In Europe, North Africa, and Asia, psyllium has been utilised as a secure and efficient laxative for many years. Psyllium husks and seeds have earned the nickname "flea seed" due to people mistaking them for fleas due to their tiny size and brown colour. They have a tasteless flavour, expand when wet, and have a texture similar to jelly in the mouth. In the 1980s, clinical studies conducted in the US, Germany, and Scandinavia demonstrated that psyllium possesses both laxative and antidiarrheal properties. It is recommended to take common plantain if you have diarrhoea or uncomfortable bowel syndrome. China uses che gian zi as a diuretic, a treatment for diarrhoea, and a remedy for bronchial catarrh. Late in pregnancy, the powdered husk is administered to help with the foetus' natural presentation (head-down position in the uterus).
Habitat & Cultivation
The three species that generate psyllium are widely grown and may be found growing in different regions of southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia, particularly India. They need a lot of light and are grown from seeds in the spring. In the late summer and early fall, the seeds are collected when they are mature.
Uses
Laxative In both traditional and herbal medicine, psyllium is suggested for constipation, particularly when the problem is caused by an excessively stiff or relaxed colon. Both husks and seeds have a lot of mucilage, or fibre, and as they soak up water, they both swell and becoming quite gelatinous. They make the faeces bulkier, which makes it easier to move through the big bowel by retaining a high water content there.
Other bowel problems Contrary to popular belief, psyllium is an effective treatment for diarrhoea. Numerous other bowel issues, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome, can also be successfully treated with it. Psyllium is a typical remedy for dysentery in India.
Relieving haemorrhoids Psyllium is beneficial for haemorrhoids because it softens stools and lessens vein irritation.
Detoxifying herb Toxins can be absorbed in the large bowel by the jelly-like mucilage that is created when psyllium is soaked in water. Psyllium is frequently consumed to decrease auto-toxicity.
Digestive Ailments The mucilage-rich husks and seeds provide a calming, protecting effect that affects the entire gastro-intestinal system. Psyllium is used to treat acid reflux, gastrointestinal, and duodenal ulcers.
Urinary infections The urinary system is also affected by psyllium's demulcent properties. The sole time this concoction is used is in India, where urethritis is treated with an infusion of the seeds.
External Uses When psyllium husks are infused with marigold, they create a potent poultice that may be used externally to treat boils, abscesses, and whitlows.
Parts used
Seeds need to be soaked in water. before used
Husks. are often ground into a powder and used in a number of dishes.
Key Actions
Demulcent Bulk laxative
Antidiarrhoeal
Constituents
Mucilage (arabinoxylan)
Fixed oil (2.5%) - mainly linoleic, oleic and palmitic fatty acids
Starch
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 123.
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