Psyllium is the powdered seed of the plant Plantago psyllium and is among the safest and gentlest laxatives. For centuries traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic physicians have used the seeds and leaves of several Asian Plantago species to treat diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, constipation, urinary problems, and more recently high blood pressure. Today psyllium is on of the most popular bulk forming laxatives, being the active ingredient in Metamucil and a number of other commercial products.
Psyllium contains a high mucilage content that when exposed to water swells and becomes gel-like. This makes psyllium an ideal form of dietary fibre. It ideally suited for treating diarrhoea, where psyllium absorbs excess fluid in the intestinal tract and restores normal bulk to the stool, and for treating constipation where psylliums’ water absorbing action decreases stool density and helps lubricate its passage. This can help chronic problems and as it is helpful for haemorrhoids providing relief from pain, bleeding and itching.
Psyllium is a gentle, safe and effective laxative which can be used by most people. It is able to help in cases of diarrhoea and offers relief from the aggravation of haemorrhoids. Studies have now demonstrated that it can be very effective in the control of cholesterol, making psyllium a truly remarkable fibre.
It is very important to drink six to eight glasses of water per day when taking psyllium as it absorbs a high amount of fluid, to achieve its mode of action.