Isabgol: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

The Isabgol plant known as Plantago Ovate is cultivated in India and Pakistan. The appearance of Isabgol plant leaves is similar to the leaves of Aloe Vera. The structure is very much similar to wheat, and psyllium seeds come from the plant's big flower. Isabgol finds its place as an important member of Ayurveda; it also has various beneficial effects, including mild laxative, diuretic qualities, and cooling effects.

In South Asia, it is easily available in many households. In the northwest region of India, the Isabgol plant is grown as an annual crop. Plantago ovata comprises Psyllium seed husk. It is soluble in water with reducing gel that becomes mucilaginous when wet and includes Seed husk, which is a natural fiber. 

Isabgol is 30% to 70% insoluble, and this plant contains some soluble fiber. The ripe seeds of Plantago ovata are composed of the epidermis and collapsed adjacent layers that are removed and are in dried form. The fibrous shells processed from psyllium seeds are used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, foods, and various related industries. Also, It is light brown to white, depending on the purity.

Isabgol treats skin irritation, reactions to poison ivy, and insect bites bits. The World's largest psyllium producer, which is about 60% of world production, is done in India. To treat various diseases like bladder problems, coronary heart disease, perticular disease, hemorrhoids, hypertension, and urinary disorder, Isabgol is used in India and China's traditional herbal systems.

You can find this plant's growth in more than 50,000 hectares in various districts like Mehsana, Banaskantha, and Sabarkantha of Gujarat and Jalore, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Nagaur, and Sirohi districts of Rajasthan districts.

What Are The Other Names of Isabgol?

Psyllium seed husks, Ashwakarna, Indian Plantago, Spogel, Ispaghula, Isabgol, Psyllium, Sand Plantain, Flea Seed, Plantaginis Ovatae Se-men, Se-men Ispaghulae, Sanskrit: Ashvagola, Ashwakarna, Ashwakarnabeeja English: Ispaghula, Blond psyllium, Spogel seeds, Psyllium, Ripple Grass Hindi: Isabghul, Snigdhajirakah, Nigdhabijah, Issufgul, Kannada: Issagolu, Visamagolu, issabagolu, Isabakolu Oriya: Isapgol, Telugu: Isapagola, Isapgaluvittulu, Isapagala, Tamil: Ishappukol, Iskol, Iskolvirai, Isphagol, Ishappukolvirai, Gujrati: Isafaghol, Ghoda Jeeru, Umtojeeru, Uthamujeerun, Marathi: Isabgol, Malayalam: Karkalasaringi, Snigddhajirakam, Ispaghal, Botanical/Scientific: Plantago Psyllium, Plantago Ovata, Plantago Ispaghula, and Plantago Ovata Husk, Bengali: Esphopgol, Isabgul, Isshopgul, Ispaghul, Yusuf gul Punjabi: Lisapghol, Bartang, Abghol, Kashmiri: Is-mogul

Isabgol Husk-Ayurvedic View

In Ayurveda, Isabgol is used to treat problems associated with constipation and is known as traditional medicine. Generally, Isabgol has overpowering, astringent, and cooling properties. It reduces the digestive tract's inflammation, alleviates constipation & hemorrhoids, and balances the three senses of humor Vata, Pitta & Kapha. It may initially cause gas, but Isabgol is rich in fiber as well.

Psyllium husk, i.e., Isabgol, is referred to as Ashvagola or Ashwakarna in Ayurveda. The seeds' appearance is concave and elongated as the horse's ear and is called Ashvagola that means horse round; the other word is Ashwakarna that means horse ear.

Ayurvedic Properties of Isabgol

Rasa: Madhura, i.e., sweet, Guna: Snigdha, i.e., smooth, heavy, pichchil, Virya: Sheeta, i.e., cold, Vipaka: Madhura, i.e., sweet), Tridosha: Vata-pitta shamaka, Parts Used: Seeds and seed husk.

Health Benefits of Isabgol

Q1. How does Isabgol Relieves Constipation?
Ans. Ayurvedic View: Isabgol helps to make it a good cure for constipation and has a decent amount of soluble and insoluble fiber.

Scientific View: Isabgol enhances the consistency of stools and has hygroscopic properties that help it to absorb water from the digestive tract.

Procedure to Take Isabgol in getting Relief from Constipation:

• It would help if you consumed it before you go to bed and need to mix two spoons of Isabgol in a glass of warm milk.

Note: It's best to seek your doctor's advice before you decide what is good for your health, so it's always suggested to talk to your doctor first.

Q2. What is the Natural Remedy for Diarrhoea?
Ans. Ayurvedic View: Isabgol is beneficial in both cases as Isabgol will have some properties to relieve diarrhea, too, as it has certain qualities to fight constipation.

Scientific View: Isabgol helps in both constipation & diarrhea and is also a home remedy. Isabgol helps to heal the infection. Isabgol helps hardens the stools to deal with diarrhea, and curd provides the stomach the proper quantity of probiotics.

