What does psyllium mean?
Psyllium is the cleaned, husked seed of Plantago ovata, a species of plantain valued for its highly viscous, soluble fiber. When mixed with water, the fiber absorbs liquid and forms a gel-like mass, which can soften stool and support regular bowel movements. This bulk-forming action explains psyllium’s widespread use as a laxative, especially for occasional constipation. Psyllium is also sold as a dietary supplement or added to foods for its fiber content. Its use requires adequate fluid, since taking it without enough water can cause difficulty swallowing or choking. The name comes through Latin from Greek psyllion, meaning “flea,” a reference to the small appearance of the seeds. Although closely related to plants called plantains, psyllium is a specific seed product rather than a general term for the entire plant.
nounPsyllium is the cleaned, husked seed of Plantago ovata, a plantain species whose seeds contain a large amount of soluble fiber. It is used as a bulk-forming laxative and as a source of dietary fiber.
- The cleaned, husked seeds of Plantago ovata, used as a source of soluble dietary fiber.
- A bulk-forming laxative made from those seeds.
"The nurse recommended psyllium with plenty of water to help relieve her constipation."
"She mixed psyllium into her breakfast cereal to increase her fiber intake."
"Psyllium can relieve constipation, but it should be taken with enough water."
The plural is uncommon; “psyllium” is normally used as a mass noun.
"The store stocks several brands of psylliums and other fiber supplements."
Psyllium is named for a tiny seed that resembles a flea: its Greek ancestor, psyllion, means “flea.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does psyllium come from?
The word comes from Latin psyllium, a botanical term adopted from Ancient Greek psyllion, meaning “flea,” because the seeds are small and were thought to resemble fleas. The product now called psyllium comes from the husked seeds of Plantago ovata, one of several species in the plantain genus. The medicinal use of these seeds became established in modern times, particularly as a bulk-forming treatment for constipation.
Related word forms
How psyllium is actually used
The term is most often used in medical, nutritional, and commercial contexts. It is generally used as a mass noun, though the plural “psylliums” is occasionally used when referring to individual products or capsules.
Easily confused with psyllium
Psyllium refers to the cleaned, husked seeds of Plantago ovata, while plantain can refer to several species in the Plantago genus as well as the unrelated cooking banana.