Linseed: Nature’s Hidden Beauty or Misunderstood Plant?

Why We Use Flaxseed Oil?  - A Truly Amazing Ingredient in Our Beeswax Furniture Polish!

A customer asked: Why do we use flaxseed oil (also known as linseed oil) in our beeswax furniture polish? 

The short answer? It works! 

It's a beautifully effective ingredient, which has stood the test of time. Linseed oil when applied to wood, it enhances the grain, adds a protective layer and provides a natural-looking sheen. Paired with Beeswax is a power house of wood care. 

This post focuses on linseed’s role in wood polishing. It’s worth noting that linseed has a rich history of use in everything from linen and paint to food and traditional medicine.

Photo at the top of the page is Linseed plants grown one year in a field Northiam, East Sussex. 

A Natural Ingredient with Ancient Roots

The oilseed flax (linseed) (Linum usitatissimum L.) is predominantly the source of valuable oil, in which the most appreciated are omega-3 fatty acids.

Wild flax, the ancestor of modern linseed, was first used by humans over 9,000 years ago for its oil and strong fibres.

Long before synthetic finishes and spray-on polishes, flaxseed oil was the trusted solution for preserving and enhancing wood.

Flax is one of the oldest cultivated plants in history, grown for over 10,000 years. It’s valued both for its strong fibres, used to make linen, and for its nutrient-rich oil.

Flax is one of the oldest cultivated crops. It is native to the region extending from the eastern Mediterranean to India and was probably first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent.

In Ancient Egypt, flaxseed oil was used in cosmetics, medicine and wood care. Fax linen even wrapped mummies.

Greek and Roman craftsmen used it to finish wood, polish shields and treat valuable leather.

By the Middle Ages, it was common in European homes for furniture care and health remedies.

During the Industrial Revolution and Victorian era, linseed oil remained essential in fine furniture finishes and wood preservation. Prized for its durability and natural finish. This deep history speaks to linseed oil’s trusted effectiveness, which is why we include it in our Traditional Beeswax Furniture Polish.

Linseed oil can be golden yellow, brown, or amber in colour. 

It's worth mentioning that Flax, ( used for clothing) was the first fibrous crop, that was spun and woven in to the textiles due to its unique properties. It is three times stronger than cotton!

Why Linseed Is Perfect for Wood

• Penetrates deeply – Nourishes wood from within

• Cures hard – Dries into a durable, natural finish

•  Enhances grain – Brings out rich tones with a warm, low-sheen glow

• Time-tested & natural – Trusted for centuries, with no synthetic additives

Our customers repeatedly say how wonderful our Traditional Beeswax Polish is. 

Praising its nourishing effect and how beautifully it brings out the natural grain of their wood.

“This Natural Beeswax Polish is amazing! It really revitalised my old furniture and left a beautiful, natural finish!” . A happy customer - Elizabeth Jones

When we blend flaxseed oil with pure beeswax, we create a traditional polish that’s both effective and gentle. Flaxseed oil soaks into the wood, nourishing it. Whilst beeswax forms a protective surface against scratches and wear. Enhancing the grain and natural shine.

After extensive research, we chose natural ingredients that have stood the test of time. From ancient Egyptians and Romans to Victorian cabinetmakers, flaxseed (linseed) oil has been used for centuries, as a trusted wood treatment.

Linseed is far from being an a toxic enemy. It is a powerhouse of natural ingredients. Safe, effective and remarkably effective.

It’s rich in essential fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that gives the oil its excellent penetrating and nourishing qualities. These fatty acids allow the oil to soak deeply into the wood, harden as it cures, and form a durable, protective finish from within.

The Perfect Partner To Natural Beeswax

When carefully blended, flaxseed oil and beeswax create a time-honoured polish that reveals your wood’s natural glow. 

The addition of carnauba wax and lemon provides extra durability. While a touch of lemon subtly enhances the blend. Formulated so the lemon leaves hardly, to near zero a trace of scent.  It was crucial to us that we formulated a beeswax polish, which was lung friendly and great for asthmatics. 

A simple, effective way to nourish and preserve your furniture.

15th August 2025