<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Please excuse me if this has already been answered, but I'm way behind on reading mail. Psyllium comes from the plantain plant, one of those lowly weeds that grows everywhere. They make the psyllium powder from the seeds. It's supposed to be very good for IBS, but you're better off to find the pure psyllium from a HFS that contains no sugar or other additives. I agree, it's not the most pleasant thing to get down. Susan