Fresh Interest in a Forgotten Plant
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants. In times past, flax was grown for its oil-bearing seed and for its fiber. Linen cloth woven from flax has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, while Jewish high priests of the Old Testament wore garments made from flax.
Records from early civilizations reveal that flax was also used internally as a mild laxative and for its soothing action on irritated mucous membranes. Flax was also applied to the skin as a poultice for the treatment of local inflammations and the relief of pain.
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