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This page contains information on psyllium and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments to treat ailments and problems, such as constipation, LDL cholesterol and diabetes.
On this page
Please note that we are not advocating that people stop using their normal medication, but would like to make people aware that some alternative therapies can be very effective to help treat problems and create a healthier, younger and more vital you. For more information on our range of products, please click here.
Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.
Family |
Plantaginaceae |
Genus and specie |
Plantago afra (P. psyllium) |
Plantago ovata, P. o. testa, Spanish psyllium, fleaseed and fleawort.
This a low growing annual, native to Iran and India, with downy leaves and globose flowers, followed by glossy seeds.
The psyllium seed husks are used.
It is a sweet, astringent, cooling herb that soothes irritation and absorbs digestive toxins.
- Internal use
- Although most people see psyllium husks as only being of benefit in cases of constipation, it has other beneficial effects as well.
- Not only does it shorten the gastrointestinal transit time, but it also increases stool weight and the level of stool moisture.
- It is helpful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and helps in the reduction of cholesterol.
- Apart from easing constipation, it is also of use in fecal incontinence from liquid stools or diarrhea and helps with the management of hemorrhoids (it should be taken for an extended period of time to help reduce bleeding hemorrhoids - with a minimum of 40 days).
- People also report a reduction in appetite by having a "fuller" feeling.
- Most importantly it is useful in hyperlipidemia and has shown to reduce total cholesterol levels and specifically LDL cholesterol levels, while it is supportive in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, since the postprandial rise of glucose is significantly reduced.
- External use
- Used as a poultice, it can help to "draw out toxins" and generally help to reduce skin irritation, boils, abscesses, as well as inflamed eyelids.
- Aromatherapy and essential oil use
None noted.
To promote the interest and use of herbs and natural complementary health alternatives, we have included information on the following herbs.
Please note - although we discuss a wide variety of herbs, not all of them are used or sold by us.
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