Isabgol (Psyllium Seed, Othmir Jeeru) — Ingredient Hub | Plantago ovata
Isabgol — known in Gujarat as Othmir Jeeru — is the seed of the psyllium plant (Plantago ovata), a natural soluble fibre that swells in water to a soft gel and works as a gentle bulk-forming fibre for everyday digestive comfort and regularity. Psyllium has been studied in randomised human research as a bulk-forming fibre for regularity (Erdogan et al., 2016). India — and Gujarat in particular — is the world's main source of isabgol.
What is Isabgol?
Isabgol is the small, boat-shaped seed of Plantago ovata, harvested largely from the drylands of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Its outer coat is rich in mucilage: add water and the seed swells many times over into a soft, slippery gel. That gel is what gives isabgol its long-standing role as a gentle, bulk-forming fibre in Indian kitchens and daily routines. In many Gujarati homes the seed is simply called othmir jeeru.
Traditional Importance
In Ayurvedic and Unani practice isabgol — Sanskrit Ashwagola, Snigdhabija — is described as sheeta (cooling), snigdha (unctuous) and pichchhila (mucilaginous). These classical qualities explain its reputation as a soothing, softening fibre rather than a harsh purgative. Because isabgol entered Indian medicine largely through the Unani stream, it is presented here honestly as a traditional fibre seed, not attributed to a Bruhat Trayi text it does not appear in.
Seed vs Husk
| Form | What it is | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| Seed (isabgol dana) | Whole seed with the mucilage on its coat | Works more gradually; often soaked before use |
| Husk (isabgol bhusi) | Milled outer coat only | Forms gel very quickly |
How to Use & Anupan
As directed by your physician or Ayurvedic practitioner. Traditionally, 1–2 teaspoons of the whole seed are taken with a full glass of water (warm water or milk as an anupan), usually once daily; some prefer to soak the seed first so the gel forms.
Research & Scientific References
Psyllium (Plantago ovata) is a soluble, bulk-forming fibre that absorbs water to add bulk and moisture to the stool, and it has been studied in randomised human research as a fibre for chronic constipation — (Erdogan et al., 2016 — Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics).
View source on PubMed (PMID: 27125883) →
Referenced for general context only; not a medical claim. Individual results may vary. Consult your physician before use.
Safety Information
Always take isabgol with plenty of water — at least one full glass (about 250 ml) per dose. With too little liquid it can swell in the throat or food-pipe. Not suitable for anyone with difficulty swallowing or a history of intestinal blockage without medical advice. If pregnant, lactating, on medication, or managing a health condition, consult a physician first, and separate isabgol from other medicines by about 2 hours. Keep out of reach of children. Results may vary from person to person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Othmir Jeeru?
Othmir Jeeru is the traditional Gujarati name for Isabgol — the whole seed of the psyllium plant, Plantago ovata.
Is isabgol the same as psyllium?
Yes. Isabgol is the Indian name for psyllium (Plantago ovata). The seed is isabgol dana; the milled coat is isabgol husk (bhusi).
How much water should I take it with?
At least one full glass (about 250 ml) per dose — adequate water is essential.
Has psyllium been studied scientifically?
Yes, in peer-reviewed human research as a bulk-forming fibre for regularity (Erdogan et al., 2016 — Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics). This is general context, not a health claim.
Buy Isabgol at Riddhish Herbals
- Othmir Jeeru (Isabgol / Psyllium Seed) — 100g–500g
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