What is Psyllium Seed?

Psyllium Seed is the whole seed of Plantago ovata, Psyllium, a small plant in the family Plantaginaceae and a South Asian relative of Common Plantain (Plantago major). The whole seed contains both the outer husk and the inner seed.

About the plant

Psyllium is grown chiefly in India and the surrounding region. Its seed husk is rich in mucilage, a soluble plant fiber that is hygroscopic: it draws in water and swells into a gel. The husk is the same material sold as psyllium husk and used in many commercial fiber products. It has a long history of traditional use.

Related herbs

• Plantain Leaf — the leaf of a relative in the same genus.

Psyllium Seed: form & sizes

We carry Psyllium Seed as whole dried seeds, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Psyllium Seed in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Psyllium Seed at a glance

Botanical name

Plantago ovata

Family

Plantaginaceae

Native region

Western and South Asia (primarily India)

Plant part

seed

Major component

Mucilage (soluble plant fiber in the husk)

Form

whole dried seeds

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb