13 Health Benefits & Uses of Isabgol (Psyllium Seed Husk) & Its Side Effects

You probably have not heard the name of  Isabgol or Psyllium Seed Husk, same as you, one of my friends has never seen Isabgol or psyllium seed husk. He asked me benefits, uses and side effects of Isabgol. Therefore, I decided to bring everything in one article to present it here and to share it with you.

Its name sounds odd, “Isabgol.”

Don’t you agree with me?

But the advantages of Isabgol will make you like it; I’ll introduce you to all the benefits that I have found during my research :). So, Sit back and keep reading about Isabgol. We will be talking about its health benefits, uses, and side effects.

Let’s first understand what is Isabgol or Psyllium seed husk before going to their health benefits, uses and side effects.

 

What is Isabgol?

According to Wikipedia, Isabgol is a portion of the seeds of the plant Plantago Ovata, (genus Plantago). They are hygroscopic, which makes it possible for them to grow and develop into mucilaginous. It belongs to Plantaginaceae family.

In simple word, Isabgol is the seed of the plant known as Plantago Ovata. Its leaves have a similar appearance to the leaves of Aloe vera. Isabgol is cultivated in India and Pakistan.

The psyllium seeds come from the big flower of the plant, and the structure is very much similar to wheat. It has various beneficial effects including mild laxative, diuretic qualities, and cooling and thus, Isabgol finds its place as an important member of Ayurveda. It is easily available in many households in South Asia.

 

Common Names of Isabgol

• Psyllium seed husks
• Ispaghula
• Isabgol
• Psyllium
• Ashwakarna
• Indian Plantago, Spogel, Sand Plantain
• Flea Seed
• Plantaginis Ovatae Se-men (Se-men Plantaginis Ovatae)
• Se-men Ispaghulae

 

Other Names of Isabgol

• Sanskrit Name : Ashvagola, Ashwakarna
• English Name : Ispaghula, Blond psyllium, Spogel seeds
• Hindi Name : Isabghul, Snigdhajirakah, Nigdhabijah
• Kannada Name : Issagolu
• Oriya Name : Isapgol
• Telugu Name : Isapagola
• Tamil Name : Ishappukol,Iskol
• Gujrati Name : Isafaghol
• Marathi Name : Isabgol
• Malayalam Name : Karkalasaringi

Botanical/Scientific Name of Isabgol

The Botanical or scientific name of Isabgol is Plantago Psyllium, Plantago Ovata, Plantago Ispaghula, and Plantago Ovata Husk.

Health Benefits of Isabgol

After an introduction and common names, Let’s move to health benefits of isabgol.

1) Isabgol Relieves Constipation

Isabgol has a decent amount of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps to make it a good cure for constipation.

Isabgol has hygroscopic properties that help it to absorb water from the digestive tract and enhancing consistency of stools.

How To Take Isabgol for Getting Relief From Constipation

• Mix two spoons of Isabgol in a glass of warm milk and consume it before you go to bed.

NOTE:

• Always talk to your doctor first, it’s best to seek the advice of your doctor before you decide what is good for your health.

2) Natural Remedy For Diarrhoea

After seeing benefits for constipation, I wasn’t expecting that Isabgol will have some properties to relieve diarrhea too as these two are antonyms, but surprisingly Isabgol is beneficial in both the cases.

It is a home remedy that helps in both constipation and diarrhea. Curd provides stomach the proper quantity of probiotics that help to heal the infection and Isabgol helps hardens the stools to deal with diarrhea.

 

Now this is the important part, as for constipation you consume isabgol with warm milk but lets now understand How To Use Isabgol To Get Relief From Diarrhoea

• Add 2 tsp isabgol and 3 tsp curd together.
• Consume the combination of curd and isabgol just after a meal.
• You need to take it twice in a day to get good results.

NOTE:

• Again it’s best to seek the advice of your doctor first as only he knows the exact condition through which your body is going and thus, he will provide the best advice.

3) Improves Digestion

Previously mentioned, Isabgol is rich in fiber that assists in the digestion of the meals that you eat.
It further stimulates cleaning of the stomach contents by helping in the cleaning of stomach walls from excessive toxins, along with that it also, helps the stomach in the movement of food through the intestine.

 

How To Take Psyllium Seed Husk to Improve Digestion

Drinking a glass of isabgol water can improve your digestion.

• Take Isabgol with buttermilk soon after the meal on a regular basis.
• Be sure that you consume it the moment you add the isabgol because the seed husk appears to swell and harden.

NOTE:

• Do consult your doctor if you notice any unwanted changes in taste, body or otherwise.

4) Isabgol Cleanses Your Colon

Already mentioned above, isabgol has hygroscopic properties, which make it a good colon cleanser.
As per Ayurveda, It moves by way of the colon and takes up the dangerous toxin, named as AMA in Ayurveda (poisonous waste products that usually coats the stomach walls).

 

It assists in sustaining different digestive conditions out of the picture. That’s the reason that isabgol is a helpful approach to cleanse your colon.

How To Take Isabgol for Cleansing your Colon

• Consume Isabgol with warm water or juice that you like before sleeping at night for 3 to 4 days a month.

NOTE:

• Always consult a healthcare specialist if the problem seems severe and no effects are noted.

5) Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals with Isabgol

 

After seeing its benefits for cleansing colon, indigestion and relief from constipation let now move on to the next one, i.e., it helps you to achieve your weight loss goals. Isabgol gives you the sensation of fullness for a long time and controls cravings. Thus, you do not binge on extra snacks or junk food which contribute to weight gain.

