I once dated a pusher, no matter how many times I said no, he would sneak in a way to introduce pills into our conversation and even went so far as to purchase them for me for a Valentine's Day gift. It was truly one of the most annoying things about him, but years later I found mounds of evidence that flax seed benefits your hair and skin, and cursed how stubborn I was back then. Sure, I knew there were serious benefits of fish oil supplements that I, a long-term vegetarian, was definitely missing in my daily diet. Still, my stance on consuming meat-based products extended further than meals. I paid extra money for vegetarian vitamins and I publicly sniffed purses to verify if they once belonged to an animal. I didn't care that he literally salivated when we saw farm animals on a trip, imagining how good they would taste, but he definitely didn't want me to miss out on omega-3 fatty acids and that was, well, kind of cute.
Since flax seed oil saved me from having fish oil casually slipped into my tofu steaks by my ex-boyfriend, I knew it would be the perfect vegetable to have on my side while I tried to get rid of a rash I accidentally gave myself.
Flax seed oil is actually the richest vegetable source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are well known to help heal wounds faster, but after a few morning flax seed facials I was still surprised to see how much the appearance of my rash started to disappear. Omega-3s also provide hydration when applied topically by locking in moisture and preventing water loss. Even if you don't have a random rash right in the center of your nose, flax seeds can provide a hydrated, youthful appearance to otherwise dull skin.
My story of triumph with flax seeds is not that impressive compared to King Charlemagne. According to Real Food for Life's website, King Charlemagne demanded the consumption of flax seeds to guarantee good health for his subjects, which is really kind for someone who was responsible for mass killings. If I were Queen of the Franks, master of Northern Europe, and an evil ruler, I would require my subjects to use flax seed oil in their mandated DIY beauty regimens to ensure healthy hair and flawless skin. Of course, this and statements like this, are why I will never be ruler of anything, but myself and this article.
Here's how you can flax up your beauty care naturally and effectively. Make sure you save some seeds left over for a healthy meal that will also promote healthy hair and skin.
How to Make Your Own Flax Seed Oil
So, I'm sure there are a lot of different ways you can make oil from flax seeds and I'm sure for many people, purchasing flax seed oil is far more appealing. However, I had a hard time finding flax seed oil and found it pretty easy to make the oil myself. First I poured a cup of flax seeds and four cups of water in a glass bowl and put a sealable lid on it overnight, allowing the seeds to steep in the water. Next, I heated the liquid in a saucepan at medium to high heat and strain the liquid into your bowl, discarding or finding other use for those flax seeds. Don't eat them plain, however: I did and it was kind of gross.
Now you are ready to use your flax seed oil for some really great DIY recipes, like the ones below.
1. Flax Seed Hair Gel
Surprise! Your new mixture doubles as a hair gel. Use your flax seed gel for your hair on the windy days to seal in moisture so your style doesn't get wind-blown and dry by the time you get to your destination. This is also an excellent way to use a styling agent that also promotes hair growth.
2. Flax Seed Facial
This facial from Acne Pimple on Face's website is great for anyone suffering for moderate acne, acne scars, or rosacea. Flax seeds have a high anti-inflammatory value and increase the production of oil in our skin — don't forget, though, that some oil is important. Mix two tablespoons of raw honey, a teaspoon of fresh lime juice, and a tablespoon of flax seed oil and apply directly on your face. This facial is something you can use daily with little to no irritation or dryness.
3. Flax Rash Gel
For those with sensitive skin or allergies, this gel is going to be awesome for anytime you step out of Sephora and realize you have bumps on your neck from all those fragrances. I mix equal parts of cocoa butter and flax oil and apply the gel directly on the spot. The best part about this gel is that unlike other ointments for rashes, it doesn't smell like a doctor's office.
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