Common flax, a species of Linum, has been bred since 1900 and is widely cultivated by humans. The first documented use of flax was around 3000 B.C. when it was used in Ireland to make linen. Historically, it was also used to embalm mummies and to make the linen in which they were wrapped. Today, the plant is used in three different ways: for its flowers, for its fiber, and for its seeds.

The seeds from flax can be used in two ways: they can be used in their entirety (linseed) or they can be used for their oil (linseed oil).

LINSEED, when ground and consumed, can serve both cosmetic and health benefits. As a source of omega-3 fatty acids (in the form of alpha-linolenic acid), linseed can help prevent depression, heart attack, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cramps. The lignans in linseed have been found (in animal studies) to prevent tumor growth and to shrink existing tumors. Finally, linseed is a great source of fiber.

LINSEED OIL can be consumed for the same health reasons as linseed; it can also be used as a substitute for common cooking oils (as long as it is not heated - the oil becomes toxic when exposed to heat) if added to food after cooking. Additionally, linseed oil is used in soaps, varnishes, paints, stains, and in linoleum production.

The fiber is probably the most well-known part of the flax plant. The most common product of flax fiber, linen, is actually named from the Latin word for flax. In addition to linen, flax fiber is used for many other things. It can be used to make thread, carpet yarns, and a grade of paper. Mercedes has even used flax fibers in the door backing panels of their E-class cars (they chose flax because of its light weight and resitance to impact).

Humans have cultivated species of Linum for ornamental purposes. Though the more common plants have small leaves with white or blue flowers, other variations exist. Other flower colors range from purple to pink to red to yellow. The plants are grown both commercially and in homes for aesthetic value.