Origin: Linseed is an annual stemmed plant and has been in use for thousand years now. It is believed to be native to Egypt, but its origin is still not sure and is questionable because it has been in use all over the world. It is cultivated in many places, including Europe, South America, Asia, and parts of the United States. It is derived from the Latin word linum usitatissimum, which means most useful. Linseed is different from flax seeds because it provides seeds.
Linseed is cultivated to produce oil but the seed is used in an array of food products.
Linseed has been in cultivation and has been in use for thousands of years now and is believed to have been in cultivation since the neolithic times. Linseed was used as a food in whole or ground form and later it was commercialized as oil. The whole seed is cold-pressed to produce linseed oil.
During King Charlemagne’s reign in the 8th century, consuming linseed was made compulsory for its exemplary health benefits.
Linseed was used for its medicinal value and was used by Hippocrates (the Greek physician) to relieve to intestinal abdominal pains and digestion issue. The remainder of the linseed oil was used to feed the livestock.
Scientifically: Linseed botanically called Linum usitatissimum is just one species of the Linum family. It is a perennial plant.
This pale yellow in color oil is edible oil and is used for cooking and as a nutritional supplement. Linseed oil is a great source of α-Linolenic acid, (an omega-3 fatty acid). It is considered a superfood due to its rich content of essential fats Omega 3 and Omega 6, Vitamins and Minerals. It is High Fibre, Low Carbohydrate, Gluten Free, Low GI (glycemic index) and has the highest amount of lignan.
Usage: Linseed oil is known for its drying qualities and thus linseed is an important ingredient in oil paints and printing inks, resins, solvents, plasticizer, varnish, and linoleum. Linseed oil is very effective in Lubricating joints and eases stiffness and joint pain. Linseed oil is also very beneficial in treating skin ailments. It works effectively in moisturizing skin and body.
Below are some DIYs with linseed oil:
- Take a teaspoon of Linseed oil, rub it your palm and massage it on the face thoroughly until absorbed. Keep it overnight. This helps in reversing the signs of aging.
- Applying linseed oil directly to the hair before wash helps in nourishing the hair.
- Take a teaspoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of linseed oil, and 2 tablespoons of yogurt. Mix all the ingredients together and apply on the hair for 30 minutes. Shampoo as usual. This hair remedy helps in strengthening and smoothening the hair.
- Take a teaspoon of linseed oil and add a few drops of chamomile oil to it. Apply this oil to your nerve points. This helps in calming your mind and induces sleep.
- Take a cup of fresh aloe vera gel and add two tablespoons of linseed oil to it. Mix it together and apply on the face, hair, and body. Massage it for 15 minutes and then take a shower. This remedy helps in moisturizing the skin and hair.