Flaxseed

Flaxseed is an herbal supplement used to treat constipation (chronic), enlarged prostate (oil), cancer (prevention), diabetes, diverticulitis, inflammation of the small intestine and/or the stomach, high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal symptoms, myocardial infarction prevention (oil), skin inflammation, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) nephritis.

• Flaxseed is possibly effective in treatment of diabetes, high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) nephritis.
• Flaxseed is available under the following different brand names: flax, graine de lin, leinsamen, lini semen, linoleic acid, linseed, lint bells, and Linum usitatissimum.

Dosages of Flaxseed:

Seed

• 1 tbsp orally, two-three times a day
• 15-50 g/day

Oil

• 15-30 ml orally each day
• Equivalent to 200 mg ALA each day

Flour Poultice

• 30-50 g topically as needed

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Administration

• Take with an adequate amount of fluid to prevent bowel obstruction

Side effects of flaxseed include:

• allergic reactions
• diarrhea (oil)
• intestinal obstruction
• bloating
• stomach ache
• constipation
• gas (flatulence)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Flaxseed has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
• Flaxseed has no known serious interactions with other drugs.
• Moderate interactions of flaxseed include:
  • phytoestrogens
• Flaxseed has no known mild interactions with other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

This medication contains flaxseed. Do not take flax, grain de lin, leinsamen, lini semen, linoleic acid, linseed, lint bells, Linum usitatissimum if you are allergic to flaxseed or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Bowel obstruction, cancer (breast, ovarian, uterine), endometriosis, narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture), hormone-sensitive conditions, elevated triglycerides, intestinal inflammation, acute, and uterine fibroids

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Flaxseed?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Flaxseed?"

Cautions

• Bleeding disorders (oil)

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Avoid the use of flaxseed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Consult your physician.