Isabgol: Psyllium Husk | Benefits and Proper Ways Of Taking Isabgol

Many people may be using Psyllium Husk (Isabgol). Mostly elderly people are aware of its benefits in constipation and diarrhea. Mostly people are not aware of the correct way to administer this and are also unaware of its intrinsic nature. If we gain complete knowledge about this if we know how to use the medicine then we can take complete benefit of that. Everything that has benefits also has some restrictions, precautions, and side-effects. It is important to know about this as well. I must tell you, that Isabgol is called Isbgol. The husk is mostly put to use it has its seed also but few know about it. It is easily available everywhere. Psyllium husk is of cold and hydrating potency (Sard-tarr). 'Sard-tarr' means that this is cold and is hydrating. This is not dry but hydrating. Hence, it cures phlegm and Kapha at the same time; it also cures Pitta disorders and overheating in the body. But remember anything that reduces the heat in the body is of cold potency. If that is taken in excess quantity it will lead to gas formation. Which means that if you take the proper dosage then it is okay but if it is in excess of the dosage needed unknowingly or if you take it for a very long time then this may cause you gas. There will be slight gas formation in the body. Although this is hydrating this is 'Vayu-Karak' (leading to gas formation). If taken in excessive quantity it will cause gas.

Since this is hydrating and of cold potency this quickly helps in bleeding issues. If someone has nose bleeds can be given Isabgol mixed in squash. If someone has blood in their urine or blood in stools or there are wounds inside (ulcers) for which so many syrups are given. Better than that give Isabgol. This cures the sores inside bleeding is contained fast. If there is bleeding piles it will help in that case also. Or ladies who have heavy menstrual bleeding. Some female ask about excessive blood flow and the way to stop it. Psyllium husk will help do that. These are its benefits.

Other than this there are other attributes; it takes away the fever in summers. If you take it in the summer-time fever it does not let weakness set in because this is nutritious (Pushtikarak) it gives strength to the body. Because anything that is hydrating will provide nourishment. The husk of psyllium is advised in constipation as well in case of loose-motions it is also given in acidity. It will be helpful in a lot of stomach-related illnesses but it is not to be given the same way to all. In every problem this has to be given in different ways. An example to clarify this so you will understand everything step-by-step. The husk of Psyllium advised dosage for an adult is maximum 2 teaspoons and 1 normal teaspoon for a child. This is the required dosage. The dosage in all scenarios will remain constant.

Let us discuss taken along with what will it have what kind of an effect? If you take cold water... cold means cool water not chilled water you will take lightly cooled water you add 2 teaspoons of this husk to it allowed it to expand for a minute or two if you wish you may add sugar candy or avoid it. If you drink this preparation then this will help in acidity. It will help in healing the burning sensation. And also in extreme burning sensations. Or sometimes when you are feeling very hot and the Pitta is very high in the body. Then this will help. This has to be added to the cold water and offered to the person. If this is added to warm water and given this will give you relief in constipation. Why don't we give this with warm water? Because this should be given with such a thing which will help clear the bowel, which is smooth and tender (Snigdha) slightly oily. That is why this is given in milk. Whoever takes this with milk make the milk lukewarm add 2 teaspoons of this husk and drink it at night. Your bowels will be clear the next morning. If you give this mixed with curd Beat the curd add 2 teaspoons to it and if needed add brown sugar. This will stop loose motions. Mixed with curd this will stop loose motions whereas taken mixed in milk will stop constipation. Both are different. If someone has loose motions has diarrhea or dysentery then you may take the aid of, don't rely completely on this for the cure. The rest treatment of Ayurveda has to be taken for loose motions. But if you give this along, with curd will stop the loose motions.

 Some people have IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome), who have an irregular bowel movement, sometimes fast sometimes they are constipated. When there is constipation then this is given with milk. Generally in IBS milk is not given but for those to whom milk is allowed we give this in milk or in warm water.  These were the 2-3 ways. To young children this is given mixed in honey. This helps with their growth and they have clear bowels. Sometimes when they cannot pass stools they cry. They have to exert pressure. They are made to lick Isabgol mixed in honey. They could also be given in milk also in rice pudding (Kheer). If this is given in the rice pudding it has a cooling effect on the body taking away heat from the body. If this is taken in warming foods then it will remove the Kapha inside. When there is Kapha in the intestines or the bowels are not clear then take half a teaspoon of Isabgol and take half a teaspoon Triphala powder. Make a mixture with warm water. This is a formula for constipation. This should not be taken on a daily basis. If this is taken daily for a long time it suppresses the appetite. It won't do any harm for 4-5 days. It is good for a short time.

If someone ingests a foreign particle by chance or eats something inedible maybe some tiny stone, dust or metal particle etc if you are wary that it might cause you harm within then in such situations also we give Isabgol.

When used regularly then this will suppress the appetite and weaken the nerves. People who are taking Isabgol for a very long time it will weaken the intestines. This can be taken for 5 days and then can be taken after 10-15 days which is not harmful. If however you use this daily then it will be harmful to health. This was a general introduction to Isabgol, its benefits and the ways to take it. 

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