Plantago psyllium

Plantago psyllium [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://www.tacethno.com/seeds-germinate/psyllium-plantago.html

Common name:
Black psyllium, blonde psyllium, ispaghula
(Kuhn, Winstion, 2008, p. 356).

Latin binomial:
Plantago psyllium
(Kuhn, Winstion, 2008, p. 356).

Family: 
Plantaginaceae
(Kuhn, Winstion, 2008, p. 356).
 

Parts used:
Seeds and husks
(Kuhn, Winstion, 2008, p. 357).

Active constituents:

• Soluble fiber
• Insoluble fiber
• Fixed oils and unsaturated fatty acids
• Trisaccharide (Planteose)

(Kuhn, Winstion, 2008, p. 357).

 Indications:

• Used as a tea for sore throats, dry coughs and gastric irritation
• Bulk laxative
• Used topically as a poultice for styes, boils and sores
• Reduces cholesterol
• Reduces symptoms of irritable bowl syndrome

(Kuhn, Winstion, 2008, p. 357).

Contraindications:
Contraindicated in known allergies, bowel obstruction and stenosis of the esophagus or GI tract, always make sure it taken with fluids to ensure that the seeds don't cause bowel obstruction.

(Kuhn, Winstion, 2008, p. 357).

Dosage:
10-30 g a day of whole or ground seeds or other galenical preparations for oral use
5-10g of the seed, two- three times daily and make sure to presoak seeds in water for several hours

References:

Kuhn, M. & Winston, D. (2008). Herbal Therapy & Supplements A Scientific and Traditional Approach (Second edition). Philadelphia: Williams & Wilkins.