Procedure to Take Isabgol in getting Relief from Diarrhea:

• It would help if you consumed isabgol with warm milk; remember this as an important part to battle Constipation. 
• 2 tsp Isabgol and 3 tsp curd should be added together.
• Isabgol should be consumed just after a meal with a combination of curd.
• It should be consumed twice a day to get good results.

Note: It's best to seek your doctor's advice before you decide what is good for your health, so it's always suggested to talk to your doctor first.

Q3. How does Isabgol Improve Digestion?
Ans. Scientific View: Isabgol assists in the digestion of the meals that you eat, and as previously mentioned, it is rich in fiber. It helps the stomach in the movement of food through the intestine; it further stimulates the cleaning of the stomach contents by cleaning the stomach walls from excessive toxins.

Procedure to take Isabgol (Psyllium Seed Husk) to Improve Digestion:

• Digestion can be improved by drinking a glass of isabgol water.
• Regularly soon after, the meal takes Isabgol with buttermilk.
• You must add the isabgol because the seed husk appears to swell and harden, so be sure that you consume it the moment.

Note: It's best to seek your doctor's advice before you decide what is good for your health, so it's always suggested to talk to your doctor first.

Q4. How Isabgol does Cleanses Your Colon?
Ans. As previously mentioned, isabgol has a hygroscopic property that makes it a good colon cleanser. It moves by way of the colon and takes up the dangerous toxin as per Ayurveda and is named AMA in Ayurveda, which means poisonous waste products usually coats the stomach walls. Isabgol is a helpful approach to cleanse your colon and assists in sustaining different digestive conditions out of the picture. Procedure to Take Isabgol for Cleansing your Colon: Before sleeping at night for 3 to 4 days a month, consume Isabgol with warm water or juice that you like.

Note: It's best to seek your doctor's advice before you decide what is good for your health, so it's always suggested to talk to your doctor first.

Q5. How to Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals with Isabgol?
Ans. It helps you attain benefits for cleansing the colon, indigestion, and relief from constipation and helps you achieve your weight loss goals. For a long time, Isabgol gives you the sensation of fullness and controls cravings. So it helps you in not consuming extra snacks or junk food which contributes to weight gain.

Procedure to Take Isabgol for Weight Loss:

• Take warm water, lemon juice, and isabgol.
• Mix them well.
• In the morning, drink it on an empty stomach before your meal.
• Consume isabgol with water anytime you feel about eating that will make free of food craving, and it will avoid unwanted intake of more calories.

Note: It's best to seek your doctor's advice before you decide what is good for your health, so it's always suggested talking to your doctor first.

Q6. How does Isabgol provide relief from Acidity?
Ans. As per the experience of people burning discomfort is the sign of acidity. Isabgol is one of the finest natural treatments that can deal with this burning sensation of acidity if you are suffering from acidity.

• Isabgol safeguards it from the burning annoyance caused by acidity and covers the stomach by coating with a protective layer.
• It cuts down the impact of acid in the stomach, assists in good digestion, and minimizes digestive acid's abnormal release.
• Isabgol provides an instant calm feeling in your stomach and as the acid level gets controlled, so does the burning sensation providing you relief.

Note: It's best to seek your doctor's advice before you decide what is good for your health, so it's always suggested to talk to your doctor first.

Q7. How Isabgol helps In Curing Piles and Fissures?
Ans. As previously mentioned, Isabgol is rich in insoluble and soluble fiber. Isabgol helps in the regulation of the natural bowel movement due to the laxative properties. Patients suffering from painful issues such as an-a-l fissures and piles can be cured with intake of Isabgol. In the case of the pile and fissures, Isabgol helps in calming bowel movements. The hygroscopic properties of Isabgol help in absorbing water from the surrounding parts of the intestine; it functions as a natural stool softener and also assists in the passage of soft & pain-free stool. 

Isabgol that is psyllium seed husk aids the healing of fissures in its natural aspect to support uncomplicated defecation; it also guards the a-n-u-s against stretching excessively when the person passes the motion and restricts the rupture of healing wounds. Procedure to Take Psyllium Seed Husk for Piles and Fissures: At night before you go to your bed, consume Isabgol with warm water that will improve your conditions.

Note: It's best to seek your doctor's advice before you decide what is good for your health, so it's always suggested to talk to your doctor first.

Q8. How Isabgol improves Heart Conditions?
Ans. Consumption of Isabgol ensures that you are at a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, and the latest Studies specify a diet that is rich in water-soluble fiber has been linked with lower triglyceride levels. Isabgol can help you reduce the risk of heart conditions by adding food items rich in fiber, including psyllium-enriched cereals, to your diet routine.

It can help you reduce a person's possibility of heart disease. Several studies have also pointed out that fiber such as psyllium, if included in a healthy diet, improves heart conditions. It further helps in strengthening the heart muscle, reducing blood pressure, and enhancing lipid levels.

