Isapaghola also know as spogel seeds, is an almost hairy stemless small herb covered with dense & soft growth. It has very narrow leaves and minute flowers in oval or cylindrical spikes the upper half of its fruits opens like a lid & its seeds are boat shaped. The seeds of the plant also know, as flea-seeds constitute the drug. Spogel seeds or isapaghola is indigenous to India and has been used extensively in the Indian system of medicine from as a cure for inflammatory & functional derangement's of the mucous urinary system.

HEALING POWER & CURATIVE PROPERTIES: -

The medicinal properties of the seeds are largely due to the large amount of mucilage & albuminous matter present in them. The seeds are cooling & mildly laxative. They act as a during & also have a soothing effect on the skin & mucous membranes. The husk of ispaghula is the dry seed-cover of the plant obtained by crushing the seeds & 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 & is easier to use than the whole seeds.

CONSTIPATION: -

Due to its soothing effect on the mucous membranes isapaghula is used the 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 & increases the mass of the stool thus smoothening its passage. The action is chiefly mechanical rather than physiological. Milk or tablespoons of the seeds should be taken with milk or water in this condition the seeds are particularly useful the chronic constipation characterised by spasms.

DYSENTERY: -

Ispaghula seeds are a popular remedy for several kinds of chronic dysentery & diarrhoea. In case of heaviness in the stomach & the intestines in dysentery about 50 grams of castor oil should be administered with milk to case out hard lumps of stools. When a few motions 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 & sugar candy given three or four times a day is an effective remedy for slimy dysentery. For chronic diarrhoea & dysentery. The seeds can be taken either as a decoction or infusion of powder 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 is strained & can be taken at night at night. The high mucilaginous content in the herb forms a covering inside the intestinal wall, which protects the living mucosa & helps in the healing of ulcers. Irritation & gripe will also decrease.

PILES: -

Ispaghula seeds are one the most effective remedies for piles. While the high mucilage content in this herb cures constipation, the rich tanning content cures inflammation & ulceration in the intestinal tract up to the anus. This double action helps cure piles.

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS: -

The embryo oil of the seeds, having 50 percent linoleic acid prevents arteriosclerosis. This oil is more active than sunflower oil and has been found to reduce the serum cholesterol level in rabbits in clinical experiments.

GONORRHOEA: -

Ispaghula is very useful in the treatment of gonorrhoea because of its diuretic & soothing properties

WHIT LOW: -

Ispaghula is a effective remedy in whit low affecting the pulp of the fingertip with an abcess about 12 grams of ispaghula should be soaked in 45 grams of vinegar & applied to the spot when the whole thing has swollen. The poultice like mixture should be bandaged with a clean cloth & water sprinkled over it. The bandage should within changed every 3 hours. The inflammation will subside within 3 hours.

RHEUMATISM: -

An emollient poultice made of the seeds with vinegar & oil useful for rheumatism & gout.