Psyllium Husk is derived from the crushed seeds of the Plantago plant from Asia, North Africa and the Mediterranean.  These seeds have been used in herbal remedies in the United States for over 70 years.

Psyllium Husk Powder

The Psyllium seed is a tiny gel coated reddish brown seed that is tasteless and odorless.

Psyllium is most often produced as a bulk-fiber based laxative for foods or fiber supplements. Psyllium is rich in soluble fiber, so it is usually used for laxatives for constipation.  It is also used for colon cleansing, diarrhea, weight loss and the reduction of hemorrhoids.

Psyllium husk can be used as a colon cleanser.  Colon cleansing has become a very popular procedure.  It has been shown to improve overall health.  It is used to cleanse the colon of excess waste that accumulates within the colon over a period of time.  If you do not get rid of the toxins within the colon, they can build up and cause illness.

As relates to psyllium, it helps increase the transit time in your colon.  This transit time is the time it takes for the food to move through your colon once it is ingested.  Psyllium has a bulking effect, in which it absorbs water. This helps to line the colon with a slippery film, increase contractions in the bowels and absorb toxins.  The combination of these items can help the bowels move easily and quickly through your colon.  When the bowels are able to move quickly, they can effectively cleanse your colon thoroughly.

In further detail, the Psyllium absorbs water like a sponge.  This sponge absorbs toxic substances off the wall of your colon.  When the sponge is eliminated from your system, it removes all the toxins with it.

As a side note, Psyllium can also be used to relieve constipation.  As explained above, psyllium is a bulk forming fiber, it absorbs water, swells and forms a slippery film.  This allows two things to happen.  It can create a softer bowel movement and stimulate contractions of the lower bowel. The contractions force you to have more frequent bowel movements.

You can also use Psyllium to alleviate diarrhea.  Surprisingly, the same effect for constipation can help with diarrhea.  The Psyllium absorbs the water, which creates a firm bowel movement, instead of diarrhea.

The husks are used whole in their natural state.  They can be dried and chopped or powdered for easier consumption.  In any of these forms, one takes them by mixing them with water or another fluid.  You can also purchase capsules.  Additionally, many over the counter laxatives and fiber supplements, such as Metamucil, may have Psyllium as their main ingredient.   One warning when using Psyllium is to take it with plenty of water and take it between meals, never immediately before or immediately after, as it may interfere with your digestion.