Purging Flax, Fairy flax
Linum catharticum
Family: Linaceae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Grassland, dunes and moors, most commonly on calcareous grassland.
Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain the Caucasus and Iran.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
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, though it is seldom used in modern herbalism. The whole herb is anthelmintic, diuretic, emetic and purgative. It is harvested in the summer as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use. When used as a purgative it is generally taken with a carminative such as peppermint. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of bronchitis, piles and amenorrhoea.
Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile humus-rich soil in a sunny sheltered position.
Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Poisonous in large doses.