http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psyllium_seed_husks
Psyllium seed husks also known as ispaghula, isabgol, or psyllium, are portions of the seeds of the plant Plantago ovata, (genus Plantago), a native of India. They are soluble in water, expanding and becoming mucilaginous when wet. Ayurveda science of medicine recommends its use for colon cleansing as well as for better blood circulation.
Psyllium seed husks are indigestible in human beings and are often used as a source of dietary fiber. They are used to relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, and diarrhea. They are also used as a regular dietary supplement to improve and maintain regular GI transit. The inert bulk of the husks helps provide a constant volume of solid material irrespective of other aspects of the diet or any disease condition of the gut. Some recent research is also showing them to be promising in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes.[1]
Other uses include gluten-free baking, where ground psyllium seed husks bind moisture and help make the bread less crumbly.
The husks are used whole in their natural state, or dried and chopped or powdered for easier consumption. In either of these forms, one takes them by mixing them with water or another fluid.
Sometimes they are combined with clay as a detoxification drink.[2] They are also available in capsules. Over-the-counter laxatives and fiber supplements such as Metamucil, Colon Cleanse, Serutan, Fybogel, Bonvit, and Effersyllium have psyllium husks as their main ingredient. They may be combined with other ingredients (e.g., Blackstrap molasses is sometimes used with psyllium seed husks for its high mineral and vitamin content, as well as being an excellent carrier). A typical dose is one to three teaspoons per glass of water. Psyllium seeds can be used for the same purpose at a lower cost.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a tangible benefit of psyllium seed husk intake[3] and a decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Psyllium's soluble fiber, in addition to a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, has potential to decrease the risk of CHD via decreasing the blood cholesterol levels.
