A Plantago ovata is a medicinal plant, also known as psyllium, widely used to treat constipation or to help treat high cholesterol, blood sugar levels or even to help with weight loss.
The normally used part of the Plantago ovata are the seeds, from which the thick gel rich in soluble fiber is obtained, which absorb water in the intestine and delay the absorption of food, helping to alleviate constipation and reducing the absorption of fats and sugars from food, in addition to increasing satiety.
A Plantago ovata It can be purchased at natural product stores or compounding pharmacies and should be used with medical advice, from a nutritionist or other health professional who has experience with the use of medicinal plants.
What is it for
A Plantago ovata is indicated for:
1. Fight constipation
A Plantago ovata It has a laxative effect that helps combat constipation, as the soluble fibers in this plant act to stimulate bowel movements and increase the absorption of water in the intestine, which leads to an increase in the volume and moisture of feces, facilitating their elimination. .
2. Lower high cholesterol
Because it is rich in soluble fiber, Plantago ovata It can help in the treatment of high cholesterol, as it reduces the absorption of fats from food in the intestines, causing them to reduce their concentration in the body in the long term.
However, the use of Plantago ovata It does not replace the treatment for high cholesterol recommended by the doctor, and can be used as a complement to the treatment. Find out how high cholesterol is treated.
3. Prevent cardiovascular diseases
By reducing the absorption of dietary fats and reducing cholesterol, fiber in Plantago ovata help prevent the formation of fatty plaques in blood vessels.
Thus, the Plantago ovata can help prevent or reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke.
4. Fight diarrhea
A Plantago ovata It can also help fight diarrhea because soluble fibers, when absorbing water, can increase the thickness of feces, slowing their passage through the intestine and reducing bowel movements, relieving diarrhea.
5. Help in the treatment of irritable bowel
A Plantago ovata It can also be used to help relieve periods of diarrhea or constipation caused by irritable bowel or diverticulosis, or chronic diarrhea caused by Crohn’s disease, for example.
6. Help control diabetes
The soluble fibers present in Plantago ovatahelp reduce sugar absorption from the intestines, regulating blood glucose levels, which can help control diabetes.
However, it is important to highlight that the Plantago ovata It can be used to complement the treatment recommended by your doctor for diabetes, and should not replace it. See how diabetes is treated.
7. Help you lose weight
A Plantago ovata It can help you lose weight as it increases the time it takes for food to be digested, prolonging the feeling of satiety and reducing hunger.
However, to help with weight loss, Plantago ovata It should be part of a healthy diet, associated with regular physical activity. See how to go on a diet to lose weight.
Although it has many benefits, Plantago ovata should be used with the guidance of a doctor, nutritionist or herbalist.
How to use
The normally used part of the Plantago ovata These are the seeds, from which the thick gel rich in soluble fibers, with medicinal effects, is extracted.
1. Tea Plantago ovata
The tea Plantago ovata can be made with the seeds of this plant.
Ingredients
- 3 grams of the seeds Plantago ovata;
- 100 mL of water.
Preparation mode
Boil the seeds Plantago ovata in water for 5 minutes. Let it rest until it cools, strain and take it up to 3 times a day, preferably before meals, for a maximum of 7 consecutive days, or as advised by your doctor.
In the case of people who use medication, it is recommended to take the Plantago ovata 2 hours before or 2 hours after other medicines, so as not to interfere with the absorption and effect of the medicines.
2. Plantago ovata in powder
Another way to use the Plantago ovata It is in the form of powder or flour, produced from the seeds of this plant, which can be found in health food stores and can be added to juices, yogurts or fruit salads, for example. See other ways to use Plantago ovata.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that may occur while using Plantago ovata are excess gas, abdominal pain or bloating.
It is recommended to stop using the Plantago ovata and seek medical help immediately if constipation lasts more than 7 days, or the person experiences blood in the stool, nausea, vomiting or severe stomach pain, as this may be a sign of intestinal obstruction.
Furthermore, although rare, Plantago ovata may cause serious allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. Therefore, you should stop using it and seek the nearest emergency room if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, a feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face, or hives. Know how to identify the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Who shouldn’t use
A Plantago ovata should not be used by children under 12 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In addition Plantago ovata should not be used by people who have difficulty swallowing, intestinal obstruction, chronic constipation, constipation after surgery, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, rectal bleeding, failure to defecate even after using laxatives, difficult-to-control diabetes insulin doses or pancreatic insufficiency.
This plant should also not be used by people who are allergic to Plantago ovata.
