Psyllium (Plantago ovata)

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Other names for psyllium

Psyllium Husk
Psyllium Seed
Ispaghula
Asian Psyllium
Black Psyllium
Blond Psyllium
Psyllium (not specified)
Psyllium (unspecified)
Psyllium fiber
psyllium husk
psyllium seed husk

Synopsis of psyllium

Psyllium refers to the husk of the seeds from the Plantago ovata plant, a small herb native to India and parts of the Middle East. The husk—often simply called psyllium husk—is a soluble, gel-forming fiber that absorbs water and expands in the digestive tract, making it an effective bulk-forming laxative and a staple in both digestive health and cholesterol management.

Psyllium is most well-known for relieving constipation and regulating bowel movements. It adds volume and moisture to the stool, making it easier to pass, while also helping to ease diarrhea by absorbing excess fluid. This dual action makes psyllium a key ingredient in over-the-counter products like Metamucil®. Beyond digestion, psyllium helps lower total and LDL cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar control, and promote satiety, making it beneficial in managing heart health, diabetes, and weight loss.

The fiber in psyllium is primarily composed of arabinoxylans and mucilaginous polysaccharides, which ferment slowly in the colon and provide minimal gas or bloating compared to other fibers. Psyllium can be taken in powder, capsule, or wafer form, but must always be consumed with plenty of water to avoid the risk of choking or intestinal blockage.

Historical Use in Medicine:
Psyllium has been used for over a thousand years in Ayurvedic, Unani, and traditional Western herbal medicine. In Ayurveda, it is known as Isabgol, and has been traditionally prescribed for constipation, diarrhea, colitis, acidity, and cleansing the digestive tract. Its cooling and soothing nature made it ideal for balancing aggravated Pitta and Vata doshas.

In Unani medicine, psyllium was used to regulate digestion, ease intestinal inflammation, and soothe hemorrhoids, often mixed with rose water or milk. In medieval Europe, Plantago species were used for both internal and external ailments, but psyllium husk became especially popular as trade expanded with India and the Middle East.

Psyllium’s effectiveness as a natural fiber supplement was validated in the 20th century by clinical research, which led to its incorporation into mainstream Western medicine as a gentle but reliable bulk laxative. It was also approved by the FDA for its role in reducing the risk of heart disease when used as part of a low-fat diet.

Psyllium is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Scientific)
Anal Fistula or Fissure (Scientific)
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Constipation (adults) (Scientific)
Constipation (children) (Scientific)
Crohn's Disease (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Scientific)
Diverticulitis (Scientific)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Gas and Bloating (Scientific)
Hemorrhoids (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Indigestion (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Scientific)
Leaky Gut Syndrome (Scientific)
Prolapsed Colon (Scientific)

psyllium is used to support these body systems

Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Scientific)
Rectum (Scientific)
Stomach (Scientific)