Bulk Herbs: Psyllium husk - powder

Excerpt from The How To Herb Book

Psyllium has been called a “colon broom” because it scrubs the colon. It creates bulk and pulls putrefactive toxins from the sides of the intestines and colon. Drink plenty of water with it because it expands. Also take enemas or a good herbal laxative to help move the fecal matter and all the Psyllium out of the colon.

• Acts as an intestinal lubricant.
• Comes in bulk, stir in juice, or take capsules with plenty of water (at least 8 oz)

Psyllium is the husk of the seed of the Plantain and is a top herb used in weight control and for general intestinal health. It contains a spongy fiber that reduces appetite, improves digestion and cleanses the system, making it an excellent choice for healthy dieting. Psyllium can provide the fiber that is missing on low carbohydrate diets. Every 100 grams of psyllium provides 71 grams of soluble fiber; a similar amount of oat bran would contain only 5 grams of soluble fiber. The herb also provides a feeling of fullness that is helpful to keep from eating between meals.

Psyllium soaks up a significant amount of water in the digestive tract, thereby making stool firmer and, under these circumstances, slower to pass. Psyllium also has the additional advantages over other sources of fiber of reducing flatulence and bloating.

The fiber component is known to reduce appetite, improve digestion and cleanse your system of harmful toxins. Because of its soluble fiber component, it has been widely used for the following health problems:

• Cholesterol Control - intake of at least 3 to 12 grams of fiber can reduce LDL cholesterol as well as total cholesterol levels
• Constipation - psyllium husk allows for increased absorption of water during digestion resulting in softened stools and reduced pain associated with hemorrhoids
• Diarrhea - used as an agent for bulk-forming, it can relieve mild and moderate cases of diarrhea by firming up stools and allow for its slower passage.
• High sugar levels in blood - It has been proven to lower blood sugar levels in patients diagnosed with diabetes
• Inflammatory bowel disease - studies have revealed that it can actually regulate consistency and frequency of stool in individuals with this digestive problem. In addition, it reduces bloating and flatulence. Because it will produce easy bowel movements with a loose stool, psyllium is used by patients with anal fissures (cracks in the skin near the anus) and hemorrhoids and is often recommended following anal or rectal surgery and during pregnancy.
• Obesity and Weight Loss - improves lipid and sugar levels in the blood effectively reducing body weight
• Colon Cancer Prevention - some studies have shown possibilities of reduced risk for colon cancer
• Preparation for Colonoscopy - cleanses the colon before the procedure.