alpha-Linolenic acid can be converted in our bodies to the longer chain omega 3's EPA and DHA. Although, the scientific literature is mixed on this issue, humans may be unable to convert enough ALA to EPA and DHA to achieve optimal levels of these long chain omega 3s.
For example, a strict vegetarian who eats no animal products at all will have to rely on those terrestrial sources of a possibly inferior omega-3 fatty acid. When you combine this with other potential vitamin deficiencies that often plague strict vegetarians (Vitamin B12 deficiency) and the fact that humans evolved as omnivores (eating both plants and animals), it is easy to see that many strict vegetarians are placing themselves at some risk. Nonetheless, eating foods high in ALA is better than not receiving any omega-3 fatty acids at all.
Flax seed oil can be used daily as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. One should never use flax seed oil for cooking or baking. Flax oil must be refrigerated and will only last for 2 - 3 months.
