While chia seeds are all the rage and have become a real hype for some, the much better local alternative might go unnoticed: flaxseeds! In Europe, small brown flax seeds are mainly grown in France and can be used as an alternative to overseas chia seeds.
Grains are high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, high-quality amino acids, vitamins, and fiber. Its composition and strong swelling power make flaxseed an ideal ingredient for many dishes. But do you also know their many cosmetic and medicinal properties?
You can use them both internally and externally for health, wellness and beauty. In this article, I will introduce you to the best uses of Flax Seeds.
What to consider with flax seeds
For the following recipes and uses, you need whole grains and ground Flax seeds, which are available in organic quality at many supermarkets, health food stores, health food stores, or online.
While you can store whole flax seeds virtually indefinitely, ground flax seeds go rancid quickly. It’s better to grind them fresh before using them Or store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Our tip: You don’t need a special grain mill to grind flaxseed. An electric coffee or universal grinder works just as well.
1. Treatment of the intestines with flax seeds
A lack of exercise and a diet low in fiber often lead to digestive problems. Instead of relying on chemical preparations from the drugstore, you can jump-start your digestive system with a flaxseed intestinal treatment naturally and without side effects.
2. Vegan Egg Substitutes and Egg White Substitutes
Are you (partially) vegan or do you also like to try plant-based alternatives to animal-based ingredients in your favorite recipes? Then you may have heard of vegan egg whites made from chickpea water (Aquafaba). Since egg whites are particularly difficult to veganize, you will certainly be delighted to discover thealternative to egg whites made from flax broth !
If you want replace whole eggs as a binderfor example in cake or waffle batter, you can also use flax seeds.
- Mix one teaspoon of ground flax seeds with three teaspoons of water, let sit for 15 minutes, and your egg substitute is ready.
3. Natural hair gel
Who needs expensive hair gel products with long ingredient lists when they have flaxseed at home? With water and a little honey, you can use flax seeds to create a natural styling gel which is suitable for all hair types.
4. Homemade leave-in conditioner
Strictly speaking, the following recipe is not a hair conditionerbut one natural leave-in conditioner. You leave the conditioner applied in the hair instead of rinsing it out after a short exposure time. The nourishing ingredients can thus act particularly intensively.
One flaxseed conditioner suitable for all hair types. Fine hair is strengthened and gives more volume. Everything you need to make it:
- 2-3 tbsp flax seeds
- 1 liter of water
Preperation :
- Put the flax seeds in a heatproof container.
- Pour boiling water over it.
- Leave to rest for a few hours.
- Prepare it the night before if you want to wash your hair in the morning.
- If you are in a hurry you can also boil the mixture until it has a gelatinous consistency, then use it directly.
- Pour the resulting gel through a sieve and collect it.
- Distribute the gel on the hair after washing your hair and do not rinse it.
Trick : Unfortunately, flaxseed gel can only be stored for a few days. If you want to get a small amount, you can increase the shelf life by freezing them, for example in an ice cube tray. If necessary, simply remove and thaw in portions.
5. Face care mask for a radiant complexion
Due to its high oil content and anti-inflammatory mucilage, flaxseed is also ideal for making a natural face mask for every skin type. It gently removes dirt and dead skin cells and at the same time refines the complexion.
The production is very simple. All you need is:
- 1 cup crushed flax seeds
- Boiling water
And here’s how to do it:
- Mix the crushed flaxseeds with hot water and let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- If necessary, add a little more water until a spreadable paste forms.
- Spread on cleansed face, leave on for 15-20 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.
6. Gelling agents and binders
Are you interested in raw, low-sugar diets? Then the suitability of flax seeds as an alternative gelling agent and binder could be a useful tip for you, for example for make delicious and healthy jam without cooking.
7. Lose weight with flax seeds
Flaxseeds can also help you lose weight healthily. Because thanks to their high fiber content, they contribute to a lasting feeling of satiety.
To benefit from the fiber and bulking agents, you should use whole flaxseeds. They swell in the digestive tract and pass through your body largely undigested, so you don’t take in extra calories that could reduce your weight loss success.
