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

Psyllium is the fiber supplement with the strongest evidence to support its use in improving cholesterol levels.

From Salon • Oct. 3, 2023

Psyllium fiber supplements can also be taken daily if needed — just be sure to drink plenty of water with them, he said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2023

"Psyllium husk does not negatively impact crumb texture in the same way all other hydrocolloids do," said Lowe.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2022

Psyllium is not exactly a household staple, but the obscure grain has provoked a kitchen-table brawl between General Mills and Procter & Gamble.

From Time Magazine Archive

The small seeds of a Plantain grass which grows commonly in Southern Europe, the Fleawort, or Plantago Psyllium, have been known from time immemorial as an easy and popular aperient.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas