Psyllium seed - powder

Excerpt from the book 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.

Excerpts from the book Nutritional Herbology

Psyllium is the most popular mucilaginous herb in use today. Its hulls are well known as bulk laxatives.

The written history of the medicinal use of psyllium is surprisingly sketchy. More references refer to its use as a food or cattle fodder than as medicinal herb. All references agree, however, on its medicinal use as a bulk laxative.

In India, psyllium is used as a diuretic, and in China, related species are used to treat bloody urine, coughing and high blood pressure.

Psyllium is a bulk laxative that increases the volume of the intestinal contents. This stretching action on the wall of the intestine encourages peristaltic activity in the bowel. The indigestible mucilage (active principle) is found both in the whole seed and the husk and swells when it comes in contact with water. The husks are most often employed since the seed germ contains oils and tannins which are undesirable in bulk laxatives preparations.

Today there is a popular use for psyllium and indeed for many mucilaginous herbs in the area of chronic yeast infections. Candida infections can be eradicated with harsh antibiotics and very restrictive diets, but psyllium can be employed to prevent the systemic absorption of the yeast’s metabolic wastes that many individuals are sensitive to.

In their efforts to survive in one’s colon, these yeasts produce toxins that can cause many allergic reactions. It is difficult at best to try and kill them all and only a few remaining candida yeasts can cause the sensitive reactions in some individuals. Psyllium is proving more beneficial and practical for many individuals who suffer from chronic yeast infections.

Contains mucilaginous compounds that give bulk to the stool, absorb toxins, soothe inflamed tissues, and promote the growth of friendly colonic bacteria. It has been used to treat constipation, dysentery, chronic diarrhea, and cystitis.

Psyllium husk are high or very high on the following nutrients:

Tid Bits You'll Want to Know:

Uses: Psyllium husk is THE herb for any issues related to the colon. However, the list of the benefits that it has on the whole body is quite something else. Rather than making it into a tea or tincture, it is best if ingested as is or stirred into any liquid of your choice. By the way, a little goes a long way. It can be used to benefit men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing) and children. It can be used as often as you would like.

Voice of Experience: Remember to drink lots of water/liquids while using it. This is very important.

Storage: It should be kept in an airtight container and stored in a dark, dry, and cool place.

Questions?: Check out Frequently Asked Questions.