Description

Psyllium Seed Husks Powder (Plantago Ovata)

HERB COMMON NAME :  Psyllium

HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Plantago Ovata

OTHER NAMES :  Isabgol, Isphagula

FAMILY :  Plantaginaceae

ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES :

• Element: Water
• Planet: Jupiter
• Day: Saturday
• Direction: West
• Zodiac Sign: Cancer
• Chakra: 3^rd Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
• Energy: Yin
• Gender: Feminine
• Rune: Dagaz
• Tarot Card: The Temperance Tarot
• Spirit Animal: Possum, Frog
• Sabbat or Holiday:  Lupercalia (February 15)
• Deity or God / Goddess Association: Epidotes, Februus, Oshun, Asclepius

Parts Used:  Seed Husks

Description:  The species name for Psyllium (Plantago Ovata) is derived from Sanskrit and means “horse flower.” The plant is cultivated and harvested for its seed and husk, the latter of which is obtained from the minute, gel-coated seed that the shrubby plant produces in great number. In fact, a single plant can produce more than 10,000 seeds. Psyllium has a long history of use as food, especially in Europe, North Africa, India and China, although the U.S. is the largest importer today.

Psyllium seed and husk is an excellent source of gluten-free, soluble fiber. Psyllium is also rich in minerals and vitamins, including potassium, zinc, iron and magnesium. People use psyllium as a dietary supplement.  It is available in the form of husk, granules, capsules, or powder.

Psyllium has been used as a safe and effective laxative in Europe, North Africa, and Asia for thousands of years. Psyllium entered European folk medicine in the 16th century as a remedy for diarrhea and constipation. Today, psyllium is one of North America’s most popular bulk-forming laxatives. It is the active ingredient in Metamucil, Fiberall, Hydrocil, Naturacil, Effersyllium, Prolax, and V-Lax. Up to 30 percent of psyllium’s seed coat is water-absorbing substance called mucilage. When exposed to water, psyllium seeds swell to more than ten times their original size and become gelatinous. The herb’s mucilage accounts for its use in treating both diarrhea and constipation. Psyllium’s bulk-forming action increases stool volume. Larger stools press on the colon wall, triggering the wavelike contractions (peristalsis) we recognize as “the urge.” Some cases of constipation also involve hard, dense stools, which are painful to pass. Psyllium’s water-absorbing action decreases stool density and helps lubricate its passage. Studies show a teaspoon of psyllium seeds three times a day usually produces significant relief.

Psyllium is also believed to provide some relief from the pain, bleeding, and itching of hemorrhoids, according to a report in Diseases of the Colon and Rectum.

Seventeenth-century English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper also recommended the seeds for inflammations, gout, hemorrhoids, and sore nipples (mastitis) in nursing mothers.

Psyllium may also reduce cholesterol. People taking a teaspoon three times a day for eight weeks experience significant decreases in blood cholesterol levels, according to a study in Archives of Internal Medicine. The researchers concluded cholesterol may be able to benefit from the cholesterol-lowering action of psyllium and avoid taking prescription cholesterol-lowering medications. A similar 12-week study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows psyllium reduces cholesterol by 5 percent. Heart disease authorities say that for every 1 percent decrease in cholesterol, heart attack risk drops 2 percent. So this 5 percent cholesterol reduction means a 10 percent decrease in heart attack risk. Psyllium is also safer than the prescription drugs typically prescribed to reduce cholesterol. If you are taking such medication, ask your physician about using the seeds as a substitute for or in conjunction with your current treatment.

Historical Uses:  constipation, laxative, mucilage, diarrhea, inflammation, gout, hemorrhoids, sore nipples, mastitis, hemorrhoids, high cholesterol, heart disease, demulcent, anti-diarrheal, regulates bowel function, lowers blood fat, lowers blood glucose in people with diabetes, weight loss, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, dysentery, stool softener, antitoxin, cleanse, detoxification, indigestion, boils, abscess

Mystical Attributes:  In magic spells and rituals, psyllium can be used to be rid of negative relationships, purge toxic associations, and escape harmful situations.

Other Uses:

• Some breakfast cereals and baked goods are fortified with psyllium.
• Psyllium powder is added to foods as a thickener.

Taste & Smell:  Mildly bitter and pleasant tasting with no remarkable scent.

Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Psyllium is native to Asia and the Middle East. Plantago ovata is an annual herb of the Plantaginaceae family. Psyllium, as it is known, reaches a height of roughly a foot to a foot and a half (30–46 cm). Its long narrow leaves are opposite, linear or linear lanceolate at around 1 cm (.39 in) long and 19 cm (7.5 in) wide. The plant’s root system features a well-developed tap root with few fibrous secondary roots.

Many flowering shoots grow from the base of the plant. Its small white flowers are numerous, and bloom about 60 days after planting. The capsules that enclose the seeds open at maturity.

Psyllium prefers cool, dry weather. This plant requires clear, sunny and dry weather preceding the crop’s harvest. Warm evening temperature and cloudy wet weather close to harvest will have a large negative impact on crop yield. Rainfall on the mature crop may result in shattering and therefore major field losses.

Psyllium grows best on light, well drained, sandy loam soil. The crop has low nutrient requirements. Sow psyllium seeds in the spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. Sow outdoors directly into the garden soil in mid to late spring.

Psyllium flower spikes turn reddish brown when ripe, the lower leaves become dry and the upper leaves turn yellow. To minimize shattering and field losses, the crop is harvested in the morning after dew has dried. Mature plants are cut 15 cm above the ground and then bound. They are left to dry for a few days before thrashing.

Store dried psyllium seeds and dried psyllium husks in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Contraindications & Toxicity:

• CAUTION : Psyllium does not work by itself. The seeds swell only in the presence of water. If you take psyllium but don’t drink more water, you could wind up with intestines completely blocked by a large psyllium plug.
• Do not use in large amounts or long-term.

Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources

**IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product.

PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions.

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