Cassia auriculata (Tanner's Cassia) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Cassia auriculata Family: Fabaceae Genus: Cassia Related Herbs from the same family: Senna alexandrina (Senna/Sonamukhi): A well-known potent laxative (Rechana) used in Ayurveda for treating severe constipation (Vibandha) and cleansing the colon. It must be used with caution and often with corrective spices. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice/Yashtimadhu): A premier rejuvenative (Ra

Acacia auriculiformis (Earleaf Acacia) Photo courtesy: Music Forest 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Acacia auriculiformis Family: Fabaceae Genus: Acacia Related Herbs from the same family: Acacia catechu (Khair/Khadira): One of the most important Ayurvedic herbs, used for its strong astringent, blood-purifying, and wound-healing properties. It is a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations for skin diseases and oral health. Glycyrrhiza glab

Cicer arietinum  (Chickpea) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Cicer arietinum Family: Fabaceae Genus: Cicer Related Herbs from the same family: Glycyrrhiza glabra  (Licorice/Mulethi): A key Ayurvedic herb for respiratory and adrenal health. Trigonella foenum-graecum  (Fenugreek/Methi): A common spice and medicine for diabetes and lactation. Medicago sativa  (Alfalfa): A highly nutritive herb and forage crop. The Fabaceae family is crucial for both nutrition and medicine globally

Clitoria ternatea (Butterfly Pea) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Clitoria ternatea Family: Fabaceae Genus: Clitoria Related Herbs from the same family: (Refer to Lablab purpureus  for examples like Licorice, Fenugreek, etc., as they belong to the same Fabaceae family).   2. Common names Scientific Name: Clitoria ternatea | English: Butterfly Pea, Blue Pea, Asian Pigeonwings | Sanskrit: Aparajita, Shankhapushpi, Girikarnika | Hindi: Aparajita,

Caesalpinia bonduc (Gray Nicker Bean) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Caesalpinia bonduc Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) Genus: Caesalpinia Related Herbs from the same family: Caesalpinia sappan (Sappan Wood, Bakam): A tree whose heartwood yields a red dye and is used in Ayurveda for its blood-purifying, anti-inflammatory, and uterine stimulant properties. It is a key ingredient in the formulation "Padmakadi Kwath." Senna alexandrina (Senna, Son

Methi a Galactagogue & Anti-diabetic herb. A source of Trigonelline; has neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and potential anti-cancer effects.

Glycyrrhiza glabra  (Licorice) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Glycyrrhiza glabra Family: Fabaceae Genus: Glycyrrhiza Related Herbs from the same family: Cicer arietinum  (Chickpea/Chana): A dietary staple whose nutritive properties are highly valued. Trigonella foenum-graecum  (Fenugreek/Methi): