Flaxseed

July 22, 2004

Flaxseed - Linum usitatissimumAlso known as Linseed, the source of linen fiber, linseed oil and linoleum.Flaxseed is a slender, graceful annual that grows 1 to 2 feet high and blooms pretty blue flowers during the summer months. It forms seeds at the tips of the branches. These seeds produce a very important oil that is high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which is well known for its anti-cancerous effects. Flaxseed is cultivated for its seeds, fiber and oil. The high quality fiber comes from the stem. It is soft, flexible and lustrous. It's well known for making linen, but it is also used for making sails, nets, paper and insulating materials.It is impossible to tell how long Flaxseed has been cultivated due to the fact that it spreads easily and has been found growing in most all countries as far back as the Middle Ages.Today, Flaxseed is by far the richest source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a parent compound in the Omega-3 fatty acids, compared to fish which only contain trace amounts.The whole seeds do not digest, so to get to the fatty acids, the seeds should be crushed before use. A coffee grinder works well. When soaked with water the flaxseeds begin to form a mucilage that is soothing and lubricating. It is used to soothe tonsillitis, sore throats, coughs, colds and constipation. Flaxseed tea is nice with a little lemon and honey. Roast the seeds as a substitute for coffee.The dried seeds eaten whole will soothe irritations throughout the entire digestive tract. They swell by absorbing in fluids, drawing in toxins and this acts as an effective bulk laxative.The seed do not have much flavor and can be added to almost anything. Add to salads or cereals, use when baking breads or muffins, add to soups and other hot foods. It pretty much disappears but the benefits go on. It really can go in almost anything. Fill a Parmesan shaker jar with Flaxseed and keep on your table near the salt and pepper. Flaxseed (crushed) can be used as a poultice for arthritis, inflammation and skin irritations. Its drawing effect make it great for boils, abscess and infections.Flaxseed oil can be drizzled over salads or simply be taken by the spoonful. It is the quickest way to get all the benefits this small seed has to offer.Flaxseed is often used in Aromatherapy for its gentle weight. It is added to herbal eye pillows and microwavable heat packs. The seeds are quiet, non clumping and are often chosen over rice, buck wheat hulls and cherry pits.Medicinal Properties include: anodyne, astringent, cyanogenctic, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, suppurative and vulnerary.Seeds are considered emollient, demulcent, pectoral, diuretic, and astringent.

Flaxseed Uses:Aromatherapy - Use in hot or cold packs. Add other dried herbs for added benefits.Poultice - Use hot or cold for wounds, boils and inflammation.Tea - Drink for most stomach disorders including constipation and diarrhea.Hair Care - Make a poultice and apply to wet hair. Leave on 5 minutes. Rinse.Skin Care - Make a poultice and apply to skin. Use to speed healing, reduce pain and soothe rashes.Culinary - Add versatile seeds to soups, salads, baked goods, infused oils, pretty much anything.Cautions: Flax should be take with plenty of liquids. Some parts of the plant contain toxins and should not be eaten in large quantities. Livestock should not graze on pastures where it grows in abundance.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~RecipesFlaxseed Poultice - Grind seed and add enough water to make a paste. Apply directly to affected area. Wrap with cloth leave on up to 3 hours.Flaxseed Tea - 1 tablespoon of crushed seeds per cup of water. Let partially dissolve, then drink, followed by a second cup of water.Nighttime Herbal Eye Pillow2 cups Flaxseed1/4 cup Lavender1/4 cup ChamomileCombine ingredients and let blend up to 2 weeks. Sew a fabric case desired size (approx 4"x 8"). Fill case with herbs sew closed. Lay head back, place over eyes and enjoy. Use room temperature to ease into a restful night sleep or use frozen to help combat a headache.Flax Bread* 1 ‰ cups water* 2 tbsp. honey* 2 tbsp. canola oil* 2 cups bread flour* 1 cup whole wheat flour* 1 ˆ tsp. salt* 1/3 cup flaxseeds, ground or whole to taste* 2 tbsp. sunflower seeds* 1 tbsp. poppy seeds* 2 tsp. fast rising instant yeastMeasure ingredients and place in bread machine pan in order recommended by the manufacturer. Select Whole Wheat Rapid Cycle. Remove baked bread from pan and let cool on wire rack. Yields 1 loaf.*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Ease The Stress - Stress on the JobThe nature of work is changing at whirlwind speed. Perhaps now more than ever before, job stress poses a threat to the health of workers and, in turn, to the health organizations.According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related illness and injury, job stress can be defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Job stress can lead to poor health and even injury.Job stress can be caused by a variety of factors - from heavy workloads, infrequent rest breaks, long work hours or shift work, hectic and routine tasks that have little inherent meaning and do not utilize workers' skills, to conflicting or uncertain job expectations, too much responsibility, too many "hats to wear, unpleasant or dangerous physical conditions and on and on.Stress sets off an alarm in the brain, which responds by preparing the body for defensive action. The nervous system is aroused and hormones are released to sharpen the senses, quicken the pulse, deepen respiration, and tense the muscles. This response (sometimes called the fight or flight response) is important because it helps us defend against threatening situations. The response is preprogrammed biologically. Everyone responds in much the same way, regardless of whether the stressful situation is at work or home.Short-lived or infrequent episodes of stress pose little risk. But when stressful situations go unresolved, the body is kept in a constant state of activation, which increases the rate of wear and tear to biological systems. Ultimately, fatigue or damage results, and the ability of the body to repair and defend itself can become seriously compromised. As a result, the risk of injury or disease escalates.In the past 20 years, many studies have looked at the relationship between job stress and a variety of ailments. Mood and sleep disturbances, upset stomach and headache, and disturbed relationships with family and friends are examples of stress-related problems that are quick to develop and are commonly seen in these studies. These early signs of job stress are usually easy to recognize. But the effects of job stress on chronic diseases are more difficult to see because

chronic diseases take a long time to develop and can be influenced by many factors other than stress. Nonetheless, evidence is rapidly accumulating to suggest that stress plays an important role in several types of chronic health problems-especially cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological disorders.Some employers assume that stressful working conditions are a necessary evil - that companies must turn up the pressure on workers and set aside health concerns to remain productive and profitable in today's economy. But research findings challenge this belief. Studies show that stressful working conditions are actually associated with increased absenteeism, tardiness, and intentions by workers to quit their jobs-all of which have a negative effect on the bottom line.Low morale, health and job complaints, and employee turnover often provide the first signs of job stress. But sometimes there are no clues, especially if employees are fearful of losing their jobs. Lack of obvious or widespread signs is not a good reason to dismiss concerns about job stress or minimize the importance of a prevention program.Nearly one-half of large companies in the United States provide some type of stress management training for their work forces. Stress management programs teach workers about the nature and sources of stress, the effects of stress on health, and personal skills to reduce stress - for example, time management or relaxation exercises. Stress management training may rapidly reduce stress symptoms such as anxiety and sleep disturbances; it also has the advantage of being inexpensive and easy to implement. In small organizations, informal discussions that help identify stress problems may also produce fruitful ideas for prevention.It is not possible to give a universal prescription for preventing stress at work, however, becoming aware of the things that cause you the most stress and eliminating or limiting them, can go a long way towards easing your job stress.*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Tea of the Month - Lavender Herbal TeaLavender is often used for insomnia, restlessness, stress and anxiety. However, Lavender's antispasmodic action reduces muscle tension and is equally beneficial for abdominal cramps, gas, nausea, vomiting and motion sickness. A cup of Lavender tea does wonders for irritability, headaches and PMS. It is also great for throat infections, including laryngitis and whooping cough.It stimulates white blood cell formation, thereby strengthening the body's defenses. Also beneficial for expelling intestinal worms. Lavender tea is bitter, sweeten with honey.

Diana Gonzalez

Seven Star Soap Co.

"Natural Soaps by Diana"

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown