The Seeds of the Psyllium Husks

Psyllium husks are seeds from the plant Plantago psyllium. There are many other species that belong to the Plantago genus group, but Plantago psyllium is the most common one that is revered for its colon cleaning capabilities. The plant is also known as Isphagula in many countries.

Psyllium has increased in its popularity of the past couple of years due to its high fiber content. Even people who do not colon cleanse will use it to have more fiber in their diet. It is by far one of the most natural additions to the diet of anyone who wants to become (and remain) “regular” in their bowel movements.

The most important part of the psyllium seed, for our purposes in terms of bowel cleansing, is the husk. The husk is the outer covering of the seed. The husk is equivalent to the seeds outer shell. It is here where the main action is carried out, to end up with the person having a clean bowel.

When the psyllium husks are ingested, they will draw water to them when they enter into the colon. This water will cause them to increase in size and form a smooth, gelatinous-like material that helps the wastes to move along the intestinal wall. Therefore, psyllium works in bowel cleaning to increase the motility of the feces through the system. The waste is expelled naturally, and any previous complaint of constipation is eliminated.

However, psyllium is not to be confused with a laxative such as Ex-lax. Laxatives will water down the stool, leading to sudden urges to defecate, and quick movements of the person to run to the bathroom. Instead, a more natural and manageable relief to constipation is assured with psyllium because it is a “bulking agent”. Therefore, it will bulk the stool helping it to pass easily through the system. This is one of the first steps in colon cleansing, and it helps to ensure that no trace of the waste ingested, remains within your gastro-intestinal system.