Anyone who has any interest in the sport of cricket knows that linseed (flaxseed) oil is essential in the preservation and maintenance of traditional English willow cricket bats.
But why do we apply linseed oil to our bats, and why is it so good for the wood?
Linseed oil works in the following ways,
Prevents drying and cracking - it keeps the wood hydrated, preventing it from becoming brittle and prone to cracks, by penetrating deep into the wood fibres.
Enhances durability - by maintaining the moisture content, the bat remains resilient and less likely to split on impact with a cricket ball.
Improves performance - a well-oiled cricket bat absorbs shock better, reducing damage and "recoil" from ball impacts.
Prepares for knocking-in - linseed oil softens the natural fibres of te bat, making the knocking-in process easier and more effactive.
Protects against the effects of weather - it helps shield the bat from excessive moisture and humidity changes, by creating a water resistant barrier on the surface of the bat, in this way it also reduces the risk of warping and cracking.
As well as being a fantastic wood treatment linseed (flaxseed) oil is very beneficial for skin too. Its rich composition of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, linolenic acid, and antioxidants has the following skincare benefits,
Moisturises - flax seed oil helps in the retention of moisture, which is beneficial for dry, ageing, and sensitive skin.
Reduces inflammation - its anti-inflammatory properties help with common skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
Enhances the skin barrier - it strengthens the skin's natural protective layer, preventing moisture loss.
Anti-ageing - the antioxidants in Flax Seed Oil combat free radicals, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Promotes healing - it supports the skin's natural repair process, helping improve scars and minor wounds.
As well as flaxseed (linseed) oil, another ingredient derived from flax seeds is flax mucilage or gel, which natrl skincare incorporates into it's amazingly effective restorative hand cream and conditioning Ultra Gel - find out more about these products here
#linseedoil #cricket #cricketbat #flaxseed
Whatsapp us!