What effect do psyllium seeds have?
Psyllium seeds are the seeds of two species of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). They are rich in fiber and act as a swelling agent in the intestines.
The use of psyllium seeds or psyllium husks is medically recognized in the following cases:
- for occasional or chronic constipation (constipation)
- to soften the stool for easier bowel emptying (e.g. in the case of hemorrhoids or anal fissures, during pregnancy, after examinations of the rectum)
How psyllium (psyllium husks) work.
The effect of the medicinal plant on this health problem is based on the mucilages, which are contained in large quantities in the husks of psyllium seeds. These mucilages can bind a lot of water. They increase the stool volume by absorbing water, which puts more pressure on the inner wall of the intestine. This stimulates the movement of the intestines – the stool is again transported faster towards the exit.
In addition, the mucilage makes the stool more slippery.
In bacterially caused inflammatory bowel diseases, usually accompanied by diarrhea, the mucilages of psyllium also bind the toxins of the bacteria. This relieves the inflammation and protects the intestinal mucosa from further damage. Thus, intestinal cleansing with psyllium is also possible.
How quickly do psyllium seeds take effect?
The effect usually sets in after 12 to 24 hours, but sometimes only after seven to ten days – if taken regularly.
Other possible effects
Psyllium is said to have curative effects in other ways as well:
Colorectal cancer
Due to the thinning of the stool and shorter residence time of the stool in the intestine, carcinogenic substances have less contact time with the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, it is believed that psyllium taken over a longer period of time may also protect against colon cancer.
High cholesterol
Irritated or inflamed intestinal mucosa
The mucilages in psyllium husks protect an irritated or inflamed intestinal mucosa. People with irritable bowel syndrome or chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, for example, can benefit from this. Basically, psyllium supports a healthy intestinal flora.
Overweight
Other uses
A small study from Russia provides evidence that psyllium provides relief from silent reflux and heartburn. However, more research is needed to say for sure.
Psyllium may also be suitable in the treatment of small intestinal malabsorption. Always talk to your doctor first about a suitable diet plan.
That psyllium has a special effect on the skin has not been proven by research.
There are several ways to use psyllium seeds.
Psyllium as a home remedy
The following applies to psyllium seeds and psyllium husks: take one teaspoon of them (about five grams) mixed with 200 milliliters of water (or clear soup) and quickly drink two glasses of water afterwards. You can also let them pre-swell in water or juice for a few hours before taking them.
For younger age groups, the following daily doses apply:
- 6 to 9 years: 6 to 10 grams
- 10 to 15 years: 10 to 20 grams
- For ages 16 and older, the daily dosage for adults is.
Children under six years of age should not take psyllium or psyllium husks due to lack of experience. In general: Always discuss the use of psyllium in children (for example in case of constipation) with a doctor first!
Ready-to-use preparations with psyllium
There are also ready-to-use preparations based on the medicinal plant, such as psyllium capsules with granulated or ground psyllium husks. You can find out how to dose and use the preparations correctly from your doctor or pharmacist or from the package leaflet.
What side effects can psyllium and cause?
The intake of psyllium seeds can cause flatulence.
What you should consider when using psyllium seeds
- Psyllium seeds can only aid digestion and relieve constipation if you drink plenty of fluids during use!
- Do not take psyllium seeds or psyllium husks if an intestinal obstruction (ileus) is suspected. Possible signs of ileus are severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting.
- Take psyllium/psyllium husk at least half an hour to a full hour before or after medication. This is because the medicinal plant can hinder the absorption of the active ingredients of the medication through the intestinal wall.
- Denture wearers must carefully flush down the ingested seeds to prevent them from swelling in the dentures.
- Do not take psyllium seeds or psyllium husks while lying down or immediately before going to bed.
- If you are histamine intolerant, you can continue to use psyllium.
How to obtain psyllium products
Psyllium and psyllium husks as well as ready-to-use pharmaceutical preparations (ground or granulated psyllium husks) can be purchased in pharmacies, health food stores and well-stocked drugstores.
Before taking them, read the respective package insert and ask your doctor or pharmacist about the type and duration of use.
What are psyllium seeds?
Plantago seeds are also available from Plantago ovata – a plantain species that is common on the Indian subcontinent. They are called Indian psyllium seeds and Indian psyllium husks, respectively.