A hardy, slender annual, about 90 cm-1.2 m (3-4 ft.) in height. It has narrow, lance late, greenly-grey leaves and simple, five-petal led, pale-blue flowers borne in summer, followed by spherical seed capsules, rich in oil.
History and traditions
Flax has been an important economic crop since 5000 BC, valued for its fiber in making linen and for its oil-producing seeds. The Bible has many references to linen woven from flax, and both seeds and cloth have been found in Egyptian tombs. In medieval Europe it was promoted by the Emperor Charlemagne for the health-giving properties of the seeds and there are detailed descriptions in old herbals of the process of turning flax stems into fiber for making clothing, sheets, sails, fishing nets, thread, rope, sacks, bags and purses. Many superstitions have arisen, especially concerning its cultivation: sitting on the seed bag three times and facing east before planting, ringing church bells on Ascension Day and jumping over midsummer fires were all thought to ensure a good crop and of course the seeds provided protection from witchcraft. It has also been a valued medicinal herb since Hippocrates recommended it for colds and is still used in herbal medicine.
Growth
Grow in dry, sandy soil in full sun. Propagated from seed sown in situ does not respond well to transplantation. Sow in late spring or early summer. Parts used Whole plant used fresh in infusions, cut after flowering for fiber; seeds collected when ripe dried for use whole, in infusions and other preparations, or extracted for linseed oil.
Uses
Medicinal
Seeds are used as laxatives, in infusions and macerations for coughs, sore throats and gastric disorders, in poultices for boils and abscesses. Linseed oil contains linoleic essential fatty acids, necessary for many bodily functions, as well as vitamins A, B, D, E, minerals and amino acids. It is said to be helpful for many disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual problems and skin complaints. General Stem varieties are soaked (‘retted’) in water to release fibers for making linen cloth. Linseed oil from seed varieties is one of the most important commercial drying oils, used in paints, varnishes and putty.
