Linum usitatissimum (Yama)

Distribution:
Most part of China. 40% of world production is in Canada.

Medical functions:
Ya ma ren (flax seed) and its root contain large amount of lignan which is a strong anti-oxidant and can inhibit the production of  harmful carcinogenic substances.

Anti-cancer of the intestine effect: ya ma ren (flax seed) contains large amount of soluble fiber which can reduce the toxicity of the digested substances and speed up the secretion of the feces, thus reducing the duration of the time of stimulating substance on the mucous membrane of the intestine.

Ya ma root can help the function of the kidneys to excrete toxins.

Ya ma root contains large amount of omega -3 fatty acid which can lower blood lipids and lower the LDL in the blood and can reduce arteriosclerosis.

Ya ma inhibits the growth of the prostate cells. In vitro studies showed that the lignan of the ya ma ren (flax seed) can inhibit the growth of the cells of the prostate gland itself.

Actions & Uses:
Improves bowel movement
Lowers blood lipids.
Seed must be ground for consumption because of the tough seed coat that is indigestible. The ground-up seeds should be taken with water since the mucilage absorbs 5 times the weight of the seed.

It is not advisable to use flax seed in baked food since the fatty acid omega-3 cannot withstand high heat and can become carcinogenic.
 

Chemical ingredients:
Quantity of chemical ingredients per 100 grams of ya ma ren (flax seed)---(when weights are shown)﹕
Amino Acids: 26,000 mg
Leucine
Lysine
Isoleucine
Valine
Threonine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Tryptophan
etc.....
 
Dosage Per Day:
15 ~ 30g

Cautions:
Omega-3 is a highly unstable fat and can become rancid quickly and become carcinogenic. Do not use flax seed oil for deep fat frying because omega-3 cannot stand high heat. Store flax seed and flax oil in black container and refrigerate. Discard seed or oil that smells fishy or rancid, because that smell signals toxicity.

Seed should be washed before using to avoid the mold , Aspergillus niger,  which is toxic for the respiration system and the mold , Aspergillus flavus,  which is toxic for the liver.  These molds are commonly found in grains and are extremely toxic.