Psyllium Seed Powder, organic

Herbs: Psyllium Seed Powder, organic

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Common Name: Psyllium
Latin Name: Plantago psyllium
Origin: India

Excerpts from The How to Herb Book

Psyllium seed powder 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 of the psyllium seed powder 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).

Has been used in the following:

Colitis	Colon cleanser
Diverticulitis	Intestinal tract lubricant

Excerpts from Nutritional Herbology

Psyllium seed powder 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 seed powder 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 seed powder is used as a diuretic, and in China, related species are used to treat bloody urine, coughing and high blood pressure.

Psyllium seed powder 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 seeds are high or very high on the following nutrients:

Dietary Fiber

Zinc

From Our Reading and/or Experience...

Psyllium seed is THE herb for any issues related to the colon. However, the list of the beneficial effects that it has on the whole body is quite something else.
It is best if ingested as is or stirred into any liquid of your choice, rather than making it into a tea or tincture. Our favorite way to use it is in capsules. By the way, a little goes a long way.
Remember to drink lots of water/liquids while using it. This is very important.
It can be used to benefit anyone: men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing), children and animals.
It can be used as often as you would like, and in any way you choose.
As is the case with most herbs, Psyllium seed should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place.