Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk is the outer coating of the seeds of several plants in the genus Plantago, commonly called isabgol or ispaghula, harvested for its high mucilage content. When mixed with water it swells into a gel, which makes it useful both as a soluble dietary fiber supplement for digestive regularity and as a thickening agent in food preparation. It is used to relieve both constipation and mild diarrhea by adding bulk and moisture to stool, though people who handle psyllium powder frequently, such as factory workers, can develop an allergic sensitivity to it.