Psyllium Seed

Black Psyllium; Blond Psyllium; Flea Seed; Isphagula; Plantago species; Plantain Seed

... Although psyllium may be taken orally to treat several conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, It is probably best known as a laxative. Psyllium seeds are coated with mucilage, a natural gummy substance that does not dissolve in water. Instead, mucilage forms a thick, gooey mass when exposed to fluids. The body does not digest mucilage, so the resulting large soft mass moves through the intestines, usually also triggering intestinal muscle contractions. In addition, the mucilage forms a slick coating on the walls of the intestines. All of these effects help to prevent or relieve constipation. ...