Herb × Condition

Psyllium for Diarrhea

Sanskrit: Aśva-karn• a-bı-ja | Plantago ovata

How Psyllium helps with Diarrhea according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

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Overview

Psyllium is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for diarrhea. Aśva-karn. a means ‘horse’s ear’ and relates to the shape of the small pink seed resembling the equine ear. Psyllium is a very useful demulcent bulk laxative for treating constipation from dryness.

How Psyllium Helps with Diarrhea

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Psyllium has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing diarrhea:

  • Potency (Virya): Cool
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Sweet
  • Taste (Rasa): Sweet
  • Qualities (Guna): Unctuous, heavy, slimey

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet
Quality (Guna)
Unctuous, heavy, slimey
Potency (Virya)
Cool
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet
Dosha Effect
Dos.aHIIHFW93ï.
Key Constituents
Polysaccharides Mucilage Monoterpene alkaloids Indicaine, plantagonine Iridoids Aucubin Triterpenes Sterols Sugars (Williamson 2002)
Dhatu
Plasma, muscle
Srotas
Digestive, excretory, respiratory

Safety & Precautions

Contraindications: Low digestive fire. Prolonged; use reduces fertility

Safety: It may slow the absorption of other medication. It is best taken 1 or 2 hours after prescribed allopathic or other herbal medication. It is also wise to ensure cardiac glycoside, carbamazepine and lithium salts are taken at as great an interval as possible from psyllium to ensure clinical doses are received. It may be necessary to reduce diabetic medication (WHO 1999, Harkness & Bratman 2003).

Other Herbs for Diarrhea

⟶
Apple Pyrus malus Linn.
⟶
Arjuna Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) W. & A.
⟶
Bael Aegle marmelos
⟶
Baheda Terminalia belerica Roxb.
⟶
Kadali Musa sapientum Linn.
⟶
Black Pepper Pipernigrum Linn.
⟶
Cinnamon Cinnamomum cassia Blume
⟶
Clove Syzygium aromaticum

See all herbs for diarrhea on the Diarrhea page.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.