My Herbal Wellbeing - Herbal Tea Database - Flax (Linum usitatissimum)

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Flax
Common Name	Flax
Scientific Name	Linum usitatissimum
Flax also goes by the names Linseed, Common Flax, Mary's Linen Cloth, Flax Seed, and Lint Bells. The source of linen, flax is native to all Mediterranean countries and is widely cultivated in the United States and Canada. It is also found wild along roadsides and in waste places. The crushed seed is often used in granola-like cereals and breads; the seeds are quite high in nutrition. Flax seeds have been considered effective in treating coughs, catarrh, and lung and chest problems, as well as digestive and urinary disorders. In the past, the fresh herb was applied as a poultice for rheumatic pains and for softening hard swellings. An ailing baby would sometimes be laid upon the ground in a flax field and sprinkled with flax seeds. The seeds were then planted where the baby had lain, and it was believed he or she would recover as the seeds sprouted. CAUTION: Seeds that are going to be brewed should be thoroughly ripe and should be soaked overnight in water that is then discarded. Immature seed contains some irritant properties and can cause poisoning.
Plant	Annual. The erect, willowy stems are blue-green, with few branches and simple, alternate, oblong leaves. From June to August, each branch has one or two blue or blue-violet five-petaled flowers. The smooth, flattened, shiny light brown seeds are borne in an eight- to ten-seeded capsule.
Height	1 to 2 feet.
Soil	Well-drained alkaline soil, made porous by gravel and rocks.
Exposure	Full sun.
Propagation	By seeds sown in the spring during the first or second lunar phase. Sow where the plants are to grow. They will germinate in 8 days.
Care	Space mature plants 12 inches apart. Flax planted near potatoes helps discourage potato bugs.
Part used for Tea	Seed.
Taste	Soothing, gelatinous.
How to Brew	BY DECOCTION: Crush or grind I tablespoon of the seed, and boil in 1 quart of water until 1/z quart remains. Strain. Add honey and molasses to taste.