Well I've been piqued by this discussion into looking into psyllium/ispaghula (same thing) a bit more, and, blow me down, you CAN buy all sorts of formulations this end, from powder to tablets to ground husk, from loose powder to the sachets of Fybogel I've mentioned. Every brand I've looked at so far carries warnings about the need mix it with water. I bought a box of 30 of those sachets about 15 months ago (we had a particular medical reason at that time which I won't divulge but which has long passed), and there are still 25 sachets in the box. It's that good.

It does seem from reports that the husk is better than the seed. I wouldn't know, because I've only just found out that you can get either. I can't think that anyone would ignore the advice on the packs to take the stuff with water. You'd hardly be able to, even with the most dedicated attempts.