Psyllium, isphagula or plantago is a plant that is both native and cultivated in Iran and India. The seeds and seed husks are used medicinally.
Medicinal Properties of Psyllium
Psyllium seeds are high in both insoluble and soluble fibre (mucilage). They contain between 10-30% mucilage. These fibres have a bulking and gel-forming action in the bowel when water is also present, which encourages peristalsis and bowel emptying, making it a gentle but effective laxative. These fibres can also absorb and carry excess dietary fat and cholesterol out of the bowel.
Psyllium Herbal Remedies
Our herbalists recommend Psyllium/ ispaghula for the following disorders:
Constipation
High Cholesterol
Other Psyllium Information
Psyllium has been also been used in research to help people with Diabetes (only under medical supervision), Diarrhoea, Diverticulitis, Irritable bowel syndrome (however it does not work for some people), Haemorrhoids and Ulcerative colitis. Some people also use fibres such as Psyllium to help with weight management as it gives a feeling of fullness and slows down the absorption of fat and sugar.
Supplements are available as seeds, husks, powder or capsules and must be taken with plenty of water.
Side Effects of Psyllium
It is advisable to start taking Psyllium at small doses initially to let the bowel adjust to an increase in fibre. It is equally important to drink plenty of water. This advice applies to all fibre supplements.
People with chronic Constipation and bowel obstructions should not use Psyllium or fibre supplements and should consult medical advice immediately.
Some people with irritable bowel syndrome find that Psyllium worsens their symptoms and are advised to eat more fruit and vegetables instead to obtain the soluble fibre they need.
Generally, there are no other side effects or contra-indications from using Psyllium herbal supplements as long as plenty of water is also consumed.
When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with the herb Psyllium.
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