Flaxseed oil is well known as one of the best sources of the essential fatty acids. It contains approximately 50-60% of the omega-3 essential fatty acid known as linolenic acid or alpha-linolenic acid and roughly 18-20% of the omega-6 essential fatty acid known as linoleic acid. Although flaxseed oil contains ample amounts of both essential fatty acids, its true importance is due to the fact that it is nature's richest source of linolenic acid, which is frequently deficient in American diets. The essential fatty acids in flaxseed play a role in a wide range of health conditions.
There are several types of wounds, including surgical, traumatic and chronic wounds. Traumatic wounds may be caused by mechanical, traumatic or thermal injury, including contusions, abrasions, punctures, fractures, burns and frostbite. The surgical wound is usually clean and easiest to heal. By definition, chronic wounds may be more difficult to heal, and include pressure sores and diabetic ulcers.
Researchers investigated whether a new flax dressing product was beneficial in treating long-standing venous ulcers. The product was comprised of fibers, oil emulsion and seedcake extract from genetically engineered flax plants containing a broad spectrum of antioxidants. The results after 12 weeks was application of this bandage yielded a more rapid rate of healing and reduced wound exudes and wound size. Several participants experienced complete wound healing during the 12 week period. The patients reported that the bandage diminished the pain usually accompanied with chronic venous ulceration. The researchers concluded that this study suggests flax as a bandage is beneficial for chronic wound healing and also relieves pain.1
1 Skorkowska-Telichowska K, Zuk M, Kulma A, et al. New dressing materials derived from transgenic flax products to treat long-standing venous ulcers--a pilot study. Wound Repair Regen. 2010.