Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

Up to 30 percent of psyllium’s seed coat is a water-absorbing substance called mucilage. When exposed to water, psyllium seeds swell to more than ten times their original size and become gelatinous. The herb’s mucilage accounts for its use in treating both diarrhea and constipation.

Diarrhea - Psyllium absorbs excess fluid in the intestinal tract and restores normal bulk to stool.

Constipation - Psyllium’s bulk-forming action increases stool volume. Larger stools press on the colon wall, triggering the wavelike contractions (peristalsis) we recognize as “the urge.” Some cases of constipation also involve hard, dense stools, which are painful to pass. Psyllium’s water-absorbing action decreases stool density and helps lubricate its passage. Studies show a teaspoon of psyllium seeds three times a day usually produces significant relief.

Hemorrhoids - Psyllium also provides some relief from the pain, bleeding, and itching of hemorrhoids, according to a report in Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, thus supporting Culpeper’s recommendation.

Cholesterol Cutter - But the big news these days is the discovery that psyllium may reduce cholesterol. People taking a teaspoon three times a day for eight weeks experience significant decreases in blood cholesterol levels, according to a study in Archives of Internal Medicine. The researchers concluded that many people with elevated cholesterol may be able to benefit from the cholesterol-lowering action of psyllium and avoid taking prescription cholesterol-lowering medications.

A similar 12-week study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows psyllium reduces cholesterol by 5 percent. Heart disease authorities say that for every 1 percent decrease in cholesterol, heart attack risk drops 2 percent. So this 5 percent cholesterol reduction means a 10 percent decrease in heart attack risk.

Psyllium is also safer than the prescription drugs typically prescribed to reduce cholesterol. If you are taking such medication, ask your physician about using the seeds as a substitute for or in conjunction with your current treatment.

Intriguing Possibilities - One study showed psyllium protects experimental animals from intestinal damage from toxic food additives. The psyllium increases the bulk of the animals’ stools, so the toxic chemicals have less direct contact with sensitive intestinal tissues and less opportunity to cause harm. Researchers believe this same mechanism explains why a high-fiber diet is associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer. No studies show that psyllium helps prevent this cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths among nonsmokers, but the American Cancer Society recommends a diet high in fibers such as psyllium to possibly help prevent this cancer.

Psyllium reduces blood sugar (glucose) levels in experimental animals, suggesting a possible role in human diabetes management.

Rx for Psyllium

For a laxative or cholesterol control. take I teaspoon of seeds three times a day with meals and with plenty of water. Psyllium is odorless and almost tasteless, but it has a gritty texture some people find unpleasant. If you take a commercial preparation, follow label directions.

Psyllium should not be given to children under age 2.

If your infant or child appears constipated, consult a physician.