How To Take Isabgol For Weight Loss

• Take warm water, lemon juice, and isabgol
• Mix them well
• Drink it on an empty stomach before your meal in the morning

Anytime you feel about eating, consume isabgol with water that will make free of food craving, and it will avoid unwanted intake of more calories.

 

6) Relieves from Acidity

Burning discomfort is the sign of acidity that most people experience. In case you are suffering from acidity then Isabgol is one of the finest natural treatment that can deal with this burning sensation of acidity.

The Psyllium husk covers the stomach by coating with a protective layer and safeguards it from the burning annoyance caused by acidity. It assists in good digestion and minimizes the abnormal release of digestive acid and cuts down the impact of acid in the stomach. As the acid level gets controlled so does the burning sensation providing you relief and instant calm feeling in your stomach.

7) Helps In Curing Piles And Fissures

Already mentioned above, Isabgol is rich in insoluble and soluble fiber. Also, the laxative properties of isabgol help in the regulation of the natural bowel movement.

Isabgol is good for patients suffering from painful issues such as a-n-a-l fissures and piles. It helps in calming bowel movements in a case of pile and fissures. It functions as a natural stool softener, the hygroscopic properties of Isabgol help in absorbing water from the surrounding parts of the intestine, and thus, assisting the passage of soft and pain-free stool.

On top of that, resulting from its natural aspect to support in uncomplicated defecation, psyllium seed husk aids the healing of fissures, while it guards the a-n-u-s against stretching excessively when the person passes the motion and avoids the rupture of treating wounds.

How To Take Psyllium Seed Husk For Piles and Fissures

• Consume Isabgol with warm water at night before you go to your bed. It will improve your conditions.

NOTE:

• As already mentioned above, always talk to your doctor first.

Healthy Heart

8) Reduces Heart Conditions

Studies indicate a diet that is rich in water-soluble fiber has been linked with lower triglyceride levels and also makes sure that you are at a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, Adding food items that are rich in fiber including psyllium-enriched cereals to your diet routine can help in reducing the risk of heart conditions.

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

9) High Cholesterol

The hygroscopic properties of Isabgol make it ideal for the heart. It forms a thin layer around intestinal walls and avoid the absorption of cholesterol from the food and efficiently lowers the amount of serum cholesterol in the blood. This is the reason why health experts recommend Isabgol.

According to University of Maryland Medical Center, Soluble fiber that includes psyllium husk, guar gum flax seed, and oat bran, can help reduce cholesterol if added to a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.

Studies indicate psyllium can lower total, and also bad cholesterol levels (LDL), which could possibly assist to lower the heart disease risk. In Pairing with cholesterol-lowering drugs, which includes statins, psyllium gives an added advantage to lowering cholesterol levels.

Another study shows that psyllium is a helpful method for people to reduce their cholesterol, with only a few side effects.

10) High Blood Pressure

 

Isabgol includes both soluble and insoluble fiber. Adding fiber to your diet (psyllium) could assist reduce blood pressure. It helps in reducing the blood pressure by actually calming the tension in your blood vessels and making it easy for the blood to flow.

University of Maryland Medical Center suggests in a study that Six months of supplementation with psyllium fiber can drastically lower the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in overweight people who have high blood pressure. However, Studies are not fully definite and concrete.

11) Diabetes

Isabgol has natural substance gelatin that helps in slowing down the process of breakdown and absorption of glucose into the body. Therefore, It helps in controlling diabetes. Further as mentioned several times it is rich in fiber and fibrous food are known to lower insulin levels in your body.

Studies indicate that diet rich in fiber could reduce insulin and blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol levels in sufferers of diabetes. Additionally, For those who are at risk for diabetes, it can reduce the possibility of developing diabetes.

How To Take Isabgol To Deal With Diabetes

• Take this soon after meal coupled with water.

NOTE:

• It’s always good to consult your doctor first.

12) Helps in relief from inflammation of Gut and Colon 

Isabgol has a compound called  Mucilage which helps in lowering any pressure on the gut and colon which further helps in calming any inflammation in these parts and soothing your body.

13) Detoxification

As Isabgol is rich in dietary fiber thus, it controls your bowel movements and also absorbs excess water. All this helps in detoxifying and cleansing the gastrointestinal system of your body, leaving you to feel relaxed and light.

 

Side Effects of Isabgol

Food is consumed majorly because it gives you energy and if you don’t consume it in limit the result will make you fat, obese and unhealthy. Just like that consuming excessive amount of anything can trigger side effects. Isabgol should always be taken after soaking its seeds and even the husk in water or else; it could cause:

• Stomach cramping: Cramps may arise, In such a scenario stop using psyllium husks and seek the advice of your health care professional immediately.

• Allergic Reactions: In case you face any allergic reactions (which are unusual), Consult your doctor soon for the right treatment.
• Consume only after consultation with your Doctor: Consult our doctor before taking Isabgol, especially in case you have medical records of appendicitis, a stomach blockage, etc.

 

Conclusion

Isabgol, thus, is a very useful compound and is easily available in the market. It amazing benefits and medicinal qualities are enough to overshadow its negligible side effects.

Try and include this amazingly healthy edible compound in your regular diet and do let us know what you think about Isabgol or Psyllium Seed Husk through your valuable comments below and also do not hesitate to ask, if you wish to know more about it.