FLAX

Make the paint, make the finish
Take the seeds, for the medicine
Spider's art, spin the thread
Creative intuition, weave the linen

Flax is actually several species.  The three most important are the annual Linum ustitatissinaum, the perennial Linum austriacum, and the perennial Linum perenne.  The annual flax is the species that is most often raised and used.  Annual flax has slender stems, narrow leaves, and blue flowers and is grown for a number of uses.

This plant has a long history of use.  It was grown and used in ancient Egypt, China, and India for utility, medicine, and spiritual practices.

The stems are fibrous and are retted and processed for fiber arts.  This is a premium spinning fiber and creates beautiful and strong fibers for cordage and thread.  These fine threads can then be used for sewing and weaving fine linens.  These fibers are also used as one of the components for fine and durable paper.

The seeds of the flax plant are high in oil and are processed for food, animal feed, and utility and industrial uses.  If it is pressed for human consumption, it is usually called flax seed oil.  Otherwise, it is usually called linnseed oil.  Other than a supplement in animal feed, linnseed oil has a number of utility purposes.  It can be used as a lubricant.  It is a base for artist's paints, and as an ingredient in varnishes.  It can be used by itself as a wood finish.  It can also be used as a paint cleaner or a drying agent for paints.

All parts of the flax plant has medicinal properties.  The tea made from the plant is used as a laxative, a cleanser, and it may help relieve rheumatism.  The part of the plant that is usually used medicinally is the seeds.  These seeds have a high nutrient content and are highly supportive of good health.  Medicinally, the flax seeds support the urinary tract, healthy metabolism, and healthy cardio-vascular function.  This seed helps reduce inflammation in the body.

There are a few cautions associated with flax seed.  They should be roasted before consuming.  They should be limited to two tablespoons per day.  They should be avoided by pregnant or lactating women.  They should be used with caution by those with pre-existing conditions.

Not only is this a plant of the spider's art, but it is spiritual and magical in other ways as well.  This is a plant that weaves the threads of spiritual connection.  It promotes spiritual growth and transformation.  It helps to connect you to your higher purpose.  It is  a nurturing plant of unlimited potential.  It may connect you to the divine and help enhance your psychic powers.

The healing powers of this plant extends to the psychic and spiritual along with the physical.  It is often included in healing spells and blends.  Flax is used for cleansing and purification.  It is seen as a restorative plant.  

Flax is considered to be a plant of prosperity and fertility.  It brings wealth and abundance.  It promotes creativity and helps weave ways to manifest money and your desires.

Flax, when spun and woven into linen is a very strong and protective cloth.  This property points to its other spiritual use.  Flax is considered to be the guardian of children.  It is believed to shield the home from evil.  Carrying the seeds or flowers is considered to be protective against evil.  A good flax tea was believed by the ancient Egyptians to detox both the body and the Spirit.

If you are looking for a plant that checks a lot of boxes, flax might be it.  It is a plant for food and feed.  It is a plant for utility and art.  It is a plant of medicine.  It is a plant of energetic and spiritual significance.  And the flowers are beautiful.  What more could you want?

Here are some of the other sources that I used for this article:
ncbi.nlm.mih.gov
usda.gov
eurjmdres.biomedcentral.com
​theancientsage.com