- Flaxseed provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than the amount available from fish oil. The species name "usitatissimum" means "most useful." This truly useful plant has been cultivated for over 7,000 years. In the 8th century, the French king Charlemagne passed a law requiring citizens to consume Flaxseed so that they would be healthy subjects. The fibers of some of the species of this plant can be used to make paper, linen and twine. Linen from Flax was used to wrap mummies in ancient E