Sold by weight. Flax Seed (Linum usitatissimum), whole, USA, a/k/a Linseed, used in medicine. Flax seeds, as well as the woven cloth, have been found in Egyptian tombs. The “fine linen” mentioned in the Bible has been satisfactorily proved to have been spun from flax. The “envelope” of the seed contains about 15% mucilage. The crushed seeds or linseed meal make a very useful poultice, either alone or with mustard. In ulceration and superficial or deep-seated inflammation a linseed poultice allays irritation and pain and promotes suppuration. In soapmaking, flax seeds can be used for texture and exfoliation, either whole or ground. They’re also great for making eye and herb pillows. Several studies confirm that flaxseed can be a cholesterol-lowering agent like oat bran, fruit pectin and other food ingredients that contain soluble fibre. By packaging both omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fibre together, flaxseed presents two ingredients that favor healthy blood lipid patterns. Flaxseed contains healthy amounts of both soluble and insoluble fibre. Scientists at the American National Cancer Institute singled out flaxseed as one of six foods that deserved special study. The reason: flaxseed shows potential cancer-fighting ability. Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen which may protect against cancer, particularly hormone-sensitive cancers such as those of the breast and prostate.