- Start with one teaspoon of flax seeds and gradually increase the dose to a maximum of two tablespoons per day.
- You can mix them into your muesli or smoothies, for example, but you can also spice up almost any other dish with flax seeds for a gentle weight loss diet.
8. In case of constipation
Do you sometimes have digestive problems? Do you know that a tablespoon of whole or lightly crushed flax seeds, taken two to three times a day with a glass of water, can set you free.
Because the swelling substances contained in flaxseed stretch the intestinal wall and stimulate the activity of the intestine. At the same time, flax mucus forms a natural slip layer that facilitates the elimination of intestinal contents.
Our tip: Children aged 6 and over who suffer from constipation can also take flaxseed. In this case, however, you should reduce the dose by half.
9. If you have diarrhea
It seems paradoxical and yet it is true! Flax seeds also help normalize digestion in case of diarrhea. Mucous substances line the irritated bowel, fiber binds excess fluid and bacterial toxins that cause diarrhea.
- If you have diarrhea, take a tablespoon of flax seeds with a full glass of water up to three times a day.
10. For irritable bowel syndrome and stomach inflammation
Anyone suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or acute stomach inflammation can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseeds. This is how it works:
- Soak two to three tablespoons of ground flax seeds in a sufficient amount of water overnight.
- Briefly bring the mixture to a boil the next day.
- Separate the flax mucus from the seeds using a sieve.
- Fill the mucus and drink it throughout the day.
Flax mucus protects the inflammatory areas of the stomach and intestines and thus contributes to the healing process. However, it cannot replace treatment by a doctor.
11. Anti-inflammatory poultice
When used externally, flax mucus also has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect, which is why you can also use it to heal inflamed areas of the skin.
- Apply the pulp directly to the affected areas of the skin and let it sit for a while, or apply a compress filled with the pulp.
12. Heated linen pillow
Cherry pits and spelled grains are widely used as heat reserves in grain pillows. But did you know that you can also use flax seeds to make a bean pillow?
Due to their high fat content, flax seeds can easily be heated to higher temperatures and store heat for a particularly long time.
Another advantage is the small grains which adhere perfectly to all morphologies. You can use a linen pillow as a heating pillow or a cold compress as needed.
- To reheat it, put it in the oven at 150 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or put it in the microwave at about 600 watts for one minute (more or less depending on the size of the pillow).
If you want to use it as a cooling pad, put it in the fridge or freezer for a few hours. Flaxseed pillows can be used to relieve many ailments, for example muscle tension, earache, abdominal pain or menstrual cramps.
13. To Calm Sinus Inflammation
An old home remedy for sinus infections that has been largely forgotten are linen compresses. For this you need the following ingredients and utensils:
- linseed
- water
- fine cloth or tea filter
How to proceed :
- Put one part flax seeds and two parts water in a saucepan.
- Briefly bring the mixture to a boil.
- Put the hot porridge in a cloth or tea filter bags.
- Place as warm or comfortable as possible on forehead, maxillary sinus or nose (without burning yourself).
- After the compress has cooled, you should immediately replace it with a new compress.
- It is recommended to continue the application for half an hour to an hour.
The moist heat from linen compresses improves the permeability of the drainage channels in the sinuses so that mucus and pus can drain better.
14. Breast pads for bronchitis
Flaxseed in the form of a warm, moist wrap soothes throat irritation caused by colds and bronchitis.
- For a flax breast wrap, boil 300 grams of whole flax seeds with twice the amount of water until a gel-like slurry is formed.
- Put the hot pulp on a finger-thick cloth and fold it into an envelope.
- Place the finished scarf on your chest and enjoy the healing heat.
A few final tips: Note that you should not exceed a maximum daily dose of 20-30 grams when consuming flaxseed and be sure to drink enough fluids. Taking flaxseed and medication at the same time can reduce their effectiveness.
Do you know of any other uses for flaxseed? So we look forward to your testimonials!
