Psyllium (Plantago Psyllium, P. ovate). Psyllium is a bulk laxative that increases the volume of intestinal contents. The major component of psyllium is mucilage. The seeds and the husk are hydrophilic bulking agents that swell several times greater than their original size (8-14 times) in water. This increased bulk creates a stretching action on the wall of the intestine that stimulates peristaltic activity in the bowel. When psyllium is taken with six cups or more of water or fluids in a day, the psyllium acts as a laxative and aids in normalizing daily bowel movements, preferably with each normal sized meal. Psyllium SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN by any persons while they are constipated. Psyllium, when taken in a proper manner, lowers bowel transit time, absorbs toxins from the bowel, regulates colonic bacteria, and adds a demulcent (soothing, coating) to the digestive tract.