Habit: The ideal herb for providing a tropical effect this Brazilian beauty has striking large dark green leaves. The psyllium can withstand some frost, does very well inland but is particularly successful at the coast, where with its aerial roots it takes advantage of the humidity. Growing easily in most parts of the country, the psyllium withstands both frost and drought. Faintly orange scented, the flowers of this herb crowd the tips of the long arching branches with racemes of fruit tree-like creamy white blossoms. Stems of the herbs rise from the base and are covered in fresh light green leaves.
Psyllium for most of year in warm places, it is not surprisingly one of the most popular South African gardens plants. Successful at coast and inland, it is able to withstand drought, some frost and wind. Flowers best, however in places with summer heat and moisture. A bushy herb with branches shooting upright from base of plant, it has leathery, olive green leaves with clusters of flowers being borne at tips of stems. Leaves turn from pink-red foliage, large panicles creamy-white flowers and masses of red berries in winter.
Feeding and watering: No extra feeding necessary, although drought resistant psyllium flowers best when kept moist and should be kept watered during the dry months.
Planting: Drainage is important when digging the 65cm square hole for the Mock Orange. These shrubs also like a little lime added to their soil mix of one third of compost and two thirds soil. Also add cupful each of 5:3:1 fertilizers and bone phosphate. At any size transplants well during winter.
Pruning: Important to cut out old flowering stems after the flowering period to encourage fresh growth which will flower the following spring. Old herbs may be cut back to the ground. Cut back at the end of winter for fresh new growth, if necessary, can close gaps by trimming. They can be also planted in pots. Roots protruding from the drainage hole at bottom of a pot are always a sure sign that the herb needs re-potting. Other signs are leaves becoming smaller and the plant generally showing signs are leaves becoming smaller and the plant generally showing signs of distress. When this happens then plant it into a new pot about a third to half a size larger. Ensure good drainage.
Benefits of psyllium: The psyllium husks have been applied in herbal medication for centuries. Psyllium seed husk is a moderately fermented nutritional fiber extracted from Plantago ovata that boosts stool weight and helps in the digestion of food to a great extent. Researches concerning psyllium seeds suggest the increase in wet and dry stool both in healthy and gastrointestinal disease subjects. Psyllium seed husks perform more effectively than other familiar laxative fiber sources and psyllium husks are completely safe to take. Therefore, Cereals with oat bran or psyllium should be made a part of daily diet. However, high psyllium dosage can be hazardous.
Intake of thick soluble psyllium fibers appreciably lowers s LDL cholesterol concentrations and may grant a substitute to drug therapy for some patients. Psyllium husk fiber appears to be one of the most helpful with the slightest side effects. Psyllium can disturb some IBS stomachs because it holds high level of fiber. Baking with psyllium can give flavor to your dishes and also can also be healthy at the same time. There are many psyllium recipe books and ideas available on various website and books can be purchased from local stores at reasonable prices
