ALSI (Flaxseed)

Alsi or Flax seeds are important oil seeds which are used for various medicinal benefits. It is rich in fibre, carbohydrates, protein and minerals and can be added to various common foods in roasted form. Adding Alsi to water or sprinkling it over salads helps manage various diseases.
According to Ayurveda, adding roasted Alsi seeds to your regular diet (preferably breakfast) helps in weight loss as it helps reduce Ama and thereby improves the digestive fire. Alsi is also useful in the management of constipation as it helps enhances bowel movement due to its laxative property which promotes the easy removal of stool.
Alsi is also considered to be useful for hair as it promotes hair growth and controls dandruff due to its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Alsi (Flaxseed) might be considered as a useful additive in cosmetics as it is beneficial for skin due to its antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Applying Alsi oil on the skin might help manage skin allergies, skin inflammation and speed up wound healing due to its antioxidant property.
Avoid taking Alsi alone as it might be difficult to digest due to its Guru nature – it should always be taken with water.

What are the synonyms of Alsi?
Linum usitatissimum, Alasi, Teesi, Linseed, Flaxseed, Marshina, Javasu, Alasi, Atasi, Bittu, Neempushpi, Kshuma

What is the source of Alsi?
Plant Based

• Take 1-2 teaspoon Alsi seeds or as per your requirement.
• You can eat either raw or lightly roasted.
• Take them preferably after meals and chew properly to control constipation.
  

What are the benefits of Alsi for Diabetes?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing diabetes and pre-diabetes in obese individuals. It decreases the level of blood glucose and insulin levels and increases insulin sensitivity.
AYURVEDIC VIEW Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Alsi (Flaxseed) helps to correct impaired digestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This reduces Ama and improves the function of insulin. Alsi also has Tikta (bitter) property and helps to maintain normal blood sugar level
What are the benefits of Alsi for Hypertension (high blood pressure)?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing high blood pressure due to the presence of fibre, lignans, 𝛼-linoleic acid and arginine. Arginine is required for the production of nitric oxide which is a potent vasodilator. It may lower blood pressure in case of hypertensive patients.
What are the benefits of Alsi for Irritable bowel syndrome?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Alsi may be useful in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as it is rich in dietary fibre. Insoluble fibre binds with water and increases the intestinal bulk. This may give relief from IBS.
AYURVEDIC VIEW Alsi helps to control the symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to Ayurveda, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also known as Grahani. Grahani is caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Alsi helps to improve Pachak Agni (digestive fire) due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This helps control the symptoms of IBS.
Tips:

• Take 1-2 teaspoon Alsi seeds or as per your requirement.
• You can eat either raw or lightly roasted.
• Take them preferably after meals and chew properly to keep better digestion.
  

MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Alsi may be beneficial in lowering total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in blood. This may be due to the presence of some bioactive components such as 𝛼-linoleic acid, fibre and non-protein content.
AYURVEDIC VIEW High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Alsi helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also helps to remove blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins.
What are the benefits of Alsi for Heart disease?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing heart diseases due to the presence of omega 3 fatty acids, fibre and lignans. It lowers total cholesterol and low-density protein (LDL) levels in the blood. This reduces the buildup of plaque in the arteries and irregular heartbeat. Thus it may prevent heart attacks.
AYURVEDIC VIEW Alsi helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases by controlling high cholesterol. High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Alsi helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also helps to remove blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins. This reduces the risk of heart diseases.
Tips:

• Take 1/4 cup of Alsi, roast them in a hot pan until crispy.
• Take half of this roasted Alsi and grind them.
• Mix both whole and grinded Alsi together.
• Add 1 cup chilled yogurt.
• Add 1 teaspoon honey or as per your requirement.
• Add 1 medium size sliced banana on top of the smoothie.
• Have this in breakfast to reduce the risk of heart problems.
  

What are the benefits of Alsi for Benign prostatic hyperplasia?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi may be useful in managing enlarged prostate.

What are the benefits of Alsi for Breast cancer?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in reducing the risk of breast cancer. It inhibits the proliferation and expression of breast cancer cells.

