psyllium

American  

[sil-ee-uhm] / ˈsɪl i əm /

noun

1. fleawort.

2. Also called psyllium seed.  the seeds of this plant, used as a laxative.

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psyllium British  

/ ˈsɪlɪəm /

noun

1. a grain, Plantago psafra , the husks of which are used medicinally as a laxative and to reduce blood cholesterol levels

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Etymology

Origin of psyllium

1595–1605; < New Latin < Greek psýllion, psyllíon, derivative of psýlla flea

Example Sentences

The research also found that supplements such as psyllium fiber, certain probiotics, and magnesium oxide may provide additional relief.

From Science Daily • Oct. 22, 2025

Diet: "You can increase the amount of fruit and fibre in your diet. You can look for things like psyllium husk, flaxseed and chia seeds to encourage it to move."

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2024

Functional fiber — such as inulin, maltodextrin, guar gum and psyllium — have been extracted from natural sources, processed and added back to foods or supplements because they have health benefits.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 21, 2023

“You can get creative and use rice or barley flakes, flavor them with sage or add psyllium husks for more fiber.”

From Washington Post • May 10, 2022

Shelton strongly opposed bowel cleansing so I did no enemas nor colonics, nor herbs, nor clays, nor psyllium seed designed to clean the bowel, etc.

From How and When to Be Your Own Doctor by Solomon, Steve