Psyllium Husks

Psyllium seed husks are the shells of the seeds of the plantain species Plantago indica/ovata. These small seeds spring up when the fruits of the plant are ripe, resembling fleas; this is what gives the plant its name ("psulla" is Greek for flea). Primarily the husks of the seed contain the valuable, mucous-forming fibre (mucilage), which swells up when in contact with liquid, forming a gel-like substance. Psyllium husks have been an important part of traditional Indian culture for over 2,000 years and have been used in Europe since ancient times.