Psyllium husk, called Isabgol in India, is a supreme home remedy that treats digestive disorders. However, the benefits of this husk aren’t only limited to treating digestive disorders, and extend to several other health related issues. Derived from the Plantago ovata plant, Psyllium is particularly made from the husks of the plants seeds. Isabgol is indigestible and a source of soluble dietary fiber. Often used as a regular dietary supplement, Psyllium husk herb helps to improve and maintain regular gastro intestinal transit. Psyllium is also often used for gluten free baking. Psyllium husk powder is consumed by mixing it with another liquid. Along with its digestive benefits, Psyllium husk also has several other health benefits which we will list out for you.
1. Constipation Relief
Psyllium husk consists of a mixture of soluble as well as insoluble fibers. The combination of these fibers proves to be a great boon in relieving constipation. Isabgol flushes out the contents of the stomach. Due to its hygroscopic nature, isabgol absorbs excess water from digestive tract, thereby improving the stools’ consistency, and relieving constipation. 2 spoons of Psyllium husk powder should be mixed in a glassful of hot milk or even warm water and consumed before bed at night for effective relief of constipation.
2. Treats Diarrhea
As hard as it is to believe, this phenomenal home remedy not only relieves constipation, but also can simultaneously treat diarrhea. Though they are both diametrically opposite health issues, this magic powder has the ability to treat both. The soluble fiber in psyllium husk absorbs the water in the intestines and swells up to bind the stools. Ideally consumed with yogurt or curd this mixture should be preferably eaten directly after a meal.
3. Cure for Acidity
Acidity is a health issue that has become extremely common globally. Instead of all the antacids one keeps consuming, isabgol is a far better natural remedy which won’t have ill and harmful effects on the body in the long run. The husk forms a protective layer in the stomach, which prevents the acid burn. Since isabgol also helps in overall digestion, this reduces over a period of time the number of acidity attacks one may get. Best consumed with cold milk after a heavy meal, psyllium husk will prevent an acidity attack.
4. Weight Reduction
Being size zero is the new trend. Most people have become extremely health conscious and strive to maintain an excellent body. Sometimes, people turn to crash diets in desperation to lose weight which in turn result in long term harm to the body. With this fabulous natural remedy, weight loss has been made easy. Isabgol consumed with warm water and lemon juice before a meal fills up your stomach thereby automatically preventing you from binging. Also since it promotes good digestive functioning it helps in shedding those few extra pounds. Psyllium husk is also a great colon cleanser, which cleans out all the waste product from the stomach.
5. Healthy for the Heart
Isabgol aids in maintaining a healthy heart. By regulating the cholesterol levels in the body, isabgol aids in preventing heart attacks. The high fiber, low fat content of this product is the ideal thing for consumption by people who have hereditary heart diseases in their family. Isabgol should be consumed on an empty stomach first thing on waking up in order to prevent heart diseases.
6. Prevention of Diabetes
Psyllium husk is a preventer of diabetes. When ingested isabgol slows down the breakdown and absorption of glucose in the body which in turn prevent diabetes in those who don’t have it and improves the blood sugar levels in those who suffer from the lethal disease. It’s best consumed in a bowl of warm milk for prevention and treatment of acidity.
7. Cures Piles and Fissures
Piles and fissures are an extremely discomforting health issues. Isabgol is a great way to relieve the discomfort caused by these two health hazards. Due to the tremendous effects isabgol has on the digestive track, isabgol assists in easy elimination of waste products from the body by forming soft stools. Isabgol is a really great natural cure for these extremely painful conditions.
8. Controls Cholesterol Levels
Yet another unbelievable effect that isabgol has on the body is that it controls the cholesterol levels in blood. Isabgol forms a gel with the excess cholesterol and fat in the gut and gets rid of it in the form of wastes. Isabgol helps in reducing the absorption of fat by the body, thereby eliminating excess fat.
9. Aids in Digestion
Isabgol is an excellent aid to digestion. If you suffer from frequent bouts of diarrhea then followed by constipation, isabgol is the cure to your problems. Due to its ability to regularize bowel moments, isabgol resolves all digestive issues in the system. Isabgol removes all materials that may cause intestinal obstruction and also cures the humiliating issue of flatulence.
Besides the above mentioned major health benefits isabgol also has the following health benefits:
- It is extremely nutritious and wholesome
- It aids in ridding of bad breath, promoting good oral hygiene
- A mix of Psyllium husk with vinegar acts as a pain reliever in tooth aches when applied locally on the aching tooth.
- Phlegm can be an extremely annoying issue. Isabgol has the properties that aid in getting rid of phlegm as well.
- Isabgol has the ability to heal breathing problems as well as asthma in consumers.
- Headaches have proven to be cured by isabgol when the powder is mixed with eucalyptus oil and applied locally.
The only precaution one must take while consuming (Psyllium husk power) isabgol, is to ensure that the powder is mixed in an adequate amount of fluid or liquid, as the powder alone can block the throat causing choking. As we can see, the list of benefits isabgol has is never ending. This inexpensive and absolutely natural form of treatment is an ideal product to have in your medical bag. This phenomenal powder is easily accessible, and has no side effects or long term ill effects on the body in any way.