In
1920 in Belgium a doctor with American Olympic team first discovered the laxative action of Psyllium and with enough water it had better efficiency.
In
1932 Dr. Papesch and Dr. Philip Kober, Research Directors made an experiment of Psyllium on ulcer and colitis cure. The research proved Psyllium as an effective natural bulk-producing laxative.
In
1933 "Metamucil" name was derived from "meta" the Greek word for "Change" and "mucilage" the "form of fiber" that Psyllium represents. And thereafter Psyllium-based dietary fiber supplement grew and flourished with a substantial market.
Gastroenterologist at Northwestern University also run a series of experiments on dogs which proved the Psyllium substance to be an effective colitis treatment. But more importantly the experiments showed that Psyllium mucilage worked as an excellent bulk-producing laxative.
In
1934 Psyllium based Metamucil, the first product of its kind to be accepted by the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry of American Medical Association, United Sates of America, increasing interest in fiber and fitness which increased the popularity of Metamucil & Psyllium in last 70 years.
Medicinal Uses (Human Consumption) :
The husk of this grain is able to hold water. Different parts of the husk are able to retain water to varying degrees. Because of its water holding ability, it has been used as a laxative for both human beings and Animals.
Today, Psyllium is widely used. However, it is prized not for its leaves, but for its tiny
seeds. The seeds are coated with
mucilage, a gelatinous material that swells upon contact with moisture. For this reason Psyllium seeds and their husk are popular for
laxative, one that is especially useful for cases of
chronic constipation.
All our products,
Psyllium seeds, Psyllium husk and Psyllium husk powder are catogorized under the
Natural Herbal medicine. These herbs cure in a natural way without disturbing the natural balance of the body.
Psyllium, the 'Mother of all herbs' is a source of both
Soluble & insoluble dietary fiber. It contains 60 to 70% soluble fiber, which is “8 times that of Oat brans”. Psyllium Husks/powders are rich in the gelatinous, water absorbing substance mucilage, mucilage is not broken sown by enzymes in the digestive tract, nor is it absorbed. Rather in contact with water it swells and forms a gel.
Psyllium has proven to be useful in cases of
diarrhea. In case of diarrhea, mucilage absorbs excess water & slow sown bowel transit times.
Psyllium is also useful in case of
constipation. In case pf constipation mucilage adds bulk to stools, stimulate the walls of the bowels to contract, and thus speeds bowel transit time.
Psyllium is also effective in lowering the
Cholesterol level by about
5%. For people who have elevated
blood Cholesterol levels, Psyllium is useful addition to a diet low in saturated fats & dietary cholesterol to assist in lowering blood Cholesterol level. Fiber in the diet especially soluble fiber, can reduce absorption of blood cholesterol and bile acids that can lower cholesterol level. This can help
decrease the risk for heart disease & stroke. New exciting studies reveal that people taking Psyllium experienced significant decrease in blood cholesterol level and in turn decrease blood cholesterol level may lead to a decreased risk in heart diseases. It is known to Reduce Cholesterol Naturally in Moderate to Mild Primary Hypercholesterollaemia. Hence, Psyllium husk may reduce the risk of
Coronary disease by lowering cholesterol.
Psyllium is also useful in
Diverticular Disease. Psyllium increases the bulk of the material reaching the colon. It increases bowel movement and reduces the pressure on gastrointestinal (GI) walls. Such control helps decrease symptoms associated with diverticulosis. It also helps avoid diverticular inflammation (diverticulitis).
Psyllium may also be useful in preventing or treating
(i) Hemorrhoids (ii) Irritable bowel Syndrome (iii) Piles and fissures (iv) Yeast infections (v) Appendicitis (vi) Gallstones.
Psyllium is also used to
relive intestinal inflammation which can be caused by indigestion as well as stomach & duodenal ulcers.
The bulking effect of Psyllium is also works to
rid colon of toxic substances, including heavy metals, as it acts almost as a sponge to soak them off the walls of the intestine. Thus reduces the risk of
Colon Cancer.
Psyllium mucilage absorbs water and expands substantially. In the stomach, Psyllium expansion produces feeling of fullness. This causes a decrease in food intake. Psyllium has no harmful chemical side effects; it is just a herb that is loaded with beneficial soluble fiber. This spongy action has a dual advantage as it can decrease hunger when taken with meals.
Psyllium is also used as emollient; demulcent and laxative and in the treatment of chronic constipation, amoebic and bacillary dysentery and diarrhea. The action of Psyllium is purely mechanical and it has no side effects. Due to large amount of mucilage contained, they are considered cooling and diuretics and recommended in febrile condition affecting Kidney, bladder and urethra, combined with various chemicals such as anhydrous dextrose, sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and others.