Alsi, Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)

We all commonly known Alsi by the name of Linseed / Flaxseed. Alsi has multiple health benefits. It can be used both externally in the form of Alsi oil and internally as various preparations singly or in combination with other seeds to enhance overall nutrition status of the body.

It is used in managing health problems like Fever, Cough, Obesity, Blood cholesterol, High blood pressure, wound healing etc.

It belongs to Linaceae family and its latin name is Linum Usitatissimum.

COMMON SYNONYMS OF ALSI (LINUM USITATISSIMUM)

• Alsi English name – Linseed, Flaxseed.
• Alsi Hindi name – Alsi, Alasi, Teesi
• Alsi Sanskrit name – Atasi, Neempushpi, Alasi, Kshuma, picchala, Neela, Neelapushpin.
• Alsi Bengali name – Marshina.
• Alsi Marathi Name – Javasu
• Alsi Arabic name – Kattan
• Alsi Gujarati – Alasi
• Alsi Telugu name – Alasi, Atasi, Bittu

OCCURRENCE

It is a winter crop that grows abundantly in all parts of India up to the Himalayas at a height of 6000 feet above sea level.

The crop differs in colour, shapes and sizes as per the area it is cultivated in. Accordingly, Alasi can be found in red, white, yellow and black varieties.

Seeds of this plant are used to extract the famous Linseed oil and the stems are used for obtaining the fibre. Plant bears blue flowers and hence it name "Neela".

The plants are rich sources of omega – 3 and omega – 6 fatty acids in addition to providing good dietary fibre. In addition EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) which are very important for a healthy heart and brain function are also found in this plant.

ALSI PROPERTIES

• Guna (Characteristics): Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Smooth), Pichhil (Slimy Nature)
• Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter)
• Vipaka (After Taste That Develops Post Digestion): Katu (Pungent)
• Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot Potency)

SPECIAL ACTIVITY

Alsi balances vata disorders and improves kapha and pitta body energies. Its high dietary fiber helps regulate bowel movement and reduce constipation and bloating.

Care should be taken in case of aggravated pitta states like bleeding, gout ec. In which case, Linseed should be given with precautions.

COMMON PROPERTIES OF ALSI

Flax seed fiber and oil have different properties and therefore, they show different effects on the body.

Flax seed fiber can be consumed daily as a dietary source of healthy fibre needed by the body on a daily basis. It can be added in your daily cereal bowel or taken along with water or milk. You can also add it with your regular flour and cook it into many kinds of recipes.

Alasi fiber is very good for the intestines. It helps relieve bloating and inflammation anywhere in the gut. It also helps regulate body's pH (which should be alkaline normally) and maintain homeostasis inside the body.

Its anti – inflammatory action also helps relieve vata imbalances in the body helping in patients of neuralgia, paralysis etc.

Flax seed oil on the other hand has many other health benefits.

It is a great immunity booster that can take care of your immune system naturally.

Helps balance vata related causes of constipation and intestinal disturbance.

It also helps regulate blood cholesterol and plays a part in maintaining a balance of good and bad cholesterol in the body.

For people looking to lose weight, flax seed oil can be a very healthy substitute.

It is a good fiber source for IBS patients who need to take care of insoluble fiber content in their diet especially.

It can be used as enema or orally in the form of drops and for external application as well. Nasal drops of Linseed oil can also be used to treat many health problems.

Flaxseed For skin, it is a great cleanser which detoxifies the skin and helps make it supple and healthy.

It helps improve brain function especially in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or the ones grouped under Autistic syndrome. In such children Flaxseed oil in combination with other nutritional supplements can do wonders for bringing them back to their natural milestones that correspond to their respective age group.

Patients of lifestyle disorders like stress, anxiety, depression etc. can benefit a lot from the usage of Flaxseed oil.

Due to the anti – inflammatory properties, flax seed oil can help improve joint mobility and skeletal problems.

In patients of cancer and BPH (Benign Prostatic hypertrophy) also, flaxseed oil can be very beneficial.

It is one of the many super foods that have great anti – ageing and revitalizing properties.

Recent research also suggests that Linseed oil can help in managing urinary tract health as well.

DOSAGE

Flaxseed Powder – 3-6g.