Flaxseed Oil Flaxseed is used throughout the world for food, medicine, and fiber to make clothes and many other consumer goods products. Historically, flaxseed has been used in connection with a number of conditions including heart disease and has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent for a number of other conditions as well. Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil It is believed that flaxseed oil offers a myriad of health benefits through supplementation. Recent research indicates that flaxseed oil may have the ability to reduce blood pressure, lower levels of harmful cholesterol, offer both estrogen-like and anti-estrogenic effects, and is being studied for its ability to protect against cancer. In animal studies and small human studies, flaxseed produced low but identifiable reductions in low-density lipoproteins, the "bad" type of cholesterol. The results of another animal study using flaxseed oil indicated a small decrease in blood pressure. Unfortunately, to date these finding have not been proven with human studies. Flaxseed exhibits some estrogen-like effects as well as possible anti-estrogenic effects, both of which have been studied for possible protection against certain types of breast and prostate cancers. However, when these effects were tested in several laboratory studies and a few human studies, the results were inconclusive. In some of the studies, flaxseed products appeared to prevent or delay cancer, while in other research the incidence and/or progression of cancer seemed to be increased. Additional studies are underway to assess further the effects of flaxseed and flaxseed oil on breast and prostate cancers and on menopausal symptoms. More recently, flaxseed has been studied for its potential to prevent kidney damage in individuals who have an autoimmune condition known as systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). Some evidence from animal studies and human case reports supports the use for SLE, but more studies are needed before flaxseed can be recommended for this use. Flaxseed oil can be applied externally to soften dry skin. Also for skin application, a poultice can be created by mixing whole or crushed flaxseed with about three times as much hot water as the amount of flaxseed and then letting the mixture stand until it makes a thick gel. A soft cloth is then covered with the gel, possibly heated, and applied to an aching or injured area of skin surface. Dosage and Administration As flaxseed is also a common food product, it can be ground or crushed and added to beverages, breads, and other baking products. Also available are flaxseed powder-filled capsules. Flaxseed oil comes in soft capsules or as a liquid, which both must be protected from heat and light. For use as a laxative, mix one tablespoonful in water and take two or three times daily. Since flaxseed swells when it mixed with fluids, make sure to use at least 8 ounces of water for each tablespoonful of flaxseed to prevent intestinal blockage. Alternatively, one to three tablespoons of flaxseed oil can be used per day as a laxative by adding it to food such as breads, salads, meals, or beverages. Note: Do not heat flaxseed oil as heat diminishes its nutritional value. When taking flaxseed to combat high cholesterol, take 40 to 50 grams (approximately three tablespoons) of flaxseed or one to three tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily or as suggested by the manufacturer's label. NOTE: Flaxseed oil sold for planting, painting, or other purposes should not be used as a supplement, additive, or external application for the body. Supporting Literature Appel LJ. Nonpharmacologic therapies that reduce blood pressure: a fresh perspective. Clin Cadiol. 1999;22(Suppl. III):III1-III5. Chan JK, Bruce VM, McDonald BE. Dietary a-linolenic acid is as effective as oleic acid and linoleic acid in lowering blood cholesterol in normolipidemic men. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:1230-1234. Danao-Camara TC, Shintani TT. The dietary treatment of inflammatory arthritis: case reports and review of the literature. Hawaii Med J. 1999;58(5):126-131. Klurfeld DM, Bull AW. Fatty acids and colon cancer in experimental models. Am J Clin Nut. 1997;66(6 Suppl):1530-1538. Singer P, Jaeger W, Berger I, et al. Effects of dietary oleic, linoleic and a-linolenic acids on blood pressure, serum lipids, lipoproteins and the formation of eicosanoid precursors in patients with mild essential hypertension. J Human Hypertension 1990;4:227-233.