Nutri Herb

Herb Library:  Flaxseed

Botanical Names

linum usitatissimum

Common Names

flax, lignan, linseed oil, linseed, lint bells, linum

Plant Description

The Flax plant is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt and has been cultivated for over 7,000 years, first in Europe and later in North America. It is an annual plant that grows to approximately 3'11" with pale blue flowers. The Flax plant produces a fruit consisting of a globular capsule about the size of a small pea which contains brown oval seeds.

Parts of Flax Plant Used in Dietary Supplements

The seeds from the fruit of the Flax plant are commonly used in herbal supplements.