diease

ISABGOL


WHAT IS ISABGOL

It is an important medicinal herb that is used in the treatment of various ailments. The botanical name for isabgol is Plantago ovata which belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is used in the treatment of constipation, piles, herpes, and abdominal distension. It is also called Psyllium husk which is dietary fiber.


What are the other names of ISABGOL in various languages

Hindi- Isabgol, Ashwagol

English- Spogel seeds, Psyllium, Isphagul

Arabic- Bajkathuna

Gujarathi-Umatho jeeru

Kannada- Isapgolu

Tamil-Isappa

Telugu- Isapgol


ORIGIN AND SOURCE OF ISABGOL

The word Isabgol is originated from the Peersina word meaning horse ear which describes the shape of the seed. It is native to West Asia but it is widely grown in India for commercial purposes. It is also widely distributed in Canary island across southern Spain, North Africa, the middle east, and northwestern Asia. In India, it is cultivated in North Gujarat, Western Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Here the seed is considered as the main part of this plant. 26-27% of husk is prepared from the seeds and it usually grows in clear and sunny weather before the harvest. It is an annual plant that grows up to 30-40cm. The seed is thin, white, translucent, odorless, and mucilaginous taste. This plant can be harvested in March.

Part used: Isabgol seed and Seed husk

Taste: Sweet

Potency: Cold


CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN ISABGOL

On chemical compound analysis of the isabgol, it includes

The isabgol seed contains amino acids including alanine, valine, glutamic acid, glycine, lysine, leucine, and tyrosine. It contains mucilage with a mixture of polysaccharides composed of xylose, arabinose, and galacturonic acid, rhamnose, and galactose. The seed also has aucubin which is an antibacterial activity. The seeds coat contain fatty acids mainly linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids

ACTION:

  • Laxative
  • Hypocholesterolemic effect
  • Anti-diarrheal
  • Anti-diabetic
  • Anti-bacterial and Anti-inflammatory
  • Emollient
  • Anti-diuretic


TRADITIONAL AND MODERN VIEW OF ISABGOL

  • The husk of seed is soaked into the water for more than 2 hours and later you can take this soaked seed to treat abdominal distension, constipation, and flatulence
  • 30-40ml of isabgol cold infusion seed is used in the treatment of urinary retention
  • The isabgol seed is fried with ghee to treat irritable bowel syndrome
  • For herpes, burning sensation, and pus the seed of isabgol is made into a paste and apply this paste externally on the affected area
  • For burning sensation, excessive thirst, and fever take 3-5g of powdered seeds of Isapgol 


DOSAGE OF ISABGOL

The dose of the drug used according to physicians

Seed: 5-10g


PRECAUTIONS WHILE USING ISABGOL

  • Avoid the use of this herb if you have a sore throat, and difficulty in swallowing
  • Kindly consult with the doctor if you have Parkinson’s disease before consuming Isabgol
  • Isabgol helps to reduce the blood sugar level, monitor the blood glucose level if you are taking any other anti-diabetic drug along with isabgol
  • Isabgol helps to reduce the blood pressure, monitor the blood pressure if you are taking any other antihypertensive drug along with isabgol


CONTRAINDICATIONS WHEN USING ISABGOL

You can use the Isabgol with honey or with rose water if you have allergic skin


BENEFITS OF ISABGOL

Internal use:

Constipation:

Traditional view: Isabgol is rich in fibers, It produces its effect by stimulating the contraction in the intestine and peristaltic movements by its laxative activity which helps to pass the stool easily.

Modern view: Isabgol is a rich source of fibers, It absorbs the retain water and add bulk to the stool which makes the stool soft and results in easy passage of stools

Piles:

Traditional view: Due to its Sita (cold) and Guru (heavy) activity it helps to treat hemorrhoids by stimulating the contraction in the intestine and peristaltic movements by its laxative activity which helps to pass the stool easily.

Modern view: Hemorrhoids occur due to chronic constipation. Isabgol helps by absorbing the water which makes the stool pass easily. It also reduces the bleeding associated with piles

High cholesterol:

Traditional view: Isabgol decrease the cholesterol level by removing the toxins from the body and it also bulks the stool by its guru property.

Modern view: Isabgol decreases the absorption of bad cholesterol and increases the breakdown of cholesterol by its hypocholesterolemic activity

Obesity:

Isabgol regulate obesity by removing the toxins from the body which is responsible for obesity

Diarrhea:

Traditional view: Isabgol is used to treat diarrhea by absorbing the water content which is present in the digestive tract and it produces stool bilk and makes the stool pass easily.

Take the isabgol with curd if you have diarrhea

Modern view: Isabgol had anti-diarrheal property by which it inhibits the calcium ion channels and manage diarrhea

Irritable bowel syndrome:

In irritable bowel syndrome, isabgol absorbs the water content and increase the volume of stool and allow the stool to pass easily and it also acts as a protective layer in the stomach which helps to reduce the secretion of acid

Take the required amount of isabgol husk and mix it with curd and consume this drink after your meals. This is used to treat diarrhea

Ulcerative colitis:

Isabgol is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease by balancing Vata and Pitta activity.

Take the required amount of Isabgol husk and mix it with 1 glass of lukewarm water and have this drink before going to the bed this helps to digestion

Diabetes mellitus:

Traditional view: It helps to control diabetes by reducing the process of breakdown and by decrease the absorption of glucose and it also helps to increase the metabolism.

Modern view: Isabgol increase the absorption of another anti-diabetic drug like metformin along with it increase the glucose-lowering property

Acne and Pimples:

According to Ayurveda, increased production of sebum and clogging of pores cause white and blackheads due to the imbalance of Kapha. The use of Isabgol control the increased production of sebum and decrease inflammation and gives soothing effects

Take the required amount of husk and soak it in water and add aloe vera and almond oil and make it as a paste. Apply this paste on the face and leave it for 15-30 minutes and wash it with cold water.


HOW CAN YOU ADD ISABGOL IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

Isabgol comes in various formulations includes

Internal use:

Isabgol husk powder:

Take the required amount of isabgol husk and mix the powder with curd and consume this drink as soon as you finish the meals. This is effective for diarrhea

Isabgol husk powder with water or milk:

Take the required amount of Isabgol husk and mix it with 1 glass of lukewarm water and have this drink before going to the bed this helps to digestion

External use:

Isabgol powder with honey or rose water:

Take the required amount of husk and soak it in water and add aloe vera and almond oil and make it as a paste. Apply this paste on the face and leave it for 15-30 minutes and wash it with cold water.


SIDE EFFECTS OF ISABGOL

  • Skin rash
  • Hives
  • Vomiting
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Sneezing
  • Difficulty in swallowing 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON ISABGOL

Is Isabgol powder available in the market?

Yes, it is available in the market and it can be brought from online websites or ayurvedic medical stores.

How to store Isabgol?

It should be stored in an airtight container and keep the medicines away from the heat and light and Do not keep the medicines reaching out to children

Is it safe to take Isabgol daily?

Yes, it is safe to consume isabgol daily because it helps to improve bowel movement and correct constipation

How do I use Isabgol for weight loss?

For weight loss add the required amount of isabgol in water or lemon juice and consume the drink on an empty stomach every morning