Anal fissure is usually caused by chronic constipation, trying to pass too large or too solid stools out of the body, giving birth to an infant, etc. which in turn cuts or tears the anal tissues in the rectal canal. Some of the symptoms of anal fissures are 1) there is blood in the stool; 2) there is a foul smell accompanying the bowel extraction; 3) there is an agonizing pain before, during, or after the bowel movement which lasts for a few minutes or much longer; and 4) there is a constant itching of the anus.
Anal fissures can happen to anyone, be it to an infant or an adult. Some of the ways to avoid having this condition is to drink a lot of fluids, eating high fiber diets, and avoid eating food that are hard to digest. Most of the time, anal fissures heal on its own, however if the crack or split in the anal tissue is deep, one may need medical treatment or surgery.
However, there are natural remedies for anal fissure and one of them is the use of common flax.
Common flax (Linum usitatissimum) is an annual plant and is adaptable to variety of soils though it grows best in well-drained sandy loam and temperate climates. It is cultivated due to its fiber where linen yam and fabric are made and its flaxseed commonly known as linseed. The leaves of common flax are lance-shaped and are alternating in a stalk. Its flowers have five petals and grow from the branch tips. The usual colors of the flowers vary from blue to white to pink. Common flax also produces fruits that are small, capsule-like with five lobes that can contain up to 10 seeds per lobe. Though, under normal circumstances, the lobes contain only 6-8 seeds per lobe.
Aside from common flax known for its commercial fiber crop, this plant is also popular as a health food and medicine. The bark and the leaves of common flax are used to treat gonorrhea, a disease usually transmitted through sexual intercourse. The oil and the seed of common flax are used for herbal medicines. The oil contains a small amount of acid called L-glutamic acid which helps treat mental deficiencies for adults. The oil also has lubricating and soothing properties which helps in easing tonsillitis, sore throats, coughs, colds, and constipation.
The linseed is effective as laxative (stimulates bowel excretion) and expectorant (helps clear air passages), both soothe irritated tissues. The seed is also analgesic (relieves pain) in nature, demulcent (relieves inflammation or irritation), and emollient (softens or soothes skin). It also contains mucilage that binds proteins which help soothe irritation. The seed is crushed to produce poultice that is very effective in treating ulcer, abscess and deep-seated inflammation. If the seed is bruised and eaten, it can stimulate peristalsis (constriction and relaxation of the intestinal muscles that help push the contents out of the canal) and helps treat chronic constipation. Common flax’s seed also contains puric acids which, in small amounts, can improve digestion and stimulate respiration. Though if taken in excess, it may result to death.
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