Note: It's best to seek your doctor's advice before you decide what is good for your health, so it's always suggested to talk to your doctor first.

Q9. How does Isabgol improve High Cholesterol?
Ans. Consumption of Isabgol makes it ideal for the heart due to its hygroscopic properties. It avoids the absorption of cholesterol from the food and efficiently lowers the amount of serum cholesterol in the blood, and forms a thin layer around intestinal walls. Health experts highly recommend Isabgol. It can help reduce cholesterol if added to a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet soluble fiber, including psyllium husk, guar gum flax seed, and oat bran.

It helps lower the heart disease risk and lowers the bad cholesterol level, including statins; psyllium gives an added advantage to lowering cholesterol levels. Isabgol is helpful for people to reduce their cholesterol, with only a few side effects.

Note: It's best to seek your doctor's advice before you decide what is good for your health, so it's always suggested to talk to your doctor first.

Q10. How Isabgol cure Diabetes?
Ans. Isabgol absorbs glucose into the body and has the natural substance gelatin that helps slow down the process of breakdown. It helps control diabetes. It is rich in fiber and fibrous foods, which are known to lower your body's insulin levels. 

It improves cholesterol levels in people living with diabetes and indicates that a diet rich in fiber could reduce insulin and blood sugar levels. It can reduce the possibility of developing diabetes for those who are at risk for diabetes.

Procedure to take Isabgol to Deal with Diabetes: One should consume isabgol coupled with water soon after the meal.

Note: It's best to seek your doctor's advice before you decide what is good for your health, so it's always suggested to talk to your doctor first.

Precautions When Using Isabgol

Advice from Experts

Scientific View: If you are having throat problems or difficulty in swallowing, Avoid taking Isabgol. In the case of Parkinson's disease, consult your Doctor.

Ayurvedic View: A high dosage can lead to heaviness in the stomach due to its heavy nature. Take Isabgol in the recommended dosage or duration.

Patients with Diabetes

Scientific View: Isabgol may lower the blood sugar levels, so monitor blood sugar levels.

Ayurvedic View: Observe your blood sugar level regularly while taking Isabgol along with anti-diabetic drugs.

Patients with Heart Disease

Scientific View: It is advisable to observe your blood pressure while taking Isabgol as it may lower the blood pressure.

Ayurvedic View: It is advisable to observe your blood pressure while taking Isabgol as it may lower the blood pressure along with antihypertensive drugs.

Dosage of Isabgol

Isabgol Powder: Once or twice a day 1-2 teaspoons
Isabgol Capsule: Once or twice a day 1-2 capsules

Side Effects of Isabgol

If you don't consume it in the limit, the result will make you fat, obese, and unhealthy as Food is consumed majorly because it gives you energy not to increase body fat. Excessive consumption of anything can trigger side effects, and Isabgol should always be taken after soaking its seeds and even the husk in water or else which could cause:

Stomach Cramping: In case of cramps, stop using Isabgol and take your doctor's advice instantaneously.

Allergic Reactions: Consult your doctor soon for the right treatment in case you face any allergic reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can you consume Isabgol in excess amount?
Ans. Scientfic View: Due to mild laxative nature Isabgol helps to correct constipation. But if you consume Isabgol in excess that it can cause diarrhea or loss of motion.

Q2. Does consumption of Isabgol with warm water lead to Diarrhoea?
Ans. Scientfic View: Yes, if taken in a high dose with warm water, Isabgol might lead to diarrhea due to its mild laxative nature. 

Q3. Can Isabgol be used for weight loss?
Ans. Scientfic View: Isabgol helps you keep you full for a long period and helps in weight loss as it is rich in water-soluble fibers. It also decreases the level of definite hormones accountable for hunger, thus suppressing body weight.

Ayurvedic View: Due to weak or poor digestion, weight gain is a condition that occurs, leading to the accumulation of excessive fat or toxins in the body. It helps to cut weight due to its smooth and diuretic properties. It makes it easier for the stool to pass out and facilitates the movement of waste through the intestines. It helps to remove the excessive fat out of the body and also increases the production of urine.

Q4. Are there any benefits of consuming Isabgol with milk?
Ans. Scientfic View: Isabgol manages weak digestion and is considered to be beneficial when taken with milk. This prevents the condition of bleeding piles when taken Isabgol with warm milk twice a day, promotes bowel movement, and provides relief from constipation & acidity.

Ayurvedic View: When Isabgol is given with milk, it helps in preventing the condition of constipation as milk has laxative property, and Isabgol has smooth property. Together these properties help in clearing the intestines by facilitating smooth bowel movements.

Conclusion

Isabgol is easily available in the market and is a very helpful compound. It has medicinal qualities are enough to overshadow its negligible side effects, and has amazing benefits. This amazingly healthy edible compound must be added to your regular diet as it keeps your stomach healthy and fit.