Flaxseed oil has industrial and nutritional uses due to its omega-3 fatty acid compounds. It is used for treating various conditions and as a natural laxative. Linseed oil is used as a sealant and lubricant in paints and polishes, but synthetic substitutes have superior performance. Its benefits can also be disadvantages depending on the circumstances.
Flaxseed oil is a natural oil derived from the flax plant that has industrial uses as well as nutritional value. Uses of linseed oil include as a woodworking varnish and as a gloss enhancer for paint, in the manufacture of linoleum tile floors, and as an antioxidant dietary supplement. Because flaxseed oil is made up of healthy omega-3 fatty acid compounds, it is recommended for many ailments related to heart disease and diabetes.
Among the common healthful uses of flaxseed oil are treatments for such diverse conditions as cancer, arthritis, and skin conditions like eczema. The benefits of treating all of these conditions are based on flaxseed’s concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. It is also seen as a natural laxative source that helps relieve the symptoms of indigestion, as well as the effects of ulcers. Its uses also extend to hormone treatments for both men and women, such as menopause in women and inflammation of the prostate gland in men, as it contains phytoestrogen compounds similar to human hormones that tend to decrease in concentration with age .
As a sealant and lubricant in paints and polishes, the uses of linseed oil are widespread. Crude linseed oil has been an ingredient in these products since before the invention of synthetic substitutes, as it acts as a slow drying wood preservative as well as being able to provide a protective coating to masonry and concrete. Boiled linseed oil dries much faster than the crude variety and is often recommended for commercial applications where there will be foot traffic or handling of the object, such as a tool handle, relatively quickly after coating.
While the uses of linseed oil are diverse, many commercial synthetic substitutes have superior performance characteristics. Benefits using linseed oil still has as of 2011 include that it costs about half as much as synthetic preservatives for wood treatments and has restorative properties for fillers and finishes that have dried out over time. Raw flaxseed oil’s ability to dry slowly over weeks also makes it more suitable as a caulking ingredient in stucco used around windows to maintain an airtight seal. In this case, the synthetic compounds can dry too quickly and in the process separate from the wood-to-glass joint.
The benefits of linseed oil uses can also be seen as disadvantages depending on the circumstances. Sometimes, it may not dry completely, especially if it is too concentrated or applied in cold weather. It does not offer any protection from ultraviolet rays also due to its low molecular weight, which over time can damage the material with which it has been coated. Even a buildup of multiple layers of linseed oil on a surface can be difficult to remove if the flooring is prepared so that it can be repainted or varnished with other materials.
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