Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Flaxseed known as Atasi in Ayurveda consists of the dried ripe seeds of Linum usitatissimum. It possesses Sweet and Bitter tastes with Heavy and Unctuous qualities. Due to its Hot potency and Pungent post digestive effect it is a powerful pacifier of Vata dosha. Therapeutically it is used to treat skin disorders known as Kushtha worm infestations and urinary disorders known as Prameha. It is often applied externally as a poultice for swellings and headaches. However Ayurveda cautions that it is Acakshushya meaning not beneficial for the eyes and may aggravate Pitta and blood disorders if used in excess. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 3 to 6 grams of the seed powder.
Flaxseed, known in Ayurveda as Atasī, consists of the dried, ripe seeds of Linum usitatissimum. It is an erect annual herb cultivated extensively throughout the plains of India. While popularly known today for its oil and fiber (linen), Ayurveda identifies specific therapeutic uses for the seeds, particularly in treating skin disorders, urinary problems, and imbalances of the Wind element (Vata).
The Flax plant is an erect annual herb that grows 0.6–1.2 meters high. The medicinal part is the seed, which is small, oval, flattened, and reddish-brown with a glossy, minutely pitted surface. When soaked in water, the seed coat swells and produces a transparent, colourless mucilage. In Ayurveda, it is valued for its ability to pacify Vata dosha due to its heavy and oily nature, though it is traditionally considered detrimental to eyesight if used in excess.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Flaxseed possesses the following qualities:
Flaxseed is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Flaxseed is generally considered safe when used in recommended dosages for specific therapeutic conditions. It is a common ingredient in external applications (lepa) for glandular swellings.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
(World Health Organization – includes monograph standards for medicinal seeds and plant materials)
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB)
https://nmpb.nic.in
PubMed – Linum usitatissimum Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Linum+usitatissimum
ScienceDirect – Flaxseed Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/linum-usitatissimum
SpringerLink – Flaxseed Nutritional & Clinical Studies
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Flaxseed Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Atasi (Flaxseed) Description
E-text (NIIMH – Ministry of AYUSH)
https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks
Dhanvantari Nighantu – Atasi Reference
https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
While it is nutritious, Ayurveda suggests it increases Pitta and is not beneficial for the eyes (Acakṣuṣya), so long-term daily use should be monitored, especially for those with heat or eye issues.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often taken as a powder for internal conditions or applied externally as a poultice (Pralepa) for swellings.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, the powder can be taken with water. When used as a poultice for glandular conditions, it may be processed with sour buttermilk (Amla Takra).
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem
Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Flaxseed known as Atasi in Ayurveda consists of the dried ripe seeds of Linum usitatissimum. It possesses Sweet and Bitter tastes with Heavy and Unctuous qualities. Due to its Hot potency and Pungent post digestive effect it is a powerful pacifier of Vata dosha. Therapeutically it is used to treat skin disorders known as Kushtha worm infestations and urinary disorders known as Prameha. It is often applied externally as a poultice for swellings and headaches. However Ayurveda cautions that it is Acakshushya meaning not beneficial for the eyes and may aggravate Pitta and blood disorders if used in excess. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 3 to 6 grams of the seed powder.
Flaxseed, known in Ayurveda as Atasī, consists of the dried, ripe seeds of Linum usitatissimum. It is an erect annual herb cultivated extensively throughout the plains of India. While popularly known today for its oil and fiber (linen), Ayurveda identifies specific therapeutic uses for the seeds, particularly in treating skin disorders, urinary problems, and imbalances of the Wind element (Vata).
The Flax plant is an erect annual herb that grows 0.6–1.2 meters high. The medicinal part is the seed, which is small, oval, flattened, and reddish-brown with a glossy, minutely pitted surface. When soaked in water, the seed coat swells and produces a transparent, colourless mucilage. In Ayurveda, it is valued for its ability to pacify Vata dosha due to its heavy and oily nature, though it is traditionally considered detrimental to eyesight if used in excess.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Flaxseed possesses the following qualities:
Flaxseed is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Flaxseed is generally considered safe when used in recommended dosages for specific therapeutic conditions. It is a common ingredient in external applications (lepa) for glandular swellings.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
(World Health Organization – includes monograph standards for medicinal seeds and plant materials)
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB)
https://nmpb.nic.in
PubMed – Linum usitatissimum Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Linum+usitatissimum
ScienceDirect – Flaxseed Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/linum-usitatissimum
SpringerLink – Flaxseed Nutritional & Clinical Studies
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Flaxseed Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Atasi (Flaxseed) Description
E-text (NIIMH – Ministry of AYUSH)
https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks
Dhanvantari Nighantu – Atasi Reference
https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
While it is nutritious, Ayurveda suggests it increases Pitta and is not beneficial for the eyes (Acakṣuṣya), so long-term daily use should be monitored, especially for those with heat or eye issues.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often taken as a powder for internal conditions or applied externally as a poultice (Pralepa) for swellings.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, the powder can be taken with water. When used as a poultice for glandular conditions, it may be processed with sour buttermilk (Amla Takra).
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem