Linum usitatissimum

Scientific name: Linum usitatissimum L.

Family: Linaceae

Synonym: Linum humile Mill.

Bengali/Vernacular name: Tisi.

Tribal name: Krah-tisi (Khasia).

English name: Linseed, Flax.

Description of the plant: An annual herb, 60-120 cm tall, branches ascending towards the apex. Leaves 1-3 cm long, alternate, sometimes whorled, linear-lanceolate, acute. Flowers blue, 2-3 cm across, in corymbose panicles. Capsules ovoid; seed ellipsoid, reddish, shiny.

Plant parts used: Seed.

Ethnomedicinal uses: Paste prepared from the seeds of the plant is taken with warm water twice a day to relief cough, cold, and bronchitis.

Seeds of the plant are soaking in water overnight, next morning this is taken for the treatment of constipation.

A paste is made with the seeds of the plant is mixed with water then the mixture is taken to treat dysuria.

Infusion of seed is taken for the treatment of gastric ulcer.

Distribution: The plant is cultivated throughout the country.

Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….