This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack.

Used as an infusion and decoction.

Psyllium is an unusually effective and safe laxative, high in both fiber and mucilage.

The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Psyllium, both the seed and husk of Plantago ovata, for 'Chronic constipation; disorders whereby easy bowel movements with a loose stool are desirable, e.g., in patients with anal fissures, hemorrhoids, following anal/rectal surgery; during pregnancy; as a secondary medication in the treatment of various kinds of diarrhea and in the treatment of irritable bowel.'

'Contraindications: Stenosis of the gastrointestinal tract. Obstruction or threatening obstruction of the bowel (ileus). Poorly controllable diabetes mellitus. Side Effects: In rare cases allergic reactions may occur. Interactions with Other Drugs: The intestinal absorption of other medication taken simultaneously may be delayed. Warning: There may need to be a reduction in the insulin dosage in diabetics who are insulin-dependent.'

'Daily dose: 4 - 20 g of the drug prepared accordingly. Mode of Administration: The whole drug as well as other galenical preparations to be taken orally. Note: Sufficient fluids must be taken with the drug, e.g., 150 ml water to 5 g drug. The dose should be taken a half hour to one hour after taking other medication.'

'Actions: Diarrhea: An increase of the passage time of the bowel content through bonding of water. Constipation: A decrease of the passage time of the bowel content through increase of the volume of the stool. A lowering of the serum-cholesterol level. A reduction of the postprandial blood sugar increase.'

The well-known commercial laxative Metamucil is a preparation of a hydrophilic mucilloid from the husk of psyllium seed. Numerous double blind studies confirm psyllium can lower total cholsterol levels, though high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (a beneficial form of cholesterol) levels are not affected. It is effective in children as well as adults.

King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'The seeds, in tablespoonful doses, in a glass of water, before dinner, have been successfully employed to relieve chronic constipation.'

The British Pharmaceutical Codex, 1911: 'Ispaghula is official in India and the Eastern Colonies, where it is used as an equivalent of linseed or barley, and the seeds are much used in the East in dysentery and diarrhoea. The decoction is employed as a cooling demulcent drink, or the seeds are mixed with a little sugar and taken dry. In this form they take up water in the intestinal canal, the resulting mucilage acting as a protection to the inflamed mucous membranes. The crushed seeds mixed with hot water are used externally as a poultice.

Dose.—3 to 10 grammes (50 to 150 grains).

PREPARATION.
Decoctum Ispaghulae, I.C.A.—DECOCTION OF ISPAGHULA.
Ispaghula, bruised, 1.37; distilled water, sufficient to produce 100. Add the bruised ispaghula to 120 of the water, boil for ten minutes, strain, and make up to the required volume, if necessary, by passing distilled water through the strainer. Decoction of ispaghula is official in India and the Eastern Colonies, where it is used as a demulcent in diarrhoea. It may be taken unstrained, the seeds being swallowed with the mucilage. The action is similar to that of linseed. Dose.—15 to 60 mils (½ to 2 fluid ounces).'

http://yerba.com/psyllium.htm

Peter Finkle:

'Psyllium is a member of the plant family Plantaginaceae, and is not related to wheat. There are several species of psyllium, but the seed husks from Plantago ovata, also known as blonde psyllium, have the best quality and highest fiber content.'

'Psyllium husks are pure dietary fiber, composed mostly of hemicellulose. They are not digested in the small intestine, but are partially broken down in the colon, where they act as a food source for friendly flora. Mostly, they act as a sponge in the intestinal tract, swelling as they absorb water and waste material in the bowels. This forms a soft, bulky mass that passes through the colon more quickly (keeping potentially toxic waste from staying in the colon) and evacuates more smoothly and easily.'

'For ongoing use, it is best to take Psyllium Husks once or twice a day. Take them ½ hour before or at least 1 hour after meals. Stir the powdered or whole Psyllium Husks into a glass of water or juice and drink immediately. Make sure to drink at least 8 ounces of liquid with each serving. It is also important to drink a full glass of liquid when taking the capsules. Psyllium Husks can also be incorporated into soups, sauces or smoothies. Remember that they will thicken whatever they are added to, so use plenty of liquid.'

'Psyllium Husks are very safe, and are used by millions of people each year throughout the world. Unlike some laxatives, psyllium husks are not habit forming, and can be taken every day.'