Blond psyllium

• RawSeedInternalEMA well-established

  Main use with EMA-recognised 'well-established use' evidence: the psyllium husks swell in the gut, increase stool volume and water content, and thereby exert a gentle, stretch-mediated stimulus on intestinal peristalsis. Used for chronic (habitual) constipation. Taking it with plenty of fluid is essential.

  Preparation & dosage

  Adults and children from 12 years: usually 7-11 g of psyllium husk daily, divided into several single doses. Stir each single dose (about 3-5 g) into a full glass (at least 150 ml) of cold water, drink promptly and follow with plenty of additional fluid - at least 30 ml of water per gram of husk. Do NOT take immediately before going to bed. Onset of action is usually after 12-24 hours, with full effect only after 2-3 days. Keep at least half an hour to one hour between intake and the intake of other medicines.

  Dry amount

  7–11 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Standard use for adults and adolescents from 12 years. For younger children only after medical advice.

  Sources: [1] [2] [4]

• RawSeedInternalEMA well-established

  Recognised by the EMA as 'well-established use': for conditions in which easier bowel emptying with a soft stool is desired - for example anal fissures, haemorrhoids or after anorectal procedures. The swelling husks keep the stool soft and bulky, reducing straining.

  Preparation & dosage

  Dose as for the constipation use (about 7-11 g daily, with plenty of fluid). The aim here is a soft, easily passed stool to reduce pain on defecation, for example with anal fissures, haemorrhoids or after anorectal surgery.

  Dry amount

  7–11 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — For adults and adolescents from 12 years; in younger children only after medical advice.

  Sources: [1] [2]

• RawSeedInternalEMA well-established

  The EMA monograph on the seed husk lists use as a fibre supplement - including in irritable bowel syndrome - under 'well-established use' (from 12 years). The soluble mucilage regulates stool consistency and can favourably influence both the constipation and the diarrhoea components of irritable bowel syndrome.

  Preparation & dosage

  As a soluble fibre source, e.g. supportively in irritable bowel syndrome: gradually titrate the dose (often 4-10 g daily, divided), stir each portion into at least 150 ml of fluid and follow with plenty of water. Use in irritable bowel syndrome only after a confirmed medical diagnosis.

  Dry amount

  4–10 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — For adults and adolescents from 12 years.

  Sources: [1] [5]

• RawSeedInternalEMA well-established

  The EMA monograph on the seed husk names supportive use in raised cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia) as 'well-established use' (from 12 years, under medical supervision). The soluble mucilage binds bile acids in the gut and can thereby favourably influence the LDL cholesterol level.

  Preparation & dosage

  As a supportive dietary measure for raised cholesterol, only under medical supervision: usually several grams of psyllium husk daily (often in the 7-11 g range, divided), each in plenty of fluid. Does not replace a doctor-prescribed cholesterol-lowering therapy.

  Dry amount

  7–11 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — For adults and adolescents from 12 years, under medical supervision.

  Sources: [1] [5]

• RawSeedInternalTraditional use

  Because of their high water-binding capacity, psyllium husks are also traditionally used to thicken stool in mild diarrhoea - then deliberately with less fluid. This 'two-way' (regulating in both constipation and diarrhoea) use rests on the swelling and water-binding action of the mucilage.

  Preparation & dosage

  For mild, non-specific diarrhoea the husks are traditionally taken with only a little fluid (just enough to let them swell) so that they bind excess water in the gut and thicken the stool. Seek medical advice if diarrhoea persists beyond two days.

  Dry amount

  3–5 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  Sources: [4] [5]

ALWAYS take psyllium husk with plenty of fluid (at least 150 ml per single dose, at least 30 ml of water per gram of husk) - with too little fluid there is a risk of swelling in the oesophagus or gut with danger of choking or bowel obstruction. Do NOT take immediately before going to bed. Do not use with a sudden, unexplained change in bowel habit lasting more than two weeks, with abdominal pain of unclear cause, or with bowel obstruction or threatened obstruction. Keep at least half an hour between psyllium and other medicines, as their absorption can be delayed. In diabetes the delayed sugar absorption may make an insulin dose adjustment necessary - monitor medically.