| Psyllium comes from the Greek word ‘psylla’
meaning a flea, because the seed resembles a flea. This herb is a bulk laxative
that increases the volume of the intestinal contents. The major component of
psyllium is mucilage. The seeds and the husk are hydrophilic bulking agents
which swell several times greater than their original size in water. This
increased bulk creates a stretching action on the wall of the intestine that
stimulates peristaltic activity in the bowel, The indigestible mucilage is found
both in the whole seed and the husk and swells when it comes in contact with
water. This property has been used in diet aids to fill the stomach and
intestines, as a bulk laxative and also works in diarrhea by forming a bulk that
will slow down rapid, loose stools. Its drawing action makes it a good base for
an internal poultice. When psyllium is taken with water or liquids and when six
cups or more of fluid are taken with psyllium in a day, the psyllium acts as a
bulking laxative by swelling in the intestinal tract. This aids in standardizing
the habitual bowel movement, preferably a bowel movement with each normal sized
meal.
The Psyllium husks are a lubricating, mucilaginous, fibrous herb with
drawing, cleansing, laxative properties. The husks acts as a "colon
broom" for those suffering with chronic constipation.. This process of
the use, made by an intake of Psyllium seed hull, is effective for inflammatory
diverticulitis, as a lubricant for ulcerous mucosal lining tissue, a balancer
and regulator for digestive enzymes and colon bacteria.
When taken properly internally, Psyllium helps overcome chronic constipation.
Psyllium has a unique action in the bowels as it can act as a demulcent or
emollient, it can be used to either stop diarrhea or to do away with
constipation, depending on the technique used. These hydrophilic bulking
qualities have made it popular for weight loss programs as it fills the
gastrointestinal tract with a bulk that is mostly calorie free, thus doing away
with the urge to eat and helping to reduce excess weight.
In India, Psyllium has been used as a diuretic, and in China, related herbal
combinations are used to treat bloody urine, coughing and high blood pressure,
etc. These get results due to the healing abilities of the body when the colon
waste is removed and the body is allowed to gain better health, which in turn
aids in all bodily areas.
Psyllium used in the above described manner will relieve a physical condition
described as autointoxication, in which the body due to an indecent intake of
wrong foods and food combinations and other unhealthful habits, poisons itself
by producing and reabsorbing an excess of intestinal waste products. The proper
use of Psyllium, as described above, helps over a period of time to remove the
offending substances. Health and well-being are the result of properly following
these described procedures.
Psyllium used in a proper manner, is an excellent cleanser for the intestines
and colon. It also acts to lubricate, moisten and heal the intestinal tract.
Psyllium is very moisture absorbing, so it is essential always to take over 8
glasses of water daily with it, as it expands, and it would be advantageous,
even essential, to use an herbal laxative with it. Psyllium’s soluble fibers
prevent cholesterol absorption, It has insoluble fibers that have a scrubbing
action as they pass through the intestines ridding it of old excess intestinal
debris. Psyllium removes putrifactive toxins from the intestines, and adds bulk
to the stool which absorbs toxins, soothes inflamed tissues, promotes the growth
of friendly colon bacteria and reduce time thru the colon.
Psyllium is also known as:
Plantago psyllium, P. ovata, Psyllium ovata, Fleaseed, Fleawort
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