Plantain psyllium: A superior alternative to flaxseed for digestive health

Flaxseed is one of the most popular and healthiest herbal remedies. It can be bought in any supermarket or store, and a package costs no more than 80 pence.

Common flax seeds are used in herbal medicine and to treat stomach ailments. Add them to water or yogurt to alleviate stomach pain or bloating. Few people know that plants grow in fields throughout the UK with even stronger effects.

Plantain psyllium is an annual plant species from the plantain family. It reaches up to 40 centimetres in height. You can find it in fields, meadows, or around local lawns. You can also buy it in herbal shops or pharmacies.

Many valuable nutrients, such as linoleic acid, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, are found in small, oval seeds. Due to their high fibre content, plantain psyllium seeds are recommended for people suffering from constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, or haemorrhoids. The plant's seeds also provide a large amount of dietary fibre.

This is just one of the advantages of plantain psyllium. The linoleic acid contained in the seeds provides the body with omega-6 fatty acids, which support the proper functioning of the immune and nervous systems. Phenolic compounds protect against excessive free radicals in the body. For this reason, the seeds are considered a dietary supplement.

Plantain psyllium is a true ally in weight loss. Just one tablespoon of seeds will eliminate bloating and ensure a feeling of fullness for long hours. People suffering from diabetes or insulin resistance will also benefit, as the plant helps maintain proper blood sugar levels.

How to incorporate the plant into your daily diet: One tablespoon of ground seeds should be poured into boiling water and left for 10-15 minutes. When the infusion cools, you can drink it. You can also add them directly to yogurt or a smoothie. Remember, however, to wait a quarter of an hour before consumption so the seeds can soften.