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

I’ve been taking psyllium every day for years.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 18, 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

Thence, too, hung a plentiful gathering of dried grapes, of the kind called duracinæ; and near the door a bough of the green bargut or psyllium, to drive away the smaller insects.

From Callista : a Tale of the Third Century by Newman, John Henry