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[ 3396 ]Plantago ovataORG

Psyllium husks Whole Organic

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1/4 Pound:  $5.38 Pound:  $11.96  100+ Pounds:  contactout of stock   |   ETA: Unknown  
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[ 806 ]Plantago ovata

Psyllium Husks Whole

1/4 Pound:  $5.48 Pound:  $12.18  100+ Pounds:  contact
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[ 5052 ]Plantago ovataORG

Psyllium husks Powder Organic

1/4 Pound:  $5.65 Pound:  $12.55  100+ Pounds:  contact
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[ 703 ]Plantago ovata

Psyllium Husks Powder

1/4 Pound:  $4.95 Pound:  $11.01  100+ Pounds:  contact
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[ 2807 ]Plantago ovataORG

Psyllium Seed Whole, Organic

1/4 Pound:  $2.77 Pound:  $6.16  100+ Pounds:  contact
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[ 2806 ]Plantago ovataORG

Psyllium seed Powder, Organic

1/4 Pound:  $2.87 Pound:  $6.38  100+ Pounds:  contact
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Wholesale Psyllium Husk Plant

Plantago ovata
plant overview
horse flower of india

Psyllium here refers to Plantago ovata, the species name of which is derived from Sanskrit and means “horse flower.” The plant is cultivated and harvested for its seed and husk, the latter of which is obtained from the minute, gel-coated seed that the shrubby plant produces in great number. In fact, a single plant can produce more than 10,000 seeds. What is psyllium used for? Psyllium has a long history of use as food, especially in Europe, North Africa, India and China, although the U.S. is the largest importer today. Psyllium is known for its natural minerals and vitamins.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual product pages for details.

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on psyllium

description
Plantago ovata is an annual herb of the Plantaginaceae family. Psyllium, as it is known, reaches a height of roughly a foot to a foot and a half (30–46 cm). Its long narrow leaves are opposite, linear or linear lanceolate at around 1 cm (.39 in) long and 19 cm (7.5 in) wide. The psyllium plant's root system features a well-developed tap root with few fibrous secondary roots.

Many flowering shoots grow from the base of the plant. It's small white flowers are numerous, and bloom about 60 days after planting. The capsules that enclose the seeds open at maturity.

The seeds and their husks contain high levels of fiber; they will expand when soaked in water and become highly gelatinous.

common names & nomenclature
The psyllium plant's common name in India is Isabgol which comes from the Sanskrit words asp and ghol, together meaning "horse flower," which describes the shape of the seed.

Also known as:
greater plantain, broadleaf plantain, englishman's foot, ripple grass, snakeweed

Psyillium, the horse flower of India

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for psyllium

Psyllium is native to Asia and the Middle East.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting psyllium

climate
Psyllium prefers cool, dry weather. This plant requires clear, sunny and dry weather preceding the crop's harvest. Warm evening temperature and cloudy wet weather close to harvest will have a large negative impact on crop yield; rainfall on the mature crop may result in shattering and therefore major field losses.

soil
Psyllium grows best on light, well drained, sandy loam soil. The crop has low nutrient requirements.

growing psyllium
Sow psyllium seeds in the spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. Outdoor sowing—directly into the garden soil—can be made in mid to late spring.

harvesting
Psyllium flower spikes turn reddish brown when ripe, the lower leaves become dry and the upper leaves turn yellow. To minimize shattering and field losses, the crop is harvested in the morning after dew has dried. Mature psyllium husk plants are cut 15 cm above the ground and then bound. They are left to dry for a few days before thrashing.

preserving
Store dried psyllium seeds and dried psyllium husks in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

psyllium history, folklore, literature, medicinal uses & more

Psyllium (Plantago ovata) is a plant native to Western and Southern Asia that has been a staple of botanical traditions since the 16th century. It is primarily valued for its seeds and seed husks, which are unique for their high mucilage content.

Up to 30 percent of the psyllium seed coat consists of mucilage, a natural, water-absorbing substance. When psyllium comes into contact with liquid, it can swell to more than ten times its original size, transforming into a gelatinous material. This characteristic makes psyllium a significant source of soluble fiber.

Historically, herbalists such as Nicholas Culpeper documented the use of psyllium seeds in various traditional applications. In modern contexts, psyllium is widely recognized as a "bulk-forming" botanical. Because of its ability to absorb water and increase volume, it is frequently used as a dietary supplement to support digestive regularity. It is the primary ingredient in many well-known fiber products found in pharmacies and health food stores. Recent dietary research has also explored the role of soluble fibers like psyllium in supporting heart health as part of a balanced diet. High-fiber diets are commonly recommended by health organizations to support overall wellness and long-term digestive health.

Psyllium is available in several forms, including whole seeds, husks, and fine powders. It can be easily incorporated into your routine by mixing it into water, juice, or smoothies. Because psyllium absorbs significant amounts of liquid, it is essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day when using this botanical. Taking psyllium without adequate hydration can lead to digestive discomfort. If you are currently taking any prescription medications or have concerns about your digestive health, please consult a healthcare professional before adding psyllium to your daily regimen.

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for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.