Ya Ma Zi
Linum usitatissimum L.
☯ TCM Properties
Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels; Nourishes Blood and dispels Wind; Resolves Toxicity
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Linum usitatissimum (Linaceae), common flax or linseed, is a slender erect annual herb 30-100 cm tall with narrow lanceolate, sessile, glabrous leaves arranged spirally on the stem. The five-petaled flowers are pale blue (occasionally white or pink), 1.5-2.5 cm across, opening in early morning and shedding petals by midday. The fruit is a globose dehiscent capsule containing 10 glossy, flattened, oval brown seeds rich in mucilage and alpha-linolenic acid. Cultivated for at least 5000 years for fiber (linen) and oil, it grows worldwide in temperate regions on well-drained loamy soils. The dried mature seeds are the medicinal Ya Ma Zi of Chinese pharmacopoeia. (Sources: POWO; PFAF; Wikipedia)
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Ya Ma Zi (flaxseed) is a mild, oily, neutral herb used in Chinese medicine to nourish Liver Blood, moisten the Intestines to relieve constipation, and soothe dry skin conditions. Its rich omega-3 fatty acid content lubricates the digestive tract, addresses Blood deficiency, and is used topically for dry, itching, or inflammatory skin disorders. As a food-grade herb with broad nutritional value, it exemplifies the Chinese tradition of using seed-based foods for their moistening, nourishing, and Blood-supplementing properties.
Traditional American Uses
Cherokee Drug-class uses recorded by Native American Ethnobotany database include flaxseed preparations employed as a pulmonary aid and cough medicine (mapped to expectorant), and as a urinary aid (mapped to diuretic). A cold remedy use is also documented. Febrifuge use is omitted per editorial convention. (Source: NAEB; Hamel & Chiltoskey 1975)
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.