Weeds & Seeds Swap

Many of you have probably seen a variety of Psyllium in your lawn or garden, and pulled it as a weed. The variety pictured is Plantago Psyllium. This is an herbal remedy that I, and others have used to add fiber to the diet, and for colon cleansing. The seeds and husks are ground to a powder and are sold in capsules or bulk form.

This is what medicinal herbalists call a “mucilaginous” herb. That means that when water is added, the powder absorbs the water and swells, and becomes slippery or “slimy” to the touch, though not unpleasant. It is this property that makes it beneficial to those who take it for intestinal health.

The perennial weed grows low to the ground and produces small white flowers. Each seed from the plant is enclosed in a husk. Some of the varieties of Plantago used are Plantago indica, Plantago ovata, and Plantago psyllium. The plants are native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Western Africa.

Chinese medical literature from 220 BC mentions the use of psyllium for medicinal purposes.

Science Behind the Herb:

Many OTC products contain psyllium because of the ability of the herb to increase in volume in liquid, increase the volume of fiber in the colon, and thereby increase the peristalsis of the colon (the muscle activity of the colon that causes it to eliminate waste - many have sluggish colons and need this additional help). Studies show it decreases the incidence of colo-rectal cancer, which is true of any high fiber diet, and has the ability to lower cholesterol levels.

Contraindications:

If you are allergic to psyllium dust, you should avoid this herb. If you have strictures in the colon, you will want to avoid this herb in order to avoid blockage. Since it has strong absorbent properties, it may be better to take separately from vitamin supplements, or medications, as it will absorb the needed properties and they will pass through the colon unused. If you have IBS, it may be best to use psyllium that does not contain the husks, or slippery elm as an alternative.

Here are a few sources of Psyllium:

Bowel Detox
Dieter’s Cleanse
Fat Grabbers
LOCLO
Psyllium Seeds
Taio He Cleanse

Thanks for reading, and have a happy day!