The linum usitatissimum plant, from which we obtain flax seed, may be one of the oldest cultivars in the world. Native to the Middle East, linum usitatissimum was used to make linen for clothing, fishing nets and sail-cloth, and papyrus; flax seed oil is probably the oldest commercially-produced oil, predating even olive oil.
While its properties as and rightful place among medicinal herbs is largely unproven, there is little doubt about the nutritional value of flax seed. The seed of the bulk linum usitatissimum plant is rich in omega-3 and antioxidants; some commercial pancake and bread mixes available in stores that also sell organic herbs contain flax seed, which is also said to function as a laxative.
The Starwest label is your assurance of purity and quality when you buy herbs in bulk, including wholesale flax seed. However, even organic herbs should be used with caution. Natural herbs contain the same chemical compounds as pharmaceutical drugs. The main difference between prescription drugs and dried herbs is that manufacture of the former generally involves the isolation and concentration of a single chemical compound from the herb in question; bulk herbs on the other hand retain numerous compounds in more diffuse quantities. The danger of interactions remains, however; consult with a licensed herbalist before attempting herb therapy.
