Ailment: Constipation

Remedy: Psyllium

Psyllium is the common name given to several members of the plant genus Plantago. The seeds are used to produce mucilage and provide a dietary fibre. This fibre is not absorbed by the small intestine, and it retains a high proportion of water. Its mechanical action gently stimulates normal bowel elimination and absorbs water. It can be used as a remedy for both constipation and diarrhoea. It is claimed that it can reduce blood cholesterol. Commercially, it is also used as a food thickener.