Psyllium seed , whole

Scientific Name: Plantago Arenaria
Origin: India

Approx. Cups/Lb: 3 cups

Herb:  Psyllium Seed

Botanical Name:  Plantago ovata

Common Names:  Indian Plantago, Blonde Psyllium, Isabgol

Habitat/Range:  Europe, Russia, Brazil,  India, Pakistan and Russia

Description:  P. ovata is a flower-producing annual that reaches about a foot in height, features opposite leaves and enjoys a cool, dry climate and well-drained, sandy soil. It is cultivated as source of dietary fiber and plant-based mucilage. A single plant yields an average of 15,000 tiny seeds.

Parts Used:  Ripe seeds

Traditional Uses:  In the United States, psyllium seed is considered a dietary supplement and is not regulated, even though the country is the largest importer of the crop with the majority ending up in over-the-counter products. Psyllium seed is used as an additive to livestock feed and in grass seed formulas as a moisture-retention agent. It is also used in the food industry to thicken ice cream and to enrich cereals.

Chemical Composition:  The seed coat contains up to 12 percent mucilages in the form of arabinoxylans, a cellulose material found in the cell walls of many cereal grains and woods. P. ovata contains the highest level of mucilage and dietary fiber than other members of the Plantago family.

Pharmacological Actions:  Psyllium seeds swell up many times their size because they readily absorb a great volume of water. .

Safety: You should not use psyllium supplements if you have a history of esophageal stricture or an obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Consult a health care practitioner before using this herb if you take medications, including antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, diabetes medications or cholesterol-lowering agents. In addition, psyllium may decrease the effectiveness of digoxin and lithium.