Herbal Therapies Used by People Living With HIV: Psyllium

Psyllium is the seed and husk of the plant Plantago isphagula. It is used to control diarrhea and constipation. Psyllium is the major component of many over-the-counter laxatives such as Metamucil. It absorbs water in the intestine, making stools firmer and more regular. People with HIV often use it to control drug-related diarrhea. One small study used psyllium fiber bars to treat HIV-positive people who were experiencing diarrhea as a side effect of protease inhibitors. Ninety-three per cent of people in the study found that psyllium improved their condition.

Psyllium, because it is a fibre, may also help lower cholesterol levels. No psyllium studies have looked specifically at the cholesterol problems associated with HIV treatments, although a study of diabetic men (who didn't require insulin) with high cholesterol levels showed that psyllium twice a day for eight weeks lowered cholesterol levels.

Psyllium can be purchased as ground seed and taken with water. It can also be purchased in nutrition bars. People taking psyllium should be sure to drink lots of water to prevent it from causing blockage in the intestine. Psyllium interferes with the absorption of other herbs or drugs because it slows the passage of food through the intestine. Wait an hour or two after other treatments before taking psyllium.