Family

• Laminaceae

Constituents

• Mucilages
• Iridoids
• Fatty oils
• Dietary fibres

Parts used

• Seeds

Properties

• Laxatives (takes effect after 12 hours to 3 days)

Indications

• Occasional constipation
• Chronic constipation
• Haemorrhoids
• Diarrhoea 
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• High cholesterol
• Overweight and obesity

Side effects

• Allergic reactions (rare but possible with symptoms such as bronchospasm, rhinitis or dermatological reactions)
• Bloating (especially at the start of therapy) and abdominal distension
• If psyllium is swallowed with too little water, it may block the oesophagus or intestines.

Contraindications

• Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
• Bowel obstruction
• Ulcers
• Diabetics
• The use of psyllium should be controlled as it contains sugar.
• Difficulty swallowing
• Acute stomach pain

Interactions

Possible reduced absorption of certain minerals (magnesium, calcium) and possible reduced absorption of certain cardiac glycosides:

• For this reason, and to reduce the risk of interactions, it is advisable to take your medication 1 to 2 hours before or after taking psyllium (flea seed) to ensure good absorption of the medication.

Use during pregnancy:

• Psyllium can be taken during pregnancy, it is a first choice laxative for pregnant women.
• No specific problems have been reported with the use of psyllium during pregnancy.

How to use

• Seeds (tegument)
• Flakes