Seeds from Seeds & A Seed Scrub

I can feel that the garden is starting to wind down. It seems like the frenzy of harvest just started and now it is quietly, beautifully slowing with the rhythm of nature.

Over these next few weeks I will dry the last batches of plants to use over the winter, a process that has kept us in joy (and a noisy dehydrator) for several sunny weeks. With many plants at their bountiful peak, I'm beginning the process of gathering fresh plant material for preservation in formats that lend themselves to skin and body care (herbal oils, honeys and the like).

I noticed this past week, the first seeds setting. First the calendula (a most alien-like seed), then the flax.

I know absolutely nothing about growing flax. I do know how good flax is for your skin when taken internally as seeds or oil supplements. The omegas in flax are an awesome anti-inflammatory that can help to treat any inflammatory skin condition (acne, eczema, aging, etc.). They rock in a smoothie!

Externally, they make a great facial scrub:

Flax Seed Facial Scrub

1t ground flax seeds
Honey

Mix enough honey with the flax seeds to make a paste. Massage in gentle, circular motions on damp, cleansed skin. Rinse with warm water and apply your favorite toner and moisturizer.

Lonely, shady flax.

I just thought it would be cool to try, so I grew one lonely plant. Despite placing it underneath the site of an enormous rogue morning glory that returns each year. Despite the eternal shade, it actually grew and the delicate blue flowers have turned into these tiny seed pods with tiny flax seeds inside.

I proudly showed them off to a friend visiting for lunch this week and he asked, a little confused, "You grew seeds from, er, seeds?"

Yup!

I figure at the rate I am picking pods and taking out the seeds, I will have a teaspoonful by Christmas!Does anyone know an easy way to harvest these things?