Psyllium, the seed or seed husk of Plantago ovata, is most commonly used to ease constipation. Aside from its laxative effect, psyllium can also be used to treat or prevent numerous conditions such as diabetes, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and inflammatory bowel disease. It can also be used as an aid to weight loss, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Before using psyllium, talk to a doctor about whether its use is appropriate for your condition.
Step 1
Schedule when you will take your psyllium. Some people prefer to take it in the morning just after waking. Others find it more convenient to take psyllium just before bed. Try to take your psyllium at the same time every day.
Step 2
Mix 1/2 tsp. of psyllium seed, husk or powder into an 8-oz. glass of water or juice. The liquid should be comfortably warm, not hot or cold. You can add more liquid if the mixture is too thick for your comfort. If using a form of psyllium that has been pressed into a wafer, simply eat the wafer, making sure to chew it completely, and drink the glass of water separately.
Step 3
Drink the psyllium and water mixture immediately after adding the psyllium, or simply drink the single glass of water if your psyllium was in wafer form.
Step 4
Add a little more water to the glass after drinking the psyllium and swirl the cup around to get any remaining psyllium from that dose. Drink the remainder to ensure that you get all or most of the psyllium you need.
Step 5
Build up to 1 to 2 tsp. of psyllium at a time by increasing your dose in 1/2 tsp. increments every few days. Your doctor may advise working up to three doses in a day for some conditions.
Step 6
Wait at least one hour before taking any other medication. Psyllium can affect the absorption of other medicines, so you should also not take any drugs shortly before taking your dose of psyllium.
Step 7
Drink six to eight glasses of water throughout the day after taking psyllium, or during the course of the next day if you take your psyllium at night.
Things You'll Need
- psyllium
- 8-oz. glass of water
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