Psyllium seeds are formed by a small bushy plant Plantago psyllium, which is a part of the Plantago family. Plantago psyllium is a native to India and Pakistan and it is now commercially grown in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, India and Pakistan. The seeds are enclosed in a fibrous husk and it is removed by thrashing and winnowing. The husks have unique properties, making them useful in a number of applications. These husks contain high levels of mucilage, a material that attracts and absorbs water. Psyllium seed husks are a popular dietary suppliant used to add fiber to a healthy diet.

Psyllium seed husks are added to diet foods, health foods, high fiber cereals and fiber supplements. Psyllium seed husks absorb excess water in the small intestine and swell up considerably in size, acting as a natural cleanser. Psyllium seed husks are effective at relieving diarrhea, constipation and at restoring normal bowel function. Psyllium husks are also used in alternative medicine as daily supplements to lose weight and lower cholesterol. Psyllium husks is used as a thickening agent in cooking and is used as a coating for agricultural seeds to absorb water and assist germination.