Purging Flax, Fairy flax

Linum catharticum

Physical Characteristics

Linum catharticum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain the Caucasus and Iran.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Diuretic Emetic Homeopathy Purgative Purging flax was often used in the past as a gentle laxative, and also for the treatment of muscular rheumatism, liver complaints, jaundice and catarrhal problems[4, 244], though it is seldom used in modern herbalism[244]. The whole herb is anthelmintic, diuretic, emetic and purgative[4, 9, 21, 46]. It is harvested in the summer as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use[4]. When used as a purgative it is generally taken with a carminative such as peppermint[4]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of bronchitis, piles and amenorrhoea[9].

Known Hazards

Poisonous in large doses[21].