Seeds of Change - Our Recent Linseed Workshop

Today's post is about our recent well-being workshop special at The Linseed Farm, where we were hosted by lovely owner Durwin Banks and got to hear some fantastic talks from Yvette Jordan and Pete Cohen.

The sun was shining and the day started with a fascinating tour around The Linseed Farm. As well as generally enjoying the country air, we also got to see the entire process of production from seed to oil.

'The linseed farm aspect was fascinating, we saw them milling the meal and pressing the oil. It was amazing to actually watch this happening in real time.' - Simone  

Durwin grows linseed/flax in all its forms and supplies direct to individuals across the country and was happy to share all kinds of facts.

Linseed contains a high source of omega 3 fatty acids ALA (alpha linolenic acid), as well as protein, fibre and vitamins and minerals such as  Zinc, Iron, Magnesium & Calcium.

The Linseed (Flaxseed) Oil produced on Durwin's farm contains 60% omega 3 making it one of the richest sources and because it’s plant based, it’s a great vegetarian and vegan source. Omega 3 is well documented for it's health benefits, and is particularity important for people with cancer so it was great to discover such a rich source.


We were then treated to a delicious, healthy lunch (including lots of Linseed based goodies!) which was enjoyed in the sunshine of the farmland - what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Lunch was followed by two more talks. Yvette Jordan spoke on 'The Life of Lymph' - the front line defence system of the body. She talked us through the importance of the lymph system, especially after breast cancer treatment, and gave us some tips of how to ensure a healthy lymphatic system.

Pete Cohen followed up with 'The Magnificent Journey to Health, Happiness and Well-being'. As an experienced life coach he had lots of wisdom to offer for people supporting themselves or others through challenging times.

The days was a perfect mix of new information, inspiration and good old fashioned farmyard fun. We got to try lots of linseed products and were given some to take away too. The linseed really was the hero of the day and with so many health benefits, we will all be singing its praises for a long time to come.

Elisabetta, one of our helpline volunteers who came along, is already a convert (not to mention her dog!) She has kindly shared her experience of the day and new love of linseed:

'It was a lovely day. Durwin and his sister made us feel very welcome, he obviously loves having people around and he is very proud of his farm. He gave us a tour and the simplicity of how they extract the oil is beautiful.

The oil itself is absolutely amazing. I have bought a 5 litre container that he sells for animals and I give a tablespoon full to my German Shepherd twice a day. She absolutely loves it and jumps with excitement every time I bring out the oil. She has just been diagnosed with joint problems and she must feel it's good for her. Before this she was not bothered about her food. whereas now, with the added oil, she licks up every single drop.

I have also made mayonnaise with the oil, which is delicious and use it in salad dressing. I also use it on my skin. My skin is very dry and thin like tissue paper and in the past I noticed that most oils dry it out. But the linseed oil is absolutely fabulous, thick and 'creamy' and gives my skin just the right conditioning.

I have been making my own skin cream for years, using oils, butters, beeswax and essential oils. I have tried everything from almond oil to jojoba oil, so obviously had to give the linseed oil a try. The result? It is absolutely glorious!'

Find out more about Durwin's farm and purchase his linseed products here

Don't miss Robin's radio show tomorrow where he will be interviewing the man himself!

See our calender for future workshops or sign up to our mailing list (on the right of the homepage)