What patterns does Ya Ma Zi address?

Ya Ma Zi addresses these TCM patterns of disharmony: Intestinal Dryness, Blood Deficiency, Wind-Heat.

What conditions is Ya Ma Zi used for?

Ya Ma Zi is commonly used for: Constipation, Eczema, Dark Skin, Hair Loss, Twitching, Psoriasis, High Cholesterol, Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A TCM practitioner would consider this herb when these conditions arise from the specific patterns it addresses.

Herb Seed (种子 zhǒng zǐ / 子 zǐ / 仁 rén)

Ya Ma Zi

Q: What are the TCM actions of Ya Ma Zi?

The TCM actions of Ya Ma Zi include: Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels, Nourishes Blood and dispels Wind, Resolves Toxicity.

Flaxseed · 亚麻子

Linum usitatissimum L. · Semen Lini

Also known as: Ya Ma Ren (亚麻仁), Linseed

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Flaxseed is an oil-rich seed used in Chinese medicine primarily to relieve constipation by lubricating the bowels. It also nourishes the Blood and addresses dry, itchy skin conditions and hair loss. Rich in essential fatty acids, it has a gentle, neutral nature that makes it suitable for long-term use.

Category Moist laxatives (润下药)

Therapeutic focus Digestive Health Skin Health Hair Health Cardiovascular Health

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels entered

Lungs, Liver, Large Intestine

Parts used

Seed (种子 zhǒng zǐ / 子 zǐ / 仁 rén)

Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Herb Does

Every herb has a specific set of actions — here's what Ya Ma Zi does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Ya Ma Zi is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Digestive Health Skin Health Hair Health Cardiovascular Health

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Ya Ma Zi performs to restore balance in the body:

Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels Nourishes Blood and dispels Wind Resolves Toxicity

How these actions work

'Moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels' (润燥通便) means that flaxseed's rich oil content lubricates the intestinal walls, making it easier for dry, hardened stool to pass. This is its primary action and the reason it is classified among the intestine-moistening laxatives. It is especially useful for elderly people or those with a dry constitution who struggle with chronic constipation due to insufficient body fluids reaching the bowel.

'Nourishes Blood and dispels Wind' (养血祛风) means that flaxseed supports the Blood so that the skin and hair are properly nourished. In TCM, when the Blood is insufficient, it cannot moisten and nourish the skin, allowing pathogenic Wind to take hold and cause itching, dryness, flaking, or hair loss. By enriching the Blood, flaxseed addresses the root cause of these skin and scalp problems. This is why it has a long history of use for conditions like eczema, psoriasis-like scaling, and alopecia.

'Resolves toxins' (解毒) refers to flaxseed's traditional ability to help the body clear Wind-Heat-Damp toxins from the skin. Classical sources note that it was considered essential in formulas for severe skin diseases such as leprosy (大风), where deep-seated toxins manifest as widespread skin eruptions.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Ya Ma Zi is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Ya Ma Zi addresses this pattern

Intestinal Dryness arises when there are insufficient fluids to moisten the Large Intestine, leading to dry, difficult-to-pass stools. Yà Má Zǐ directly addresses this pattern through its sweet, lubricating, oil-rich nature. It enters the Large Intestine channel, where its moistening action softens hardened stool and promotes smooth bowel movements. Because it is neutral in temperature, it is suitable for constipation from pure dryness without significant Heat or Cold, making it a gentle option for elderly patients or those with chronic fluid deficiency.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Constipation

Dry, hard stools that are difficult to pass

Abdominal Distention

Mild bloating from stool accumulation

Why Ya Ma Zi addresses this pattern

When the Blood is deficient, it fails to moisten and nourish the skin and hair. This creates an 'internal Wind' that manifests as itching, dry flaking skin, and hair loss. Yà Má Zǐ enters the Liver channel (the Liver stores Blood) and nourishes Blood to address the root deficiency. Its sweet taste tonifies and replenishes, while its oil content directly moistens dry tissues. By nourishing Blood, it calms the Wind that causes itching and restores proper nutrition to the skin and hair follicles.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Twitching

Generalized skin itching from dryness

Dark Skin

Scaly, flaking skin especially in elderly patients

Hair Loss

Diffuse hair thinning or alopecia

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Ya Ma Zi is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Intestinal Dryness

TCM Interpretation

TCM views chronic constipation not as a single disease but as a symptom arising from different imbalances. One of the most common is Intestinal Dryness, where the Large Intestine lacks sufficient fluid or oil to move stool smoothly. This often occurs in elderly patients whose Yin and Blood are naturally declining, in postpartum women who have lost Blood, or in anyone with a constitutionally dry disposition. The Large Intestine depends on fluids descending from the Lungs and moisture supplied by the Stomach and Spleen. When these sources are inadequate, the stool dries out and transit slows.

Why Ya Ma Zi Helps

Yà Má Zǐ is rich in natural oils that directly lubricate the intestinal walls and soften dry stool. It enters the Lung and Large Intestine channels, addressing the Lung-Large Intestine paired relationship that governs fluid distribution to the bowel. Its sweet, neutral nature means it moistens without introducing Cold (which could weaken digestion) or Heat (which could worsen dryness). This makes it a gentle, long-term option for people with chronic dry constipation.

Arises from: Blood Deficiency Wind-Heat

TCM Interpretation

TCM understands eczema as a condition where the skin is not properly nourished by Blood and fluids, making it vulnerable to pathogenic Wind, Dampness, and Heat. In chronic cases, Blood Deficiency is often the root: the Blood cannot reach and moisten the skin, leading to dryness, flaking, and persistent itching. The itching itself is considered a manifestation of Wind, which arises internally when Blood is insufficient. In acute flares, external Wind-Heat or Damp-Heat may also be involved.

Why Ya Ma Zi Helps

Yà Má Zǐ nourishes Blood through its sweet taste and Liver channel entry, directly addressing the Blood Deficiency that underlies chronic dry eczema. Its Wind-dispelling action calms the itching. Additionally, its oil-rich composition provides internal lubrication that helps moisten dry skin from the inside out. Classical physicians valued it specifically for skin diseases, with the Ben Jing Feng Yuan noting its ability to resolve Wind-Heat-Damp toxins in the skin.

Also commonly used for

Dark Skin

Age-related dry, scaly skin

Twitching

Generalized pruritus from Blood deficiency

Psoriasis

Dry, flaking psoriatic skin lesions

High Cholesterol

Elevated blood lipids

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Constipation-predominant IBS

Herb Properties

Every herb has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels Entered

Lungs Liver Large Intestine

Parts Used

Seed (种子 zhǒng zǐ / 子 zǐ / 仁 rén)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Ya Ma Zi — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

9-15g

Maximum dosage

Up to 30g in decoction for severe constipation or skin conditions, under practitioner supervision. Generally safe at food-level consumption but ensure adequate hydration.

Dosage notes

Use lower doses (9-10g) for mild constipation or as a gentle intestine-moistening agent. Higher doses (12-15g) are used for more pronounced dryness-pattern constipation or skin conditions such as itching and scaling. The seeds must be crushed or ground before decocting (捣碎), as whole seeds are poorly absorbed and may pass through the intestines undigested. For external use (washing skin lesions), an appropriate amount can be decocted and the liquid used as a topical wash. When used as powder (散剂), smaller doses apply (3-9g taken with water).

Preparation

The seeds should be crushed or ground before decocting (生用捣碎) to release their oils and active constituents. Alternatively, they may be dry-fried first and then ground into powder (炒研) for use as a powdered preparation. Whole, intact seeds are poorly digested and will pass through the body largely unchanged.

Processing Methods

In TCM, the same herb can be prepared in different ways to change its effects — here's how processing alters what Ya Ma Zi does

Processing method

The raw seeds are dry-fried (stir-fried without liquid) until they become fragrant and slightly darkened, then crushed before use.

How it changes properties

Dry-frying makes the seeds easier to crush and releases their oils more readily. The thermal nature remains neutral. The intestine-moistening action is slightly enhanced because the crushed, roasted seeds release their oil content more efficiently during decoction. The overall properties are not dramatically changed, but bioavailability improves.

When to use this form

Use the dry-fried and crushed form when the primary goal is intestinal lubrication for constipation, as the oil is more readily extracted. The raw form can also be crushed before decoction.

Common Herb Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Ya Ma Zi for enhanced therapeutic effect

Niu Bang Zi 1:1 (equal parts)

Yà Má Zǐ nourishes Blood and moistens dryness while Niú Bàng Zǐ (Arctium fruit) disperses Wind-Heat and clears toxins. Together they address both the root (Blood Deficiency, dryness) and the branch (Wind-Heat-toxin) of chronic itchy skin conditions. This is the classical pairing seen in Zuì Xiān Sǎn.

When to use: Widespread itchy skin rashes, hives, or eczema with both underlying dryness and active Wind-Heat on the skin surface.

Huo Ma Ren 1:1

Both are oil-rich seeds that moisten the intestines. Yà Má Zǐ also nourishes Blood and dispels Wind for the skin, while Huǒ Má Rén focuses more purely on intestinal lubrication. Together they provide a stronger moistening and laxative effect than either alone.

When to use: Stubborn dry constipation in elderly patients or those with significant fluid depletion, especially when accompanied by dry skin.

Fang Feng 1:1

Fáng Fēng dispels external Wind from the skin surface while Yà Má Zǐ nourishes Blood to address internal Wind from deficiency. The combination treats itching from both directions: eliminating the pathogen and restoring the body's moisture.

When to use: Chronic pruritus or dermatitis where Wind pathogen and Blood Deficiency coexist, with dry, flaking, itchy skin.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Ya Ma Zi vs Huo Ma Ren

Both are oil-rich seeds in the laxative category that moisten the intestines for dry constipation. Huǒ Má Rén (hemp seed) enters the Spleen and Stomach channels and is primarily a bowel lubricant with mild Blood-nourishing ability. Yà Má Zǐ enters the Liver and Lung channels and has a stronger secondary action of nourishing Blood and dispelling Wind, making it more appropriate when constipation is accompanied by dry, itchy skin or hair loss.

Ya Ma Zi vs Yu Li Ren

Both moisten the intestines for constipation, but Yù Lǐ Rén (bush cherry pit) is more draining and also promotes urination and reduces edema, suited for Excess patterns. Yà Má Zǐ is gentler, purely moistening and nourishing, better suited for Deficiency-type dryness without fluid accumulation.

Ya Ma Zi vs Hei Zhi Ma

Both are oil-rich seeds that nourish and moisten, and they can be confused due to similar names (胡麻 can historically refer to either). Hēi Zhī Ma (black sesame) is a Liver-Kidney tonic that nourishes Yin, darkens hair, and strengthens bones. Yà Má Zǐ focuses more on moistening the bowels and dispelling Wind from the skin. Choose Hēi Zhī Ma for Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency with premature greying; choose Yà Má Zǐ for dry constipation with itchy skin.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Ya Ma Zi

Ya Ma Zi (亚麻子, flaxseed, from Linum usitatissimum of the Linaceae family) is frequently confused with Hei Zhi Ma (黑芝麻, black sesame, from Sesamum indicum of the Pedaliaceae family). This confusion has deep historical roots, as both herbs have been called "Hu Ma Zi" (胡麻子) in different texts. Although both are oily seeds with some overlapping actions (e.g. moistening the intestines), their therapeutic profiles differ significantly: black sesame tonifies the Liver and Kidneys and nourishes Jing-Blood, while flaxseed focuses on nourishing Blood and dispelling Wind for skin conditions. The seeds are distinguishable by appearance: flaxseed is larger (4-6 mm), flattened-oval, reddish-brown and glossy; black sesame is smaller, more rounded, and black. When purchasing, confirm the Latin source species to avoid substitution.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any herb.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Ya Ma Zi

Non-toxic

Flaxseed contains small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides (primarily linamarin and linustatin, collectively called "flax bitter glycosides" or 亚麻苦甙). When metabolized, these compounds can release trace amounts of hydrogen cyanide (HCN). However, in mature, properly dried seeds consumed at standard dosages, the quantities are far too low to pose a toxic risk. Immature or unripe seeds contain higher levels and should be avoided. Roasting or cooking the seeds further reduces cyanogenic glycoside content. Classical Chinese sources consistently classify Ya Ma Zi as non-toxic (无毒). The main safety concern at excessive doses is gastrointestinal: bloating, gas, or bowel obstruction from the high mucilage and fibre expanding without sufficient water intake.

Contraindications

Situations where Ya Ma Zi should not be used or requires extra caution

Caution

Pregnancy. Flaxseed contains phytoestrogens (lignans) that can mimic estrogen activity, raising theoretical concerns about hormonal disruption during pregnancy. Classical sources also list pregnancy as a contraindication (孕妇忌服).

Caution

Spleen deficiency with loose stools or chronic diarrhea. As a seed rich in oil and mucilage with a moistening, intestine-lubricating nature, Ya Ma Zi can worsen diarrhea in those with weak digestive function. Classical sources state: 胃弱、大便滑泄忌服 (contraindicated in weak Stomach and slippery stools).

Caution

Active bleeding disorders. Flaxseed may have mild antiplatelet effects due to its high alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content, which could theoretically increase bleeding risk in those with hemorrhagic conditions.

Caution

Hormone-sensitive conditions (estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis). The lignans in flaxseed have weak estrogenic activity and may theoretically influence hormone-sensitive conditions. Use only under professional guidance.

Avoid

Intestinal obstruction or esophageal stricture. The high mucilage and fiber content of flaxseed expands significantly when hydrated. Consuming large amounts without adequate water can worsen or cause bowel obstruction, especially in those with pre-existing gastrointestinal narrowing.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Use with caution. Classical Chinese sources explicitly list pregnancy as a contraindication (孕妇忌服). From a modern perspective, flaxseed is rich in lignans, which are phytoestrogens that can weakly mimic estrogen activity in the body. While there is no definitive clinical evidence of harm, the estrogenic activity raises theoretical concerns about disrupting the hormonal environment of pregnancy. Some Western references classify flaxseed as "possibly unsafe" during pregnancy for this reason. Pregnant women should avoid therapeutic doses and consult a healthcare provider before use.

Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable safety data exists for the use of Ya Ma Zi during breastfeeding. The lignans in flaxseed have weak estrogenic properties, and it is unclear whether these compounds or their metabolites transfer into breast milk in clinically meaningful amounts or whether they could affect the nursing infant. The high omega-3 (ALA) content is generally considered nutritionally beneficial, but therapeutic doses of the herb should be avoided during breastfeeding without professional guidance. It is best to stay on the safe side and avoid use at medicinal doses.

Children

Ya Ma Zi can be used in children at reduced dosages appropriate to age and body weight, typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose for older children. Ensure adequate water intake when administering, as the high mucilage content can cause choking or intestinal issues in small children if taken dry or without sufficient fluid. Seeds should be crushed or ground before administration, as whole seeds may pass through the digestive tract undigested. Not recommended for infants. For children with constipation, start with a low dose and increase gradually to avoid bloating or gas.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Ya Ma Zi

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications: Flaxseed oil contains high levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which has shown mild antiplatelet effects in some studies. Theoretically, combining flaxseed at therapeutic doses with blood-thinning medications (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, etc.) could have additive effects and increase bleeding risk. However, most clinical studies in healthy individuals have not found significant changes in coagulation. Caution is still advised, and patients should inform their prescriber.

Diabetes medications: Flaxseed may modestly lower blood sugar levels. When combined with insulin, metformin, or other hypoglycemic drugs, there is a theoretical risk of blood sugar dropping too low. Blood glucose should be monitored.

Antihypertensive medications: Meta-analyses have shown that flaxseed can reduce blood pressure. Combining therapeutic doses with blood pressure medications could lead to additive hypotensive effects.

Oral medications generally: The high mucilage and fibre content of flaxseed can bind to and delay the absorption of co-administered oral medications. It is recommended to take other oral medications at least 1-2 hours before or after consuming flaxseed.

Hormone therapies: The phytoestrogens (lignans) in flaxseed may theoretically interfere with hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives, though clinical evidence is limited.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Ya Ma Zi

Drink plenty of water when taking Ya Ma Zi, as its high mucilage and fibre content absorbs fluid and can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or even intestinal blockage if taken without adequate hydration. Avoid consuming large quantities of raw, unprocessed seeds. Lightly roasting or cooking the seeds is preferred to reduce trace cyanogenic glycoside content. For those taking Ya Ma Zi to address dry skin conditions or constipation, favour warm, easily digestible foods and healthy fats (soups, congee, cooked vegetables) rather than cold, raw, or greasy foods that might tax the Spleen and Stomach.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Ya Ma Zi source plant

Linum usitatissimum L. (Common Flax) is a slender, erect annual herb in the family Linaceae, typically growing 30–120 cm tall. The stems are thin and wiry but surprisingly strong, branching mainly at the top. The leaves are narrow, lanceolate, glaucous green, 2–4 cm long and about 3 mm wide, arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are delicate and short-lived (each lasting only a single day), 15–25 mm in diameter with five pale blue petals. The fruit is a small, round, dry capsule 5–9 mm across, containing several glossy, flattened seeds that are reddish-brown in colour and 4–7 mm long, shaped somewhat like tiny apple pips.

Flax is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia (modern Turkey, Iran, and surrounding areas) and has been cultivated for both its fibre and oil-rich seeds for thousands of years. It prefers temperate climates, full sun, and moist, well-drained soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH. It does not tolerate shade or heavy clay soils well. The Latin species epithet usitatissimum means "most useful," reflecting its long history of diverse applications.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Ya Ma Zi is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Autumn (August to October), when the fruit capsules are fully mature. The whole plant is cut, bundled, sun-dried, and then threshed to collect the seeds.

Primary growing regions

In China, Ya Ma Zi is primarily produced in Inner Mongolia (内蒙古), Heilongjiang (黑龙江), Liaoning (辽宁), and Jilin (吉林) provinces, which represent the traditional dao di (道地药材) regions for this herb. It is also produced in Sichuan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Yunnan. Globally, flax is widely cultivated in Canada (the world's largest producer), Russia, China, India, and parts of Europe, all in temperate zones with cool growing seasons.

