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Psyllium: Horse Flower

Psyllium is made from the husk of the seed of the plantago ovata crop, and has been long used as a supplemental source of dietary fiber. The plantago ovata crop, also known as desert Indianwheat and blond plantain, is a shrub-like herb native to the Mediterranean. Psyllium is a soluble and insoluble prebiotic fiber commonly found in powder form to be added to liquids or in dietary capsules for a concentrated dose. 

Best known for its ability to provide digestive support and a gentle laxative action, it is also linked to gut and heart health. Psyllium is an example of a cherished Indian plant that has gained wide acceptance in Western practices, and is actually the main ingredient in the popular over-the-counter laxative MetamucilⓇ.

Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber, meaning that it absorbs many times its weight in water, swelling into a gel-like mass. Because of this characteristic, it can be used in vegan baked goods as an egg replacement.

Psyllium fiber capsule on wooden table with plants in the background.

What sets ORGANIC INDIA Psyllium apart?

ORGANIC INDIA takes every avenue to operate in a way that is Beyond Sustainable, for both the planet and the amazing partners we work with. Our Psyllium is grown, harvested and prepared in adherence to the following principles and practices: 

  • Small Family Farmers. Ethical partnerships are the heart and soul of our company. We contract with small, family-owned farms across India and purchase crops at premium market price. Most of our partners have been with us for more than ten years, and each is an integral part of our herbal family. As indispensable members of our team, we provide all of our farmers health insurance and ongoing training by agricultural experts who are at the cutting edge of organic and regenerative farming⁠—a no-brainer for us, but an unfortunately unheard of practice in the industry. 
  • Regenerative Agriculture. We are deeply rooted in agriculture that is beyond sustainable—it’s regenerative. What this means is our farming practices not only preserve the land, they make it better. Regenerative means replenished soil, improved biodiversity, enhanced water conservation, and increased carbon sequestration. We look beyond our crop to the whole earth and our responsibility to it as a healthy conscious living company.
  • Sustainable Production. All of our herbal teas and supplements are produced in our LEED Platinum certified production facility in India, which is a marvel of top-tier sustainable design, construction and operations.
psyllium monograph

Psyllium Benefits for Body and Mind 

The benefits of dietary Psyllium have been confirmed by numerous studies, for everything from digestion to elimination to simply rounding out a healthy diet.

  • Digestive Support. As psyllium fiber enters your stomach it becomes a viscous gel that helps smooth digestion and support gastrointestinal function. 
  • Waste Elimination. Psyllium is considered a gentle, bulk-forming supplement that absorbs liquid in the intestines, which aids in healthy elimination and regularity. 
  • Gut Health. Psyllium is a natural prebiotic, which promotes growth of beneficial microorganisms and supports gut health. 
  • Gluten-Free. It’s gluten-free, which assists anyone with gluten sensitivity in getting the amount of daily fiber they need.

Traditional Significance of Psyllium 

Before it hit the shelves as a popular bulk forming laxative worldwide, Psyllium was a natural formula for digestion in India for 5,000 years. It was long used in ancient Indian herbalism as a cooling, gentle colon cleanser. In ancient Indian texts, the plant was referred to as Asvakarna. Asva translates to horse and karna to ear, so the word means horse ear, referring to the horse-ear shape of the seed. The plant also has history in Persia, where it is known as Isabgol or Ispaghula, which translates to ear of horse solution, again referring to the seed and its beneficial properties.

Where is Psyllium grown?

Where is Psyllium grown?

ORGANIC INDIA Psyllium is sourced from the fields of Rajasthan, a state to the northwest of India. It also grows in the coastal Gujarat region just south of Rajasthan. The plant is native to India and other parts of Asia, as well as areas of the Mediterranean and North Africa. 

Psyllium pre and probiotic powder canisters on tile kitchen table.

Who is it For? 

Psyllium is perfect for anyone looking for gastrointestinal comfort and regularity. Simply add a teaspoon to smoothies, oatmeal, juice or water for a quick burst of gentle digestive support. Or, if you’re on the go, simply take a capsule.

Psyllium for Healthy Conscious Living

ORGANIC INDIA’s Psyllium is organically grown according to ancient Ayurvedic regenerative cultivation practices to ensure the highest possible efficacy, or “prana.” All ORGANIC INDIA herbs are processed and tested in compliance with FDA and World Health Organization safety protocols. 

At ORGANIC INDIA, we recognize the vast interconnectedness of life. From seed, to soil, to field, to factory, our products empower the farmers of India, promote environmental and economic recovery, and provide wellness solutions derived from nature’s intelligence.

Whole Husk Psyllium

Sources:

Fiber supplements and clinically proven health benefits: How to recognize and recommend an effective fiber therapy

Evidence-Based Approach to Fiber Supplements and Clinically Meaningful Health Benefits