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.
Hindi- Isabgol, Ashwagol
English- Spogel seeds, Psyllium, Isphagul
Arabic- Bajkathuna
Gujarathi-Umatho jeeru
Kannada- Isapgolu
Tamil-Isappa
Telugu- Isapgol
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
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:
The dose
of the drug used according to physicians
Seed: 5-10g
You can
use the Isabgol with honey or with rose water if you have allergic skin
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.
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.
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