medicinal herbs
Psyllium
Plantago affra
Herb: Psyllium
Latin name: Plantago affra
Synonyms: Plantago afrum, Plantago psyllium
Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family)
Medicinal use of Psyllium:
Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds.Description of the plant:
Plant:
AnnualHeight:
60 cm(2 feet)
Habitat of the herb:
Dry places in S. Europe.Edible parts of Psyllium:
Young leaves - raw or cooked.Propagation of the herb:
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer A sowing can be made outdoors in situ in mid to late spring if you have enough seeds.Cultivation of Psyllium:
Dry places in S. Europe.Known hazards of Plantago affra:
None knownPlant information taken from the Plants For A Future.