For thousands of years this Ispagula Husk has provided relief for many ailments involving the intestinal system. So, if any one not familiar with this term “Ispagula Husk”, then the first question will be arises, what is Ispagula Husk?

It is the epidermis and the collapsed layers removed from the dried ripe seeds of Plantago ovata Forssk.(Fam: Plantaginaceac). The plant is a herbaceous annual indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and Iran. Ispagula Husk contains mucilage and hemicelluloses. Cold water extraction yields a polysaccharide which on hydrolysis yields D-xylose(46%), L-arabinose(7%) and the aldobiouronic acid(40%). Subsequent extraction with hot water removes a xylum composed of D-xylose(80%) and L-arabinose(14%). It looks pale buff brittle flakes, more or less lanceolate, up to 2 mm long and 1 mm wide at the centre, much broken into smaller fragments.

Image: Ispagula Husk

For thousands of years this Ispagula Husk has provided relief for many ailments involving the intestinal system. So, if any one not familiar with this term “Ispagula Husk”, then the first question will be arises, what is Ispagula Husk?

It is the epidermis and the collapsed layers removed from the dried ripe seeds of Plantago ovata Forssk.(Fam: Plantaginaceac). The plant is a herbaceous annual indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and Iran. Ispagula Husk contains mucilage and hemicelluloses. Cold water extraction yields a polysaccharide which on hydrolysis yields D-xylose(46%), L-arabinose(7%) and the aldobiouronic acid(40%). Subsequent extraction with hot water removes a xylum composed of D-xylose(80%) and L-arabinose(14%). It looks pale buff brittle flakes, more or less lanceolate, up to 2 mm long and 1 mm wide at the centre, much broken into smaller fragments.

Needs of Fiber Diet

Fiber is very filling and gives a pleasant satisfied feeling in the stomach. When a person eats sufficient fiber they normally experience regular bowel movements. Fiber works in several ways. Fiber (also called roughage or bulk) promotes the wavelike contractions that keep food moving through the intestine. Also, high-fiber foods expand the inside walls of the colon. This eases the passage of waste. Fibrous substances pass through the intestine undigested. They also absorb many times their weight in water, resulting in softer, bulkier stools. Because of this action, some digestive tract disorders may be avoided, halted, or even reversed simply by following a high-fiber diet. All this is an advantage with constipation, diarrhea, IBS and they also added advantage for those who wish to keep their weight down, or to lose weight.

Studies show that rural Africans, who eat diets high in fiber, eliminate food waste in one-third the time it takes people from urban westernized cultures. Their stools are larger and softer. Because of the greater bulk and speed of foods through the digestive tract, it is believed that harmful substances are also swept out before they can cause problems. In fact, these rural people have fewer of the digestive tract diseases that plague Western man. It is thought that this may be related to the nature of their diet.

Why Ispagula Husk is the best one in the field of fiber diets?

The effects of this herb are quite astonishing and the work it does within the body can be felt in a very short period of time. Here, I will describe the inherited actions of Ispagula Husk on different organ/diseases that were already established by fiber diet investigators.

• It has the property of absorbing and retaining water and has therefore been used as a bulk providing medium in the treatment of diarrhea & constipation.
• On account of its content of mucilage, it is effective in heartburn and stomach allergy as a demulcent.
• These fibers are unrelated chemically, however, they all have one thing in common -- they can't be digested by the human body. For this reason, they can help correct disorders of the large intestine (colon), and keep it functioning normally.
• It soothes the inflamed and irritated tissues. Promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in the colon. Relieves hemorrhoids by reducing irritation of the distended veins.
• It is binds to fat to eliminate it from the body. So, Ispaghula husk can be used in treating moderately raised cholesterol levels. Recently, the Indian Heart Journal published a review of an study, which is conclude that the Ispaghula husk (psyllium) is nearly as effective as simvastatin for improving the lipid profile of hyperlipidemic patients. This inheriting characteristic of the Ispaghula husk also helps in weight management.
• Rapid digestion leads to a rapid release of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream. To cope with this, the body has to release large amounts of insulin into the bloodstream, and this can make a person more likely to develop gallstones and kidney stones (in addition to diabetes and high cholesterol). Additional fiber in the diet will slow digestion and lessen the effects of insulin.
• Moreover, it is found to be effective on various diseases and also reduces the risk of heart disease, colon cancer, diverticulitis (defects in the weakened walls of the colon), colitis, ulcers and irritable bowl syndrome.
• Ispaghula is particularly useful in those who cannot tolerate bran

Dose:

The usual adult dose is 3 to 5 gm. Children may be given half the adult dose.

Guideline for getting the most from Ispagula Husk:

• Never take more than the prescribed dose.
• Must consult with your doctor or pharmacist

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you find it difficult to swallow
• if you are so constipated that you may be suffering from a blockage
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

• Mix Ispaghula granules or powder with water and take it immediately.
• Never take Ispagula Husk just before bedtime.
• It is important to drink plenty of water while you are being treated with Ispaghula. You should aim to drink at least eight large glasses of water a day.