Ispaghula
Botanical Name: Plantago ouata
Indian Name: Ishabgul
Origin, Distribution and composition:
Ispaghula, also known as spogel seeds, is an almost stemless small herb covered with dense and softy hairy growth. It has very narrow leaves and minute flowers in oval or cylindrical spikes. The upper half of its fruits opens like a lid and its seeds are boat shaped. The seeds of this plant, also known as fleaseeds, constitute the drug.
Ispaghula is indigenous to India, and has been used extensively in the Indian system of medicine from ancient times. It was prescribed by ancient physicians as a cure for inflammatory and functional derangement of the mucous membranes of the gastro- intestinal and genito- urinary system.
The seeds contain a large amount of mucilage and a small amount of holoside planteose. The seeds also show the presence of a number of amino acid in the combined form, namely, valine, alanine, glycine, glutamic acid, cystine, lysine, leucine and tyrosine. Valine, alanine and glutamic acid are also found in there free form. The Ispaghula embryo oil has been reported to be a good source of linoleic acid.
Healing Power and Curative properties
The medicinal properties of the seeds are largely due to the large amount of mucilage and albuminous matter present in them. The seeds are cooling and mildly laxative. They act as a diuretic and also have a soothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes.
Ispaghula husk (Ishabgul-ki-bhusi) is the dry seed-cover of the plant, obtained by crushing the seeds and separating the husk by winnowing. The husk has similar properties as the seeds. It has also the advantage of passing smoothly through alimentary canal without causing irritation. The husk can be taken dry and is easier to use than the whole seeds.
Constipation
Due to its soothing effect on the muoous membranes Ispaghula is used in constipation. The seeds should be soaked in water before use, which makes them disintegrate in the alimentary canal.The large amount of mucilage in the seeds binds and increase the mass of the stool, thus smoothening its passage. The action is, chiefly mechanical, rather than physiological. Two tablespoon of the seeds should be taken in milk or water in the condition. The seeds are particularly useful in chronic constipation characterized by spams.
Dysentery
Ispaghula seeds are a popular remedy for several kinds of chronic dysentery and diarrhea. In case of heaviness in the stomach and the intestines in dysentery, about 50 grams of castor oil should be administered with milk to ease out hard lumps of stools. When a few motions have cleared the intestines, 12 grams of ispaghula seeds mixed with about 100 grams of curd should be taken three to four times in the day.
A mixture of 180 grams each of the seeds and sugar candy given three or four times a day is an effective remedy for slimy dysentery. For chronic diarrhea and dysentery, the seeds can be taken either as a decoction or infusion of power with sugar.
Abdominal Pain
Ispaghula is useful in treating frequent griping in the belly caused by stomach ulcers. The seeds with husk are soaked in water or milk for a few hours. The liquid in strained and can be taken at night. The high mucilaginous content in the herb forms a covering inside the intestinal wall which protects the lining mucous and help in the healing of ulcers. Irritation and gripe will also decrease.
Piles
Ispaghula seeds are one of the most effective remedies for piles. While the high mucilage content in this herb cures constipation, the rich tannin content cures inflammation and ulceration in the intestinal tract up to the anus. This double action helps cure piles.
Arteriosclerosis
The embryo oil of the seeds, having 50% linoleic acid, prevent arteriosclerosis. This oil is more active than safflower oil, and has been found to reduce the serum cholesterol level in the rabbits.
Gonorrhea
Ispaghula is very useful in the treatment of gonorrhea because of its diuretic and soothing properties.
Whit low
Ispaghula is effective remedy in whit low affecting the pulp of the finger trip with an abscess. About 12 grams of ispaghula should be soaked in 45 grams of vinegar and applied to the spot when the whole thing has swollen. The poultice-like mixture should be bandage with a clean cloth and water sprinkled over it. The bandage should be changed every 3 hours. The inflammation will subside within 3 days.
Rheumatism
An emollient poultice made of the seeds with vinegar and oil id useful for rheumatism and gout.
