FLAXSEED

So far, there is not enough clinical evidence to endorse the use of flax seeds medicinally.

Flaxseed

Sprinkling ground flaxseed into a smoothie or bowl of cereal will turn your breakfast into a gold mine of omega-3 fatty acids; just two tablespoons contains more than 100% of your recommended daily intake for those heart-healthy fats. Flaxseed, which has a nutty flavor, also is rich in fiber and lignan, an antioxidant that's been shown to protect against breast cancer.

A word of caution: Whole flaxseeds will pass through your body without being digested, so be sure to buy them ground or grind them yourself with a coffee or spice grinder.

Is Flaxseed Good for Hormones? Flax seeds are the tiny, brown seeds of the flax plant. They are also referred to as linseeds or by the scientific name Linum usitatissimum. Ground flax seeds are added to foods or juices, and people take them for a variety of medicinal uses.

Before beginning to take flax seed or any other medicinal herb, you should consult with your health care provider for instructions.

Flaxseed & Hormones
Flax seed or flax seed oil are commonly taken to combat the discomfort of menopause. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center web site, a few studies have shown flax seed to be as effective in treating hot flashes and night sweats as hormone replacement therapy. But UMMC also says that a few more studies seem to show that flax seed had no success in treating menopausal symptoms.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine, USNLM, says that flax seed is also often used to relieve painful menstrual periods.

Flax seed also contains compounds known as lignans that mimic the effects of natural estrogen on the body. Because of this, some people take flax seed to prevent the occurrence of some types of cancer. However, it may actually be dangerous for anyone with breast cancer. Much more study needs to be done before flax seed can be recommended.
Forms of Flaxseed Used

The UMMC site tells us that flax seed oil or ground up flax seeds are used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Flax seed oil should be refrigerated and it will go rancid in a matter of a few short weeks, so be aware of the age of the oil and discard and replace it often.

The seeds of the flax plant can be ground and added to salads or juices and consumed. This method of using flax seeds also adds the effect of relieving constipation. Flax seed should be eaten shortly after grinding so they keep all of their useful properties. Never heat flax seed oil or ground flax seed because it will spoil.