Psyllium Husk is seed of the plant Plantago Ovata (Genus Plantago). It is commonly known as Isabgol.
Isabgol works as a laxative and known as the best natural herb to treat constipation. Apart from this, there are numerous benefits of Isabgol like curing acidity, cleansing the colon, aids in weight loss, control diabetes, cures piles, lowers high blood pressure.
In this article, we are debunking all the health benefits of Isabgol in detail.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits Of Isabgol (Psyllium Husk)
1. Cure Constipation
Isabgol has natural laxative properties. It is full of fiber. It expands in the digestive tract and because of its gelatin base helps in natural bowel movement.1
Moreover, it has hygroscopic nature, it absorbs water from the intestine which helps in improving the consistency of the stools and thereby curing constipation.
How To Take It?
Soak Isabgol in water for 5 to 6 hours then you can take it alone with lukewarm milk at night before bed to pass smooth stools the next morning.
2. As A Natural Remedies For Diarrhea
It’s an amazing natural product that can cure both constipation and diarrhea. It works by eliminating the bad bacteria’s in the gut and promoting the growth of good bacteria’s.
For diarrhea mix it in curd and consume. The curd is full of probiotics which will further heal the infection caused due to diarrhea and Isabgol will harden the stool.
How To Take It?
Mix 4 teaspoons of Isabgol with eight teaspoons of fresh curd and eat it after the meal. Take this twice a day.
3. Get Relief From Acidity
If you have acidity, Isabgol can work as a wonder herb to cure it.
Psyllium husks create a protective wall around the stomach and thus reduce the excessive secretion of digestive acid. It also nullifies the effect of the acid in the stomach and thus relief acidity, bloating, and GERD.2
How To Take It?
Mix it with cold water and take it after the meal. It will undoubtedly ease your problem.
4. Cleanse Colon
Isabgol is hygroscopic in nature. While traveling through the colon, it absorbs the harmful toxic known as AMA in Ayurveda. When the harmful wastes are absorbed the colon becomes clean and is ready to start its normal functioning.
It is the best effective way to cleanse your colon. A cleansed colon can keep multiple digestive issues at bay and also aid in the overall digestive system functioning.
How To Take?
Take it with lukewarm water or juice of your choice before night for 3 to 4 days in a month.
5. Helps In Weight Loss
If you want to lose weight, then this can come as handy.
By taking Isabgol, you can curb food craving. It has fibrous nature which helps you control the desire to eat more by keeping you fill
Additionally, it cleanses the colon which further helps in proper digestion of food and also brings up an increase the metabolic rate of the body.
How To Take This?
- Prepare a mixture by mixing it with warm water and add a lemon juice to it. Take this in empty stomach in the morning.
- Whenever you have food craving drink Isabgol mixing it with water.
- It will make you full and will stop the unnecessary consumption of extra calories.
6. Prevents Heart Diseases
Isabgol is full of fiber. As it is hygroscopic in nature, it absorbs the cholesterol. It cleans your stomach and intestine wall from the excess deposition of toxins and the oily substance.3 Further, it also prevents absorption of fat from the food.
When there are no fatty deposits and your cholesterol are in the normal limits, your heart will automatically remain healthy.
How To Take It?
Eat Isabgol along with the water right after you finish your meals twice in a day.
7. Promote Digestion
If you have indigestion problem, then you can take this. As it is full of fiber, it helps in digestion of food. It cleans the stomach wall from excessive toxins and also helps the stomach in the movement of food through the intestine. You can improve your digestion and your metabolic rate by taking Isabgol.4
How To Take It?
To boost your digestion take this along with buttermilk right after the meal on a regular basis.
8. Control Diabetes
Isabgol has natural gelatin substance which slows down the breakup and absorption of glucose in your body. It does so by regulating the insulins levels. So, when there is a low intake of glucose diabetes is automatically controlled.
Moreover, psyllium decreased serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin significantly in diabetic outpatients which further helps to reduce the symptoms of diabetes. 5
How To Take It?
Take this right after your meal along with water.
9. Helps In Curing Piles And Fissures
We have already discussed how its laxative properties assist in the natural bowel movement. It has a high amount of both soluble and insoluble fiber present in it.
In a case of pile and fissures isabgol works to smooth bowel movement. Fissures are often a result of severe constipation. So, isabgol works as a natural stool softener and ease the passage of stool.
How To Take It?
Drink It along with water at night before going to bed every day till your conditions get better.
10. Promotes Healthy Heart
Research has shown that eating food in high dietary fiber lowers the tri glycerol levels in the blood.
If the triglycerol levels are optimal then the heart functions normally and remain healthy. This in turn also lowers the risk of the heart-related issues.
Additionally, in a few more reports, it was found regular intake of Isabgol can help in lowering blood pressure, enhancing lipid levels, and regulating blood circulation in the body.
11.Lowers High Cholesterol Level
Studies suggest Isabgol can lower cholesterol level in the blood due to its hygroscopic nature. It forms a thin wall around the walls and prevents absorption of cholesterol from the food.
How To Buy It?
Isabgol (Psyllium husk )
It is available everywhere you can buy it from an online store too. The Best Isabgol Supplement to buy are with the following features
1. The powdered one over thee Isabgol capsules.
2. The natural one without any flavor.
3. Prefer buying the prepackaged product from the market from a trusted brand.
Side Effects Of Taking Isabgol
Any severe allergic reaction related to Isabgol is rare. It can be taken safely without any side effect. However, make sure not to over consume.
Take it as per your requirement. Always take it after soaking it in liquid otherwise, it may cause choking because of its excessive dry nature.
Few people might develop stomach cramping, if this happens to you immediately stop the use and consult a doctor if required. In most cases, doctors consultation is not required as it is cured on its own
Moreover, allergic reactions are almost rare if you face any, seek doctors advice without delay.6 If you have a medical history of appendicitis, stomach blockage doesn’t take this supplement without consulting your doctor.
Isabgol For Constipation: How It Works, Effectiveness
It has natural gelatinous substance. After you soak it in water, it swells forming an emollient gel. It has no taste and odor of its own. Isabgol works for constipation in the following ways:
- It has laxative properties. Because of this, it helps in clearing the passage of intestine and promoting bowel movement.
- It doesn’t absorb any other nutrients as it is unaffected by any of the digestive enzymes. Thus, it helps in making natural bowel movement as it provides bulk laxative.
- It has properties to absorb bacteria and other harmful toxins present in the intestine and thereby clearing any waste from the intestine.
- Gives proper lubrication inside the intestine wall.
Dosage
For Adults: 7 to 10 grams equal to 2 to 3 teaspoon 1 to 3 times a day with water or any juice. You should soak it overnight in water before consuming it.
Can Isabgol Be Taken During Pregnancy?
It is considered safe to consume during pregnancy & lactation while needed. It is better to consult a doctor before taking this during pregnancy.
Final Talk
Isabgol is an extremely safe natural laxative. It is highly recommended and use in Ayurveda to cure stomach and gastrointestinal issues.
You can always take it to releif your stomach issues too. However, make sure to buy it from a good source and consume it as per the dosage to prevent any side-effects.
References
