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Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

Flaxseed oil is most often taken by mouth in a liquid form, which contains approximately seven grams of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and approximately 130 calories per 15-milliliter tablespoon.

Flaxseed oil capsules (one or two grams) have been taken by mouth daily for 180 days.

Flaxseed flour (30-100 grams) may be mixed with water to form a moist compress and applied to the skin three times daily.

A single whole flaxseed has been placed under the eyelid to allow a foreign body or mucus to adhere to it, thereby facilitating removal from the eye. This process may be unsafe, and it is suggested that a healthcare professional be consulted for removal of foreign bodies from the eye.

For benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), 300 and 600 milligrams of a flaxseed lignan extract have been taken by mouth daily for four months.

For breast cancer, 5-25 grams daily has been taken by mouth for up to four months.

For cyclic mastalgia, flax muffins or baked products, with flax contents of 25-50 grams, are commonly taken by mouth in clinical trials for up to six months.

For diabetes, flax muffins or baked products, with flax contents of 25-50 grams, are commonly taken by mouth in clinical trials for up to six months.

For gastritis or enteritis, one tablespoon of whole or bruised flaxseed mixed with 150 milliliters of liquid has been taken by mouth 2-3 times daily.

For hyperlipidemia, flax muffins or baked products, with flax contents of 25-50 grams, are commonly taken by mouth in clinical trials for up to six months.

As a laxative, 2-3 tablespoons of bulk flaxseed mixed in 10 times the amount of water have been taken by mouth; 45 grams daily has also been used.

For menopausal symptoms, 5-25 grams has been taken by mouth daily for up to four months; 40 grams of flaxseed has also been taken by mouth daily.

For lupus nephritis, 30 grams of flaxseed has been taken by mouth daily.

For obesity, 30 grams of flaxseed flour has been taken by mouth daily for two weeks.

Children (under 18 years old)

For attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), flax oil (200 milligrams of ALA content), along with 25 milligrams of vitamin C, has been taken by mouth twice daily for three months.

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