Psyllium Husk

History and Uses:
Psyllium is native to the Mediterranean region, including North Africa and is found in the surrounding areas of India, Pakistan and Iran. Psyllium is also cultivated in the southwestern United States. The name, Psyllium, is derived from the Greek word, psylla, meaning "flea," referring to the appearance of the tiny seeds. The genus name, Plantago, is derived from the word, planta, meaning "sole of the foot." The parts of this plant used medicinally include the seeds and the outer husks of the seeds. Young leaves of this plant can be eaten in salads, and the ground seeds can be added to cereal or yogurt. Psyllium seeds have been used in Europe for intestinal health since the sixteenth century but didn't catch on in the United States until the early 1900s. Primarily, Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative high in both fiber and mucilage, which is why this herb is commonly found in many over-the-counter laxative products available today. The primary chemical constituents of Psyllium include mucilage (arabinoxylan), aucubine, protein, enzymes, xylose, galactose, oils (linoleic, oleic, palmitic) and starch. Psyllium seeds contain 10-30% mucilage. The laxative properties of Psyllium are due to the swelling of the husk when it comes in contact with water. It passes through the small intestine undigested, lining the mucous membranes (demulsifying and lubricating). The seed husks can absorb up to fifteen times their weight in water, and their fibrous qualities make them an excellent laxative agent, yet they also provide intestinal bulk which can help stop diarrhea. This action forms a gelatinous mass in the bowel and keeps the feces both hydrated and soft. The thickened jelly also absorbs toxins and bacteria. The resulting bulk stimulates a reflex contraction of the walls of the bowel, followed by emptying. In addition to its traditional and current use for constipation, Psyllium has also been used topically to treat various skin irritations, including poison ivy reactions and insect bites and stings. It has also been used in traditional herbal systems of China and India to treat hemorrhoids, bladder problems and high blood pressure. Psyllium may also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is said that Psyllium has also been used effectively to treat yeast infections. Because Psyllium tends to swell when contacting water, it can create a feeling of "fullness" in the body, which can help curb appetite.