What are the benefits of Alsi for Cancer of colon and rectum?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Alsi (Flaxseed) may be beneficial in managing colorectal cancer due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and lignin. It inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells and protects the normal neighbouring cells.
What are the benefits of Alsi for Lung cancer?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in reducing the risk of lung cancer.
What are the benefits of Alsi for Menopausal symptoms?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi (Flaxseed) may be slightly useful in managing menstrual symptoms.
What are the benefits of Alsi for Prostate cancer?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing prostate cancer due to the presence of lignans. It inhibits the growth and proliferation of prostate cancer cell.
What are the benefits of Alsi for Obesity?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing weight. Alsi is rich in soluble and insoluble fibre that combines with water and digestive juices. This increases gastric content, the time food remains in the stomach and also promotes the feeling of fullness. It may also decrease the absorption of some nutrients which in turn may reduce fat accumulation.
AYURVEDIC VIEW Alsi helps to manage weight when added in the daily diet. An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in meda dhatu. Alsi helps to correct digestive fire and reduce Ama due to its Ushna(hot) nature which is responsible for weight gain.
Tips:

Take 1/4 cup of Alsi, roast them in a hot pan until crispy.

Take half of this roasted Alsi and grind them.

Mix both whole and grinded Alsi together.

What are the benefits of Alsi for Endometrial cancer?

MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing Endometrial cancer.

What are the benefits of Alsi for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder due to the presence of certain fatty acids.

How effective is Alsi?

• Likely effective Diabetes, High cholesterol
• Likely ineffective Osteoporosis
• Insufficient evidence Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Benign prostatic hyperplasia, Breast cancer, Cancer of colon and rectum, Constipation, Endometrial cancer, Heart disease, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Irritable bowel syndrome, Lung cancer, Menopausal symptoms, Obesity, Prostate cancer

PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING ALSI

Breastfeeding

MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Avoid taking Alsi during Breastfeeding.

Other Interaction

MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Alsi may decrease the blood clotting. So it generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Alsi with other anticoagulants drugs.

AYURVEDIC VIEW Alsi could block the intestines due to the bulk-forming effects due to Guru(heavy) nature so it should be taken with plenty of water to prevent this from happening.

AYURVEDIC VIEW Alsi seeds should not be taken as a whole as these are complex to digest due to Guru(heavy) by our digestive system. Grinding is the first step which has to be accomplished before adding them to any dish.

Patients with diabetes

MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Alsi may lower the blood sugar level. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while taking Alsi with anti diabetic drugs.

AYURVEDIC VIEW Alsi may lower the blood sugar level due to its Tikta(bitter) property. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while taking Alsi with antidiabetic drugs.

Patients with heart disease

MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Alsi may lower the blood pressure. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood pressure level while taking Alsi with with anti hypertensive drugs.

AYURVEDIC VIEW Alsi may lower the blood pressure due to its Vata balancing property. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood pressure level while taking Alsi with antihypertensive drugs.

MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Avoid taking Alsi during Pregnancy.

AYURVEDIC VIEW Also should not be taken during pregnancy because of its Ushna(hot) potency.

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE OF ALSI

• Alsi Powder – ½ -1 teaspoon twice a day.
• Alsi Capsule – 1-2 capsules once or twice a day.
• Alsi Oil – 1-2 teaspoon once a day.

HOW TO USE ALSI

• Alsi (Flaxseed) Powder
  • a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Alsi seed powder
  • b. Add 1 glass of warm water
  • c. Have it after lunch and dinner

• Alsi (Flaxseed) oil capsule
  • a. Take 1-2 Alsi (Flaxseed) oil capsule.
  • b. Swallow with water after taking food.

Alsi (Flaxseed) oil
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Alsi (Flaxseed) oil.
b. Mix with hot water or milk.
c. Have it at night before sleeping.

Alsi (Flaxseed)
A. For Cold and Cough
a. Soak 1-2 teaspoon of Alsi seeds overnight in a glassful of water.
b. Squeeze ½ lemon to it and drink empty stomach next morning.
c. Use this remedy to get rid of Cold, cough, flu, and sore throat.

B. For Better Digestion
Eat raw or light roasted Alsi seeds 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
Take them preferably after meals and chew properly for better digestion