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Psyllium

Uses

Parts Used & Where Grown

Psyllium is native to Iran and India and is currently cultivated in these countries. The seeds are primarily used in traditional herbal medicine. Psyllium seed husks are mainly used to treat constipation.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
3 Stars
Constipation
5 to 10 grams daily in water, followed by a second glass of water
Psyllium is a mild bulk-forming laxative that’s best suited for long-term use in people with constipation.

The laxatives most frequently used world-wide come from plants. Herbal laxatives are either bulk-forming or stimulating.

Bulk-forming laxatives come from plants with a high fiber and mucilage content that expand when they come in contact with water; examples include , flaxseed, and fenugreek. As the volume in the bowel increases, a reflex muscular contraction occurs, stimulating a bowel movement. These mild laxatives are best suited for long-term use in people with constipation.

Many doctors recommend taking 7.5 grams of psyllium seeds or 5 grams of psyllium husks, mixed with water or juice, one to two times per day. Some doctors use a combination of senna (18%) and psyllium (82%) for the treatment of chronic constipation. This has been shown to work effectively for people in nursing homes with chronic constipation.

3 Stars
Diverticular Disease
7 grams daily in water, followed by a second glass of water
A preliminary trial found that psyllium, a good source of fiber, was effective in relieving the symptoms associated with diverticular disease and constipation.

A preliminary trial of the herb supports the use of this type of fiber in relieving the symptoms associated with diverticular disease and constipation.

3 Stars
High Cholesterol
2 to 20 grams (about ½–4 teaspoons) per day with meals
Psyllium husk has been shown to be effective at lowering total and LDL-cholesterol levels.
husk is rich in viscous soluble fiber and is used as a supplement to lower high cholesterol levels, as well as improve digestive function. Psyllium has been shown in multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses to lower high total, LDL-, and non-HDL-cholesterol levels. One meta-analysis included data from 28 randomized controlled trials with a combined total of 1,924 participants and found psyllium, at doses ranging from about 2.4–20.4 grams per day for at least three weeks, lowered LDL- and non-HDL-cholesterol levels in both those with high and normal baseline cholesterol levels. In another meta-analysis that examined data from eight randomized controlled trials with a total of 395 subjects with type 2 diabetes, psyllium use was found to lower LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In a meta-analysis of three trials, psyllium was further found to enhance the cholesterol-lowering effects of statin drugs to a degree comparable to doubling the medication dose. Psyllium has even been found to be safe and effective for treating children and adolescents with high cholesterol levels.
3 Stars
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
3.25 grams taken three times per day
Some people with IBS may benefit from bulk-forming laxatives. Psyllium has helped regulate normal bowel activity and improved symptoms in some people with IBS.

Some people with IBS may benefit from bulk-forming laxatives. seeds (3.25 grams taken three times per day) have helped regulate normal bowel activity in some people with IBS. Psyllium has improved IBS symptoms in double-blind trials.

3 Stars
Type 2 Diabetes
5 grams (about 1 teaspoon) twice daily with meals
Supplementing with psyllium has been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated way for people with type 2 diabetes to improve control of blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Supplementing with psyllium has been shown to be a safe and effective way to improve control of blood glucose and cholesterol. A large review and meta-analysis that included 35 randomized controlled trials found that long-term psyllium use, at a dose of 10.2 grams per day taken before meals, reduces fasting glucose an average of 37 mg/dL and HgbA1c an average of 0.97% in people with type 2 diabetes, with greater improvements seen in those with higher baseline fasting blood glucose levels.
2 Stars
Diarrhea
9 to 30 grams daily
Psyllium seed (an excellent source of fiber) makes stool more solid and can help resolve diarrhea symptoms.

While fiber from dietary or herbal sources is often useful for constipation, it may also play a role in alleviating diarrhea. For example, 9–30 grams per day of (an excellent source of fiber) makes stool more solid and can help resolve symptoms of non-infectious diarrhea. Alginic acid, one of the major constituents in bladderwrack(Fucus vesiculosus), is a type of dietary fiber and as a result may potentially help relieve diarrhea. However, human studies have not been done on how effective bladderwrack is for this condition.

2 Stars
Hemorrhoids
7 grams three times daily in water, followed by a second glass of water
Taking psyllium, an herb high in fiber, may help relieve constipation.

Constipation is believed to worsen hemorrhoid symptoms, and thus, bulk-forming fibers are often recommended for those with hemorrhoids. A double-blind trial reported that 7 grams of , an herb high in fiber, taken three times daily reduced the pain and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. Some healthcare professionals recommend taking two tablespoons of psyllium seeds or 1 teaspoon of psyllium husks two or three times per day mixed with water or juice. It is important to maintain adequate fluid intake while using psyllium.

2 Stars
High Triglycerides
15 grams daily
Psyllium seeds and husks have shown a modest ability to lower blood triglyceride levels in some clinical trials.

seeds and husks have shown a modest ability to lower blood triglyceride levels in some, but not all, clinical trials. Further research is needed to assess the effect of psyllium on triglyceride levels more closely, as much of the study so far has focused on lowering cholesterol levels.

2 Stars
Ulcerative Colitis
Refer to label instructions
Taking psyllium may help people with ulcerative colitis maintain remission.
In a preliminary trial, people with UC remained in remission just as long when they took 20 grams of ground psyllium seeds twice daily with water as when they took the drug mesalamine. The combination of the two was slightly more effective than either alone. Controlled trials are now needed to confirm and therapeutic effect of psyllium of UC.
1 Star
Parkinson’s Disease and Constipation
3 to 5 grams taken at night with a one to two glasses of fluid
Preliminary research has shown that psyllium seed husks improve constipation and bowel function in people with Parkinson’s disease and constipation.

Doctors recommend that people with Parkinson’s disease supplement with fiber and maintain adequate fluid intake to reduce constipation associated with this disease.Preliminary research has shown that seed husks improve constipation and bowel function in people with Parkinson’s disease and constipation. A typical recommendation for psyllium seed husks is 3 to 5 grams taken at night with a one to two glasses of fluid.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

In addition to its traditional and current use for constipation, psyllium was also used topically by herbalists to treat skin irritations, including poison ivy reactions and insect bites and stings. It has also been used in traditional herbal systems of China and India to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, bladder problems, and high blood pressure.

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