Linseed oil can be used to make the hair shiny and strong and to make the skin flawless and smooth. See what other beneficial properties linseed oil has for your beauty.
1. Linseed oil – properties
Cultivated around the world for over 7,000 years, linseed has been used in the treatment of all sorts of ailments. First cultivated in Europe, linseed was used in the preparation of balms for skin inflammations and constipation.
Rich in essential fatty acids, linseed oil is beneficial in the treatment of heart disease, many inflammatory conditions and hormonal imbalances, including infertility and lupus.
The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in linseed oil are among the most important healing components. The essential fatty acid omega-3 or alpha-linoleic acid plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular and other diseases.
Because linseed oil is composed exclusively of essential fatty acids, without the fiber that comes with the seeds from which it is extracted, it has no purgative or anti-cancer effect.
Whole linseeds, from which linseed oil is extracted, contain substances called phytoestrogens, which help the human body in case of hormonal imbalances.
In addition, these substances help prevent infections with certain bacteria, fungi, viruses, including those that cause shingles or herpes.
2. Linseed oil – health benefits
Linseed oil helps the body to regulate cholesterol levels and protect against cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure. It also has beneficial effects in reducing the effects of atherosclerosis, according to a study.
- It reduces inflammation associated with gout, lupus and fibrous cysts in the breasts.
- It controls constipation, hemorrhoids, bladder stones and diverticulitis.
- It minimizes nerve damage that causes numbness and stiffness in neurological diseases (Parkinson’s, neuropathies, multiple sclerosis).
- It reduces the risk of cancer and protects against the effects of ageing.
- It treats menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, infertility and endometriosis.
- It helps in the fight against impotence and male infertility caused by prostate problems.
Research has shown that linseed oil in the diet lowers blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, and also has beneficial effects on constipation in the same patients.
3. Linseed oil for the hair
Linseed oil is also used as a hair treatment for scalp eczema and psoriasis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect. Linseed oil nourishes the hair and gives it moisture, shine and strength, preventing hair loss.
4. Linseed oil for the skin
Linseed oil helps treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea. The fatty acids in linseed oil help skin elasticity. Linseed oil also helps to lessen the appearance of cellulite.
5. Face masks with linseed oil
Linseed oil is very useful if you want to moisturize your facial skin or make your hair shine. The essential fatty acids in linseed oil smoothen the appearance of the skin and makes it very soft. You can either apply linseed oil on its own directly onto your face or mix it with a small amount of a light moisturizer and apply it evenly on your face before bedtime.
6. Linseed oil – contraindications and side effects
The consumption of linseed oil is safe for most people, but it can also cause some more or less serious adverse effects, depending on the dose taken. Some of the side effects of linseed oil include bloating, abdominal gas and diarrhea. Linseed oil is contraindicated for people with high cholesterol. Caution is also advised when administering linseed oil to children.