Waltanna Farms - Blog #1
The history of flax: an ancient superfood
with modern benefits
In today’s wellness world, flaxseed is often touted as a new superfood — rich in omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and plant-based protein. The truth is flax isn’t new to the health scene. In fact, it’s one of the oldest cultivated crops in human history.
Flax: A plant with ancient roots
Native to West Asia and the Mediterranean, flax (Linum usitatissimum) has been grown since the dawn of civilization. Its Latin name means “very useful,” and for good reason — flax has been valued for its versatile applications in food, medicine, oil production, and fiber production.
From ancient linen clothing to therapeutic herbal remedies, flax was more than just a crop — it was a cornerstone of early life.
Flax in historical medical texts
Ancient healers recognized the benefits of flax well before modern science caught up. The use of flaxseed and flax oil appears in the works of:
- Hippocrates (the Father of Medicine)
- Dioscorides, author of De Materia Medica
- Galen, a renowned physician of the Roman Empire
- Ibn Sina (Avicenna), the Persian polymath
- Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Unani medicine traditions
Each system highlighted different properties of flax:
Ayurveda:
Flaxseed oil is said to balance the Vata dosha, supporting the nervous system, skin health, and overall wellbeing.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
Flaxseed is used to relieve dryness and constipation and is sometimes included in seed cycling protocols for hormone regulation and fertility.
Unani Medicine:
Flax was prescribed to reduce inflammation (especially in arthritis), improve respiratory function, increase sperm count, and boost vitality.
Modern Nutrition Catches Up
Western nutritional science has confirmed what ancient traditions knew all along. Today, flax meal and cold pressed flax oil are prized for their:
- High fiber content (supporting digestion and heart health)
- Plant-based omega-3s (ALA)
- Lignans, which have antioxidant and estrogenic properties
With increasing focus on natural foods, sustainable nutrition, and gut health, flax is making a well-deserved comeback in modern diets.
Flaxseed: Timeless and Truly Useful
Whether you're baking with flax meal, adding cold pressed flaxseed oil to salads, or using it in natural skincare, you’re participating in a long tradition of harnessing this humble seed’s benefits.
In a world filled with food fads and fleeting trends, flax remains a timeless superfood — ancient in origin, modern in relevance.
Looking to add flax to your lifestyle?
Choose organic, cold pressed flaxseed oil and flax meal from trusted sources that honor the tradition and preserve the nutrition — just like nature intended.
