Linseed – ‘’linum usitatissimum’’ – ‘’The most useful linum’’

The cultivation and therapeutic properties of this plant are known to us since the time of Hippocrates. Theophrastus refers to linseed oil in his work, while Dioscorides mentions several of its pharmaceutical properties.

In Egypt, linseed was known since the 13th / 14th century BC. Homer and Herodotus were also familiar with the beneficial use of flax (linum), while Alcman (670-640 AC) referred to the use of linseed as a means of disinfection. Chaldeans, Babylonians and Egyptians were also familiar with this plant that they used to manufacture exquisite linen fabrics.

The significant importance of this ancient medicinal plant is evident from its Latin name, linum usitatissimum, which actually means “the most useful linum”.

Source:
Θανασούλια Βούλα – Σιατής Νίκος (2008). Περί Βοτάνων- Πλήρης οδηγός βοτάνων, μορφολογία, ιδιότητες, τρόποι χρήσεως.
Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου Γιατρού (1984). Τα βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες.