Psyllium is a soluble fibre obtained from the plant genus Plantago. The seed contains 19% fibre, 18.8% protein, and a variety of sugars, including 10%-20% triglycerides, as well as other carbohydrates, alkaloids, amino acids, oils, tannins and flavonoids.
Also known as fleawort, psyllium is the common name for several members of the plant genus Plantago. Although often used as a mild, natural laxative, strictly speaking it is not a laxative but a true soluble dietary fibre. It also adds some calories to the diet because once it is metabolized in the colon, some of it is absorbed. As a soluble fibre it becomes gelatinous and sticky in water. It is not absorbed in the small bowel. It is broken down in the large bowel and becomes a food source for the bacteria that live in the colon. These healthy bacteria bulk up the stool, creating a larger softer stool which is easier to pass. One source says a tablespoon of crushed psyllium seed provides as much fibre as a serving of bran cereal.
The seeds are oval-shaped, odourless and almost tasteless, and are so small they are often referred to as “flea seeds”. In fact, the word “psyllium” originated from a Greek word meaning “flea”. The seeds range in colour from reddish brown to black.
Modern Uses:
In summary, psyllium has been used successfully -
¤ As a natural bulk laxative
¤ As a high source of dietary fiber
¤ To reduce total blood cholesterol
¤ As a colon cleanser
¤ To remove toxins from the intestines
¤ To absorb bile acids in the intestine
¤ To help prevent colon cancer
¤ To reduce the absorption of toxic metals
¤ As an appetite suppressant
Psyllium may also be supportive in the following conditions:
¤ Atherosclerosis
¤ Appendicitis
¤ Constipation
¤ Heart disease
¤ Diabetes
¤ Psoriasis
¤ High triglycerides
¤ Weight Loss
¤ Diverticulosis
¤ Diarrhea
¤ Hemorrhoids
¤ Gallstones
¤ High Cholesterol
¤ Obesity
¤ Irritable Bowel Syndrome
¤ Indigestion
Suggested Dosages:
Ailment
Dosage
Candida Overgrowth Syndrome
1-3 tsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken in water as described below (followed by full glass of water) once a day
Constipation
1-3 tbsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken once a day in water or juice as described below
Diarrhea
1-3 tbsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken once a day in water or juice as described below
Gallstones
1 tbsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken twice a day in water or juice as described below
Hemorrhoids
1 tbsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken twice a day in water or juice as described below
High Cholesterol
1 tbsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken twice a day in water or juice as described below
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
1-3 Psyllium husk fiber taken twice a day in water or juice as described below
Weight Loss
1-3 tbsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken twice a day in water or juice (30 minutes before meals) as described below
How do I take it, how much and when?
Half fill a large tumbler with at least 250 ml of water. Add the desired amount of psyllium husk fiber (Colon Cleanse), stir briskly, quickly and vigorously, and drink the full amount rapidly before full gelling sets in.
Psyllium should always be taken on an empty stomach – that is 1 hour to 30 minutes before breakfast and/or lunch and/or supper.
