The seeds from the plant Plantago Ovata and Plantago Psyllium have long been used in herbal and traditional medicines. Known more commonly as Psyllium Seed Husks, Or Psyllium Husks, the seed husks from this plant are great source of fiber and most widely used to create mucilage to aid colon health as a way to "bulk up" the bodies waste and work as a sponge to clear out the colon walls.

This excellent source of fiber can be purchased in both capsule powder form and in the whole form. The look isn't so pleasant in the whole form. They are not visually appealing and appear to look either like the ends of a flowering plant or well, little bugs. When made into drinks they can also have a somewhat gritty taste.

Psyllium husk fiber can be used by those looking to increase their fiber intake. While taking the recommended capsules is easier, a great way to take them in there whole form is to make into great tasting shakes and smoothies. While there is a somewhat gritty taste, the overall taste is very yummy

Berry Berry Smoothie

• 1 cup Frozen Mixed Fruit (strawberries, grapes, mango, pineapple are a good frozen pack for this)
  
• 1 cup Cran-Raspberry juice (you can subsitute almost any juice for this)
• 2 Tablespoons Whole Pysllium Husks

Frozen Chocolate Shake Treat

• 1 Cup Chocolate Ice Cream
• 1 cup Milk
• 2 tablespoons Whole Pysllium Husks
• Optional: 1 tablespoons vanilla liquid dairy creamer or 1 tablespoon powdered chocolate milk

These are both my favorite recipes and are very easy to make. I use a Magic Bullet blender so that it is easy to just put together in the morning or late evening and get my fiber without a whole lot of clean up.

The Psyllium Husk benefits are hard to miss once you get into a routine of consuming the natural fiber. Among many others, chief benefits are the effects on the stool in the colon.

• Reduce Constipation

While it may seem odd that a bulking fiber would help reduce constipation, consuming Psyllium Husk fiber does help because they increase stool production and help to push through blockage caused by stool low in water.

• Reduce Diarrhea

Psyllium Husks are just as effecitive for diarrhea by working to help bulk up and produce more solid stools.