The Flax Healing Miracle

Flax - often referred to as the "miracle that science forgot" - is one of the oldest known cultivated plants, probably originating in the Orient. Originally grown for its fiber and seeds, it has long been treasured for its medicinal uses as well.

Hippocrates, in the 5th century BC, recommended flax for relieving inflamed mucuous membranes, abdominal pains and diarrhea. The 8th century emperor Charlemagne considered flax so crucial for the health of his subjects, he passed laws requiring its consumption. Ancient East Indian scriptures state that in order to reach the highest state of contenment and joy, a yogi must eat flax daily. Even Mahatma Gandhi once observed: "Wherever flax seed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health."

Flax oil, derived from flax seed, is the richest known source of alpha-linolenic acid (LNA). This essential fatty acid is required by your body for a number of life-sustaining functions, yet it is lacking in most diets. Many people suffer a serious deficiency of these essential fatty acids without realizing it.Some telltale signs you aren't getting enough in your diet include stiff joints, impaired vision, and dry skin around your cuticles.This amazing "liquid sunshine" has been used clinically and by nutritionally-oriented physicians for years to treat cancer, high cholesterol and blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, and many other conditions. Flax oil also offers the added benefits of increasing energy, stamina, and making skin soft, hair shiny and nails strong. (Many people find they no longer need to use skin lotions or moisturizers!)

Flax oil's ability to mimic the effects of prostaglandins allows it to help regulate blood pressure, platelet, kidney, immune and arterial function, inflammatory response, and play important roles in calcium and energy metabolism. Its effects on promoting hormone balance can help lower the amount of insulin required by diabetics. Fresh, unrefined flax oil contains lecithin and other phospholipids that help emulsify fats and oils for easier digestion and enhanced metabolism.

It is very helpful for treating dry skin, dandruff, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. But one of the most significant discoveries about flax oil has to do with its miraculous cancer-fighting abilities. Dr. Johanna Budwig, world renown as Germany¹s top biochemist, built on the work of three Nobel Prize-winning scientists to unravel the healing mysteries of a powerful oil and protein combination. Dr. Budwig conducted painstaking and time-consuming work, treating cancer patients with 2 tablespoons cold-pressed flax seed oil combined with skim milk. Later, she substituted one-quarter cup quark (the German form of cottage cheese). Monitoring the changes that occurred, she found that a yellowish-green substance in their blood was soon replaced with a healthy red pigment, hemoglobin. Tumors receded and disappeared, anemia was alleviated, vital energy increased and a full recuperation took place.

Since Dr. Budwig's findings on the benefits of flax seed oil have been widely publicized, scientists around the world have eagerly jumped on the bandwagon. Studies using flaxseed oil on numerous disorders have been conducted all over the world, showing impressive results. These include anti-tumor activity, increased metabolism, greatly boosted immune systems,reduced cholesterol levels, normalized blood pressure levels, and inhibition of cancer cell growth.
Backed with all this intensive research, the indisputable fact is this: supplementing your diet with flax could be the most important thing you do for yourself every day. But to get the maximum benefits of this precious, health-boosting substance, you must be careful to choose the right products.

Flax oil is highly unstable and spoils easily when exposed to light, oxygen, and heat. That's why the way it is manufactured and packaged is so important to preserving its beneficial properties. High-quality flax oil should be cold-pressed to avoid destroying its delicate molecules with heat, and stored in dark, opaque containers to prevent contact with light and oxygen.

Most people prefer to use flax oil, either in liquid or softgel form, since it is the best way to enjoy the maximum benefits of flax. Always choose organic, unrefined flax oil, since it is most likely to have all of its powerful natural components intact. To be assured freshness, always use a product before its expiration date on the bottle (it's amazing how many manufacturers don't even list this crucial information!)

Flax oil should have a rich, deep-golden color like fresh, liquid sunshine - which is what it is: sunlight energy stored in bonds between the carbon and hydrogen atoms of which oils are composed. It should have a pleasant aroma and a light, nutty taste. (If it doesn't, it means the oil has gone rancid and should be thrown out). If you prefer to use flax seed instead of oil, remember that you cannot swallow the seed whole. Your body will not get the nutrients it contains, since they are protected by a tough seed coat. The flax seed must be finely ground to release its nutritional potential. Always use ground flax seed with plenty of fluids, since it absorbs five times its own weight in water.