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:
Annual


Height:
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 known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.