ispaghula
/ˌɪspəˈɡuːlə
/(also ispaghul /ˈɪspəɡuːl/, isabgul /ˈɪsəbɡuːl/)
noun [mass noun]
The dried seeds of a southern Asian plantain, chiefly used medicinally in the treatment of dysentery.
- The plantain is Plantago ovata, family Plantaginaceae.
- It may help to take a fibre supplement such as ispaghula husk or mild laxatives such as lactulose solution, which soften bowel motions.
- For constipation, a bulk-forming laxative, such as bran or ispaghula husk (eg Fybogel), can be helpful if it is hard to get enough fibre.
Origin
Early 19th century: from Persian and Urdu ispaġol, from asp 'horse' + ġol 'ear' (because of the shape of the leaves).