Flax

Flax is the seed of a plant called Linum usitatissimum, and is also known as Flax Seed, Alasi, Aliviraaii, Brown Flaxseed, Brown-Seeded Flax, Echter Lein, Flachssamen, Flax Hull, Flax Lignans, Gemeiner Flachs, Graine de Lin, Kattan, Keten, Leinsamen, Lignans, Lin, Oléagineux, Lin Textile, Linaza, Lini Semen, Linho, Lino, Linseed, Lint Bells, Linum, Malsag, Phytoestrogen, Ta Ma, Tisii, Winterlien, and other names.

Flax has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and some autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Flax has also been used to treat osteoporosis. However, research has shown that flax may not be effective in treating this condition.

Other uses that have not been proven with research include enlarged prostate, heart disease, constipation, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal symptoms, weight loss, diverticulitis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer (prostate, breast, lung, endometrial), and others.

It is not certain whether flax is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Flax should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Flax is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds, and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Flax may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You might also want to speak with a practitioner who knows about herbal and health supplements.

If you decide to use flax, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms of flax (like tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time, unless your healthcare professional tells you to do so. Using different forms together increases the chance of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with flax does not get better, or if it worsens while using this product.

Flax can affect blood-clotting and may raise your risk of bleeding. If you need surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, stop taking flax at least 2 weeks beforehand.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Drink plenty of water each day while you are using this product.

Follow all instructions on the product label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about any medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are taking.

Before using flax, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use flax if you have certain medical conditions.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
• diabetes;
• a gastrointestinal obstruction;
• a hormone sensitive cancer or condition;
• high triglyceride levels; or
• high or low blood pressure.

Flax is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy.

It is not known whether flax passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, flax is thought to be likely safe for most people when taken by mouth.

Stop using flax and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

• any bleeding that does not stop.

Common side effects of flax may include:

• bloating, gas, stomach ache, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra flax to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Avoid using flax together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, turmeric, and willow.

Avoid using flax together with other herbal/health supplements that can lower blood sugar, such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

Other drugs may interact with flax, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform all your health care providers about all medicines you are currently using and any medicine you start or stop using.

Do not take flax without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• any medications for diabetes or high blood pressure;
• an antibiotic;
• estrogens;
• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin);
• acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• furosemide (Lasix);
• any oral medications.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with flax, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.