Linseed
Flaxseed, also called linseed, edible seeds harvested from flax (Linum usitatissimum) plants, used as a health food and as a source of linseed, or flaxseed, oil. Consumed as food by the ancient Greeks and Romans, flaxseed has reemerged as a possible “superfood” because of its high dietary fibre and omega-3 fatty acid content. Previously, its main food use was as livestock feed. Linseed oil is also consumed for its health benefits and has a number of industrial applications[1].
Flaxseed is a well-known and well tolerated laxative due to the high proportion of oil and linseed mucus. In intestines linseed grows in size and expand intestines´ volume which stimulates peristalsis and the mucus helps to reduce the symptoms[2].
Linseed and paregoric were used in the baby nutrition and care. In the first month of adoption of Jane, Julian Lethbury was afraid that his established routine would be destroyed by the presence of the child. He associates the childhood with unpleasant aspects, such as gastrointestinal discomforts the child suffers from during the first years of life. Mr. Lethbury mentions the atmosphere of the hospital and the linseed and paregoric smells at home that could force him to spend time at the club rather than at home. His concern was that he would be banned not only from his wife´s mind but also from his own house.