Psyllium husk (isabgol) Ayurveda

What it is

Husk of Plantago ovata seeds, a soluble fibre.

Traditional use (claimed)

Constipation, cholesterol.

Evidence

Good evidence for constipation and modest cholesterol lowering.

Safety

Take with plenty of water to avoid choking or blockage.

Quality concerns

Some Ayurvedic rasa shastra and bhasma products deliberately contain metals; US FDA and CDC have reported lead poisoning cases, and studies found lead, mercury or arsenic in a share of products sold online.

Interactions

Can delay absorption of other medicines; take them 2 hours apart.

Avoid if

swallowing problems, bowel narrowing

Regulation in Nepal

Herbal products in Nepal are registered with the Department of Drug Administration (DDA). Nepal: the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine (DoAA, Ministry of Health and Population) runs government Ayurveda hospitals and clinics; practitioners register with the Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council. Ask to see the council registration.

Regulation in India

India: the Ministry of AYUSH regulates Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy; practitioners register with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) or the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH).

Regulation in UAE

UAE: complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and products need licensing by the emirate health authority (DHA in Dubai, DoH in Abu Dhabi, MOHAP elsewhere). Check the licence on the authority's public register.

सम्बन्धित अवस्था

Informational only; not a treatment recommendation.

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