Psyllium Seeds [Intestinal] come from the psyllium plant, native to the Mediterranean region, Northern Africa and Pakistan. Psyllium is cultivated in those same areas, and its cultivation is being experimented with in the southwestern U.S. The word psyllium in Greek means flea, in reference to the shape, color and size of the seed. Both the seeds and their hulls are used in herbology. The seeds are small and dull-colored, covered with a thin, white hull, and contain 1030 percent mucilage. When placed in water, their outer walls swell to form a layer of mucilage around the seed. The seed swells up to 14 times its normal size. This mucilage lubricates and cleanses the areas through which it passes. The seeds have been used in Europe for intestinal health since the 16th century, but didnt catch on in the U.S. until the early 1900s. As an all-natural vegetable substance, psylliums purely mechanical action to promote health and provide pure bulk fiber in the diet is unsurpassed. Psyllium has no harmful side effects. Natures Sunshine offers the seeds in encapsulated form. Each capsule contains 600 mg psyllium seeds.