Linseed Benefits & Information

Uses

I recommend using linseed for the improvement of digestion in quite a range of situations.

As a general rule, you can use it when bowel movements are not right, or when there is inflammation somewhere in the digestive tract. Examples of ailments that will be better for the daily use of linseed include: constipation, diarrhoea, diverticular disease, IBS, gastritis, and peptic ulcers.

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How to take

If you want to get the full benefit of the linseed, you must soak it before use. The simplest way to do this is to put a tablespoon of linseed in a cup, fill it with lukewarm water and leave to stand overnight, stir it well in the morning and drink both the liquid and the seeds. Eating dry linseed (many people sprinkle linseed on their cereal or salad) will do virtually nothing, as the seeds will not have enough time to release the beneficial mucilage before they are excreted.

Dosage

Adults: 1-2 tablespoons of soaked seeds, once a day.

Children (2-16years old): adjust the adult dose downwards, depending on the age of the child – see post 6.

Warning: Do not take if you have high blood pressure, low potassium, heart/ kidney/liver problems or water retention.

Caution needed when pregnant or if elderly.

Uses

Liquorice (or licorice) is a soother to the lining of the gut and therefore suitable for any condition that leads to the irritation of the intestinal lining. As such it is similar to marshmallow, but it also has a pronounced anti-inflammatory action. It is especially suitable for people who suffer from digestive problems owing to stress, provided that they do not have high blood pressure.

How to take

You can take liquorice either as tincture or as powder. The powder needs to be mixed with half a cup of water before swallowing. If you suffer from mildly raised blood pressure you can still use liquorice, but only in small doses and for short periods of time (half the normal dose for no longer than a week).

Dosage

Adults: 0.4-1.6ml diluted with some water, 1-3 times a day, tincture strength 1:1; or 1g of powder 1-3 times a day.

Children (2-16years old): adjust the adult dose downwards, depending on the age of the child – see post 6.