Many physicians recommend taking 7.5 grams of psyllium seeds or 5 grams of psyllium husks one to two times each day, combined with water or juice. For persistent constipation, some doctors prescribe a combination of senna (18%) and psyllium (82%). The amount you can take in a day is limited by the number of grains you can eat at one time. Try not to eat more than about 40 grams of psyllium all at once. The best way to figure out how much psyllium you can take is by trying it for a few days and seeing how you feel. If you start to feel bloated or have trouble swallowing, stop eating it for a while and see what happens. Most people can comfortably eat up to 20 grams per day, but some may need as little as 10 grams or as many as 40 grams per day. Psyllium comes in the form of seeds and husks. To use psyllium, soak 1/4 cup of seeds or 2 tablespoons of powder in 1 cup of liquid overnight. The next morning, drain off the liquid and use the seed or powder within three months. You can also sprinkle the powder on top foods such as yogurt or ice cream. People who try psyllium say that it works well for keeping stools soft and regularizing digestion. Some find that it helps control gas pain too.