An annual herb of the family flax (Linaceae). Widely cultivated in the middle lane in the north of European Russia, in Siberia. For medical purposes use the seeds and linseed oil.

Linen ordinary – chemical composition

Flax seeds contain fatty oil, which consists of glycerides of linoleic, linolenic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids. In addition to oil, protein found in seeds, Vitamin A, carbohydrates, organic acid, enzymes, slime, glycoside Linamarin.

Len ordinary – Pharmacological properties

Enveloping effect of flax seed due to high content of slime and glycoside linamarin. If ingestion enveloping substances protect against irritation sensitive nerve endings of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and are used as anti-inflammatory agents for gastritis and enterocolitis. Thus preventing reflections from the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, enveloping substance and have an analgesic effect. Influenced envelop funds also decreased absorption from the intestine infectious toxins, causing the phenomenon of general intoxication.

Flax seeds also contain large amounts of fatty oil, provider emollient, anti-inflammatory and tissue regeneration enhancing action. Linseed oil recovered linetol, containing a mixture of ethyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids, oleic, linoleic and linolenic.

In animal experiments, administered in the diet high in animal fat, containing saturated fatty acids, observed the development of experimental atherosclerosis. With the introduction of these animals Linetol marked reduction in serum cholesterol, содержания b-липопротеидов и b-глобулинов, the decrease in the cholesterol / phospholipids, increase the level of albumin. Essential in this action Linetol are linoleic and linolenic acid, containing respectively two and three double bonds,. They play an important role in lipid metabolism in the body. There is evidence, These acids are the precursors of prostaglandins biogenic. Maybe, that administration of a unsaturated fatty acids may lead to the stimulation of the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and increase their influence on the physiological processes.

Len ordinary – medical applications

Flax seeds are rich in mucus, rendering enveloping effect. Aqueous extracts of seed, Cold cooked (maceration) or in the form of broth and ingested, I cover with reflux onkim mucosa layer of the esophagus and stomach, protecting them from irritation. This is particularly important in peptic ulcer, which is usually accompanied by hypersecretion. A layer of mucus is held for a long time without changing the viscosity, because it is resistant to the hydrolyzing factors. The mucus has a protective and soothing effect in inflammation of the esophagus, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, enteritis and colitis.

Ingested water-swollen seeds have, except enveloping, and laxative effect. Flax seeds, getting into the colon, continues to swell, loosen the contents and facilitate the promotion of the stool, has a positive effect when atonic constipation and obesity.

Favored operates, contained in the seeds fatty oil, since it covers a thin layer of the intestinal wall and enhances slip feces. Linseed oil is prepared green soap and soap alcohol, which are used topically for skin diseases.

Linetol, derived from linseed oil, It gives effect protivoskleroticheskim. Patients with atherosclerosis linetol reduces cholesterol, Increases and decreases the ratio of phospholipids the cholesterol / phospholipids. Reduces the content of β-lipoprotein, globulin, increases the level of albumin in serum. Treatment is effective for prolonged continuous use linetola or appointment of his courses for 1-1, 5 month with breaks 2-4 weeks.

Linetol applied externally for radiation skin lesions, thermal burns. The drug has analgesic effect and accelerates the regeneration of injured tissue. Diffuse epidermal desquamation of the skin in some areas linetol put an equal layer on a daily basis with the subsequent imposition of bandages with cod liver oil emulsion. Dressings are changed daily, removing the top layers of gauze. Lower 1 2 layer is not removed in order to avoid injury to the epithelium. These layers are impregnated linetolom each time and put a bandage on top of the latest. When islet desquamation of the epidermis linetol applied to the affected skin surface evenly 1 once a day without dressings.

Side effects: sometimes when administered there diarrheal phenomenon (nausea), in the early days - mushy stools.

Contraindications: acute intestinal problems (ponosy), increased pain with cholecystitis.

Len ordinary – Dosage Forms, Dosing and Administration

Mucus flax seed: 1 part of the whole flaxseed pour 30 parts of hot boiled water, stirred for 15 m, filter, wring. Is the inside of 1/4 cup 3 times a day 30 minutes before eating. To improve the taste, you can add a spoonful of fruit syrup.

The course of treatment - 2-3 weeks. Use only freshly prepared seed mucus.

Administered orally as a coating and an emollient to reduce irritation and ulcer inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract; as a laxative; externally - with a variety of local inflammatory processes in the form of compresses and poultices. External used dry heated seeds in bags.

Store in a dry, cool place.

Linseed oil It used alone as a mild laxative in spastic constipation, topically for burns. Used as constituens for the preparation of liquid ointments in the pharmaceutical industry. Flaxseed oil is widely used in dietary nutrition of patients with disorders of fat metabolism and atherosclerosis.

Linetol It represents oily, mobile liquid bitter taste, consisting of a mixture of ethyl esters of fatty acids of linseed oil. Antisclerotic and healing wounds. Accepted into the morning just before or during a meal at 20 ml (1,5 tablespoons) 1 once a day. The course of treatment 1-1,5 months at intervals of 2-4 weeks. Externally used for burns, radiation injuries of the skin open way.