botanical name(s): Plantago major, Plantago ovata, Plantago psyllium
synonyms: plantain, blond psyllium
part(s) used: leaves and seeds (but can use whole plant)
qualities: salty, bitter, cold, dry
affinities: intestines, skin
actions: vulnerary, astringent, diuretic, emollient, demulcent, antiseptic, expectorant, neutralizes toxins
dosage:
» use fresh as poultice
» infusion: 1 cup three times daily
» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.
» seeds: 1-3 tsp. with at least 8 oz. liquid
therapy: seeds for diarrhea/constipation, hemorrhoids, infection, inflammations, ulcers, insect bites, animal bites, cuts/wounds, chronic skin problems, cystitis
toxicity: 0
» use with caution during pregnancy (Brinker, p. 121)
» contraindicated in esophageal stenosis and abnormal intestinal narrowing or bowel obstruction due to the bulk forming effect which may cause, or further complicate, impaction (Wichtl, De Smet, Brooks)
» contraindicated in difficult-to-control diabetes since insulin need may be reduced (Wichtl, De Smet)
» gastrointestinal irritation and inflammation may occur due to mechanical obstruction and constipation following misuse; a pigment released has been found harmful to the kidneys (Morton, pp. 327-328)
constituents: glycoside, mucilage, chlorogenic acid, ursolic acid, silic acid
drug interactions:
» reduced absorption of oral drugs such as lithium salts (Wichtl, De Smet, Perlman)
» insulin dosage may need reduction due to slowing of dietary carbohydrate absorption (Wichtl)
» Take other drugs at least one hour prior to consumption of psyllium (McGuffin)
footnotes
Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Brooks S (ed.). 1995. Botanical Toxicology. Protocol J Bot. Med, 1:147-58.
De Smet PAGM et al. (eds.). 1993. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 2, Berlin: Springer-Verlag
McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Associations Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.
Morton, J.F. 1987. Tannin and esophageal cancer. Lancet. August 8: 327-328.
Perlman, BP. 1990. Interaction between lithium salts and ispaghula husk. Lancet, Feb. 17, p.416.
Wichtl M (ed.). 1994. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.