Quality indicators

Good quality Ya Ma Zi seeds are reddish-brown in colour, glossy and smooth on the surface, plump and full, with no shrivelling or discolouration. Under a magnifying glass, tiny shallow pits are visible on the surface. The seed coat is thin; when peeled, a brownish membranous endosperm is visible, with two large yellow-white cotyledons that are rich in oil. The seeds should have a faint, slightly beany smell when chewed (豆腥味) and a mucilaginous, oily texture. When soaked in water, the seed coat should swell noticeably, forming a clear mucilage sheath around the entire seed. Avoid seeds that are dark, dull, hollow, insect-damaged, or have an off smell.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Ya Ma Zi and its therapeutic uses

《本草图经》 Běn Cǎo Tú Jīng

Original: 味甘，微温，无毒。治大风疮癣。

Translation: Sweet in flavour, slightly warm, non-toxic. Treats severe wind sores and tinea (skin lesions).

《滇南本草》 Diān Nán Běn Cǎo

Original: 味甘辛，性平，无毒。治肺痨。

Translation: Sweet and acrid in flavour, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Treats pulmonary consumption (tuberculosis).

《本经逢原》 Běn Jīng Féng Yuán

Original: 亚麻性润，专于解散风热湿毒，为大麻风必用之药，故醉仙散用之。

Translation: Flaxseed is moistening in nature, specializing in dispersing wind-heat and damp-toxin. It is an essential herb for treating leprosy (great wind disease), and is therefore used in the formula Zuì Xiān Sǎn.

《中药材手册》 Zhōng Yào Cái Shǒu Cè

Original: 通大小肠，解毒止痛。治肠热、丹毒。

Translation: Opens the large and small intestines, resolves toxin and stops pain. Treats intestinal heat and erysipelas (red-skin toxin).

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Ya Ma Zi's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Ya Ma Zi (亚麻子) first appeared in Chinese medical literature in the Song dynasty text Běn Cǎo Tú Jīng (《本草图经》, Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica), where it was noted for treating severe wind sores and skin lesions. However, significant confusion has surrounded this herb for centuries, because it was often recorded under the name "Hú Má Zǐ" (胡麻子). This same name was also used for black sesame (Sesamum indicum), a completely different plant from the Pedaliaceae family. Classical scholars have long noted that the "Hú Má" described in the Shén Nóng Běn Cǎo Jīng actually refers to sesame, not flax, and the two should not be confused. Li Shizhen recorded Ya Ma Zi under the alternate name "Bì Shī Hú Má" (壁虱胡麻, "tick-shaped sesame") in the Běn Cǎo Gāng Mù.

The herb gained particular renown in classical dermatology. The Qing dynasty text Běn Jīng Féng Yuán by Zhang Lu emphasized that flaxseed was essential for treating "great wind disease" (大麻风, leprosy or severe skin conditions caused by wind-heat and damp-toxin), and it was a key ingredient in the formula Zuì Xiān Sǎn (醉仙散). Yunnan folk medicine traditions, recorded in the Diān Nán Běn Cǎo, also valued it for treating pulmonary consumption. In modern TCM, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia classifies Ya Ma Zi with the functions of moistening dryness, promoting bowel movement, nourishing Blood, and dispelling Wind.

Modern Research

3 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Ya Ma Zi

Meta-analysis of the effects of flaxseed interventions on blood lipids (2009)

Pan A, Yu D, Demark-Wahnefried W, Franco OH, Lin X. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009, 90(2): 288-297.

This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that flaxseed consumption significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. The effects depended on the type of flaxseed product used, the sex of participants, and their baseline lipid levels. No significant effects were found on HDL cholesterol or triglycerides.

DOI

Effects of flaxseed supplements on blood pressure: systematic review and meta-analysis (2016)

Ursoniu S, Sahebkar A, Andrica F, Serban C, Banach M; LBPMC Group. Clinical Nutrition, 2016, 35(3): 615-625.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessed the effect of flaxseed supplementation on blood pressure. The pooled analysis found that flaxseed consumption was associated with reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, supporting its potential as a dietary adjunct for managing hypertension.

DOI

Dose-response meta-analysis of flaxseed products on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in dyslipidemia (2021)

Nutrition & Metabolism, 2021, 18: 85.

A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 31 RCTs with 1,698 participants found that flaxseed consumption had beneficial effects on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, and the inflammatory marker IL-6 in patients with dyslipidemia-related diseases. Whole flaxseed appeared more effective than flaxseed oil or isolated lignans.

DOI

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.