Psyllium is also known by the names Flea Seed and Ispaghula. This Ayurvedic herb is found in India and Iran, and is also native to the surrounding Mediterranean region, including Northern Africa and Pakistan. Psyllium is also cultivated in the southwestern U.S. The name Psyllium is derived from the Greek word "psylla", meaning "flea", referring to the appearance of the tiny seeds. The genus name Plantago is from "planta", meaning "sole of the foot". The parts of this plant used medicinally include the seeds and the outer husks of the seeds. Young leaves of this plant can be eaten in salads. And the ground seeds can be added to cereal or yogurt. The seeds have been used in Europe for intestinal health since the 16th century, but didn't catch on in the U.S. until the early 1900s. Primarily, Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative high in both fiber and mucilage, which is why this herb is commonly found in many over-the-counter laxative products available today. The primary chemical constituents of Psyllium include mucilage (arabinoxylan), aucubine, protein, enzymes, xylose, galactose, oil (linoleic, oleic, palmitic), and starch. Psyllium seeds contain 10-30% mucilage. The laxative properties of Psyllium are due to the swelling of the husk when it comes in contact with water. It passes through the small intestine undigested, lining the mucus membranes (demulsifying and lubricating). The seed husks can absorb about 7-15 times their weight in water, and their fibrous qualities make them an excellent laxative agent, yet they also provide intestinal bulk which can help stop diarrhea. This action forms a gelatinous mass in the bowel, and keeps the feces both hydrated and soft. The thickened jelly also absorbs toxins and bacteria. The resulting bulk stimulates a reflex contraction of the walls of the bowel, followed by emptying. It has also been used in traditional herbal systems of China and India to treat hemorrhoids, bladder problems, and high blood pressure. Psyllium may also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, and reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Psyllium has also been used effectively to treat yeast infections. Because Psyllium tends to swell which contacting water, it can create a feeling of "fullness" in the body, which can also help curb appetite.
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Oats have been eaten since prehistoric times. The genus name, Avena, is derived from Latin and means "nourishing". Sativa means "cultivated". Oat Straw is often planted to prevent soil erosion, and is widely distributed as a cereal crop. The fruit and straw are gathered at harvest time, typically in August. The stalks are cut and bound together, and then left upright to dry. The straw is just the crushed dry stalks. In the past, this plant was used in India to help opium, morphine and cigarette addicts kick their habits. Highly nutritive and supportive of the nervous system, Oat Straw helps build healthy bones, skin, hair and nails. Oat Straw is not a bona fide aphrodisiac, but it does nourish the nerves, making tactile sensations more pleasurable. Oat Straw is one of the best remedies for "feeding" the central nervous system, especially when under stress. It is considered a specific in cases of nervous debility and exhaustion, especially when associated with depression. Oat Straw may be used with most of the other herbal nervines, both relaxant and stimulatory, to strengthen the nervous system. It is also used in general debility. The high levels of silicic acid in the straw explains its use as a remedy for skin conditions, especially for external applications. Oat Straw is often used as a bath herb to soften skin and help with eczema and neuralgia. The husks have been used historically to stuff pillows and bedding, which is said to have a sedative effect and help for those with rheumatism. Oats has also been used extensively for culinary purposes. The Oat grain from the ripened seed is high in protein and helps to increase stamina. Oat bran (fiber) has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. The primary chemical constituents of Oat Straw includes saponins, flavonoids, starch, alkaloids (trigonelline, avenine), steroids, calcium, iron, B vitamins, lysine, and methionine. The fruits (seeds) contain alkaloids, such as gramine, as well as saponins, such as avenacosides A and B. The seeds are also rich in iron, manganese, and zinc. The straw is high in silica. Oat alkaloids are believed to account for oats' relaxing action. The common name "Oat" also includes the species Avena fatua, which is used interchangeably with Avena sativa. |
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Apple Pectin is a source of water soluble fiber which has a gel-forming effect when mixed with water. As a dietary fiber, Apple Pectin is helpful in maintaining good digestive health. Pectin is defined as any of a group of white, amorphous, complex carbohydrates that occurs in ripe fruits and certain vegetables. Fruits rich in Pectin are the peach, apple, currant, and plum. Protopectin, present in unripe fruits, is converted to Pectin as the fruit ripens. Pectin forms a colloidal solution in water and gels on cooling. When fruits are cooked with the correct amount of sugar, and when the acidity is optimum and the amount of Pectin present is sufficient, jams and jellies can be made. In overripe fruits, the Pectin becomes pectic acid, which does not form jelly with sugar solutions. An indigestible, soluble fiber, Pectin is a general intestinal regulator that is used in many medicinal preparations, especially as an anti-diarrhea agent. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that Apple Pectin acts as an antioxidant against the damaging portion of cholesterol in the blood stream. Many researchers suggest that people who eat fatty foods should, if possible, wash down this food with apple juice rather than the usual drink. Researchers have found that raw Apples are the richest of fruits in pectin, with the Jonagold variety of Apple leading other varieties. A diet of low fiber, high fat, and animal protein appears to be the leading cause of death in many people. It has been established that a diet rich in Apple Pectin can protect against these diseases. Research in Japan has found that Apple Pectin can also decrease the chances of colon cancer. Apple Pectin helps maintain intestinal balance by cleansing the intestinal tract with its soluble and insoluble fibers. Apple Pectin tends to increase acidity in the large intestines, and is advocated for those suffering from ulcer or colitis, and for regulating blood pressure. Pectin is also effective in causing regressions in, and preventing, gallstones. There is also evidence that the regular use of Apple Pectin may lessen the severity of diabetes. Along these lines, it has been suggested that fiber-depleted diets actually help cause diabetes mellitus. Other studies have shown that the regular consumption of Apple Pectin could lead to permanent reductions in insulin requirements.
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