Plantaginaceae
Psyllium
Plantago ovata
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Iran, India, Pakistan
Also known as: Blond Psyllium, Isabgol, Indian Plantain
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
SeedHusk
Therapeutic Uses
Constipation (safe bulk laxative), IBS (reduces both constipation and diarrhoea — FDA and EMA approved), hypercholesterolaemia (reduces LDL by 7–14%), type 2 diabetes (post-meal glucose), diverticular disease, weight management.
Herbal Actions
Bulk laxative, prebiotic, cholesterol-lowering, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory (GI)
Active Constituents
Mucilage (soluble fibre — arabinoxylans, 70–80%), proteins, fatty acids, iridoids
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp husks in 250ml water, stir quickly and drink immediately, 1–3x daily |
| Tincture | N/A — not prepared as tincture |
| Notes | CRITICAL: take with minimum 250ml water immediately — bulk-forming without water causes bowel obstruction. Take away from medications (reduces absorption). For IBS: 10–30g/day in divided doses. Gradual introduction to avoid excessive gas. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: MUST take with adequate water — bowel obstruction risk. Delay medications by 2–4 hours. Avoid in bowel obstruction or narrowing. Diabetics: monitor blood glucose (lowers it).
Side Effects: Gas and bloating initially. Bowel obstruction if insufficient water. Allergic reactions (occupational asthma in psyllium handlers). Otherwise very safe.