Psyllium as an Herb

(Plantago spp.)

Psyllium is a low-growing herb native to India, Iran, and Pakistan, in the same family as the common Plantain. In fact, Psyllium seeds and husks come from three annual species of plantain.

The seed has less fiber than the husk but more plant nutrients.

Medicinal Uses for Psyllium

The seeds and fruit husks of psyllium have long been used as bulk laxatives in Europe and the United States.

Many consumers may already have psyllium seed products on the shelf as they are a common ingredient in bulk laxatives. The seeds and seed husks contain 10 to 30 percent mucilage and, when soaked in water, their volume increases greatly, swelling the amount of intestinal matter. This stimulates and lubricates the bowels, encouraging the movement of wastes through the colon.

Psyllium seed products are widely prescribed and are also available as nonprescription drugs for the treatment of chronic constipation or to soften the stool to relieve hemorrhoids. Research studies show that psyllium seed is more useful than wheat bran for treating constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome.

Suffer from Constipation?
Herbolax, by virtue of its stool softening and intestinal motility enhancing actions, corrects constipation. Herbolax will not disturb the fluid and electrolyte balance. Herbolax is safe for long-term use without producing physiological dependence.

Add 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of psyllium seed to 1 cup (8 ounces) of warm water. Mix well, and then drink immediately before it becomes too thick to swallow comfortably. (Psyllium thickens rapidly when added to water.) If you use a commercial product that contains psyllium, follow the package directions. May also be taken as an extract. If you are not used to taking psyllium, it is best to begin with a low dose (such as 1/2 teaspoon in an 8 ounce glass of water once a day), then increase to 2 teaspoons in two 8 ounce glasses of water per day, as needed.

For irritable bowel syndrome, for example, an initial dose of 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of psyllium per day is gradually increased to 4 doses per day.

In Germany the seeds and husks are also allowed in the supportive treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Studies have also shown that psyllium produces a modest but significant reduction in cholesterol levels.

Studies and clinical reports suggest that psyllium may make you feel fuller and reduce hunger cravings, thus a potential help for weight loss and/or obesity. As a weight-loss aid, take it at least 30 minutes before meals.

By bulking the stool, Psyllium products relieve pain caused by ulcerative colitis and reduce the frequency of fecal incontinence.

Indian researchers reported in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology that diabetics who take 5 grams (about 2 scant tablespoons) of psyllium husk powder 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner for 4 weeks experience:

• Lower fasting blood sugars
• Lower glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C)
• Higher HDL ("good") cholesterol

You can take psyllium first thing in the morning or before bedtime.

Cautions

According to German health authorities, psyllium seed and husks are known to produce rare allergic reactions and can be dangerous in cases of intestinal obstruction. Diabetics may want to watch for sugar content in psyllium products.

Children should get fiber from their diet. Give a child psyllium supplements only under a doctor's supervision.

Never take both psyllium and a stimulant laxative together.

The fibers in psyllium interfere with absorption of nutrients (especially vitamin B12) and medications, so take psyllium at least 2 hours before or after eating or taking supplements or medications.

Do not take this product if you have difficulty swallowing. People with esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus) or any other narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract should not take psyllium.

A potential side effect from any fiber product is gas and bloating.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.