Psyllium Plant Information - Learn About Desert Indianwheat Plants

Psyllium is in the plantain family. It is native to Mediterranean Europe, Africa, Pakistan, and the Canary Islands. ... Also known as Desert Plantago and Desert Indianwheat plants, their stiff little flower spikes develop into sheaves of seeds much like the wheat plant.

What plant is psyllium?

What is psyllium? Psyllium is a form of fiber made from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant's seeds. It sometimes goes by the name ispaghula. It's most commonly known as a laxative.

How does psyllium grow?

Psyllium grows best on light, well drained, sandy loam soil. The crop has low nutrient requirements. Sow psyllium seeds in the spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.

What is Isabgol plant?

01/11What is Isabgol? Isabgol also known as Psyllium husk is derived from the seeds of the plant Plantago ovata. ... The plant has long and narrow leaves and contains around 70% soluble fibre and 30% insoluble fiber. It is a herb that is native to Asia, the Mediterranean region and North Africa.

What are the side effects of psyllium husk?

Side effects of psyllium include:

Abdominal or stomach cramping.
Constipation.
Gas (flatulence)
Impaction.

How do you eat psyllium?

For an adult, a dose of psyllium husk is taken once, twice or three times a day. The powder or granules should be mixed into a full glass (8 ounces) of water or fruit juice before swallowing. Capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. It is best if you take your doses just after a meal.

What is a substitute for psyllium husk?

If you don't have any psyllium husk fiber powder or don't like using it, try replacing it with: Chia seeds or flax seeds. For a recipe that calls for a 1/3 cup of psyllium husk fiber powder, a 1/3 cup of ground chia seeds or ground flax seeds will work.

Is it safe to take psyllium every day?

There's no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful.

What is the difference between psyllium husk and psyllium powder?

Psyllium husk has a slightly grainier texture than the powder when it is mixed with fluids. While psyllium husk and powder are made from the same food source, the husk is less concentrated nutritionally. A 1-tablespoon serving of psyllium powder provides 30 calories and 7 grams of fiber.

What is the difference between Metamucil and psyllium husk?

The main difference between Benefiber and Metamucil is the type of fiber they contain: Benefiber contains wheat dextrin, which is a form of wheat starch. Metamucil contains psyllium husk powder. Psyllium is a type of fiber made from the husks of psyllium seeds.

Is taking Isabgol Daily harmful?

Is it safe to take Isabgol daily? Isabgol helps to keep digestion healthy and correct constipation. So if you have any digestion related problems, you can consume Isabgol for healthy bowel movement.

Which brand Isabgol is best?

Best Isabgol Brands in India

Organic India.
Dabur.
Baidyanath.
Morepen Laboratories.
Jodhana.
Telephone.
Naturolax.
Patanjali.

How long Isabgol can be taken?

Psyllium usually produces a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. Do not take psyllium for longer than 7 days in a row without a doctor's advice. Using a laxative too often or for too long may cause severe medical problems with your intestines.

When should I take psyllium husk morning or night?

Your health care provider may recommend higher doses of psyllium to treat certain conditions. You can take psyllium first thing in the morning or before bedtime.

What happens if you take too much psyllium husk?

Digestive distress: Psyllium fiber can create bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, cramping and diarrhea due to the fact that they bulk up the stool. In addition, if psyllium is taken without sufficient amounts of water, it can cause bowel blockages.

Is psyllium a prebiotic?

Psyllium is also a powerful prebiotic. Prebiotics act as support for probiotics, the healthy bacteria that live in the human gut-environment, or "microbiome."

Which is better psyllium husk or powder?

The husks or hulls are what you need to help with constipation — which means that either the powder or the hulls are the most suitable options. The powder is simply the hulls ground more finely. Some people prefer the finer texture, but you can rest assured that both the powder and hulls will work equally well.

Does psyllium cause gas?

Psyllium and methyl cellulose (and probably calcium polycarbophil) do not increase the production of gas; however, they still may result in the sensation of bloating. This may be due to an effect of these fibers that slows the transit of gas through the intestine.

Can psyllium make constipation worse?

Increasing fibre too quickly or starting bran or fibre supplements (e.g. Metamucil or Psyllium husk) without drinking enough fluids can make constipation worse. It can cause bloating, flatulence, discomfort and pain.

Which is better psyllium or flax seed?

Although both flaxseed and psyllium may decrease constipation symptoms, weight, glycemic and lipid levels, treatment with flaxseed appear to be superior to psyllium.

Which is better psyllium husk or xanthan gum?

Psyllium husk powder is used to retain moisture and help breads from becoming too crumbly. Guar gum is good for cold foods such as ice cream or pastry fillings, while xanthan gum is better for baked goods including yeast breads.

Is xanthan gum the same as psyllium husk?

Xanthan gum is a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, and foaming agent. It provides structure and is stable over a broad range of temperatures. Psyllium husk, however, forms a gel that is stable only up to temperatures of about 176ºF (80ºC) (1), depending on the amount used in the recipe."