What Is Psyllium Made From?

Psyllium is an herbal supplement made from the coating of the seeds of the psyllium plant, which is also known as plantago ovata, ispaghula husk, psyllios, isbagol and ispaghula. Psyllium has several purported medicinal uses, including the ability to treat constipation and cleanse your colon. Because of the high fiber content of psyllium, several manufacturers add psyllium to cereals and foods marketed to promote bowel regularity. You can find psyllium in powder form, capsules and a gelatinous liquid. You should consult a medical professional prior to taking psyllium to treat a specific medical condition.

Make Up

Psyllium is a fibrous product that contains mucilage, a gluey substance that holds water. When you put psyllium in water, a change takes place that causes the mucilage to bulk up. According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," psyllium can hold up to 16 times its dry volume in water, making it an ideal substance to add mass in your colon. The amount of mucilage in over-the-counter psyllium products varies by manufacturer. However, on average, psyllium products contain between 10 and 30 percent mucilage.

Cleansing

Psyllium starts to cleanse your colon once the mucilage starts to expand. Inside your colon, psyllium becomes a gelatinous mass that attaches to waste and helps to maintain the softness and hydration of your feces. This stimulates your bowels and helps your body to evacuate the waste. Psyllium also facilitates the removal of toxins from your digestive system. According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," you can use psyllium regularly because the substance is not habit-forming like other chemical or herbal laxatives.

Overall Benefit

Besides cleansing your colon, psyllium also provides your body with other health benefits. Psyllium can also reduce cholesterol levels in your blood. According to a study published in the February 2000 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," psyllium can lower your low-density lipoprotein levels, or LDL, which is known as the bad cholesterol. In addition, according to "Integrative Medicine," psyllium can also regulate blood pressure levels and reduces hemorrhoid flare-ups and piles. Further, by contributing to your overall regularity, psyllium can also help you lose weight and maintain your current weight.

Precautions

Psyllium is a natural substance that does not have many side effects associated with its use. However, you should always make sure you consume the suggested amount of water for the quantity of psyllium you take. Because psyllium absorbs so much water, the substance can cause constipation if you do not hydrate properly. According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," for every teaspoon of psyllium you consume, you should drink at least two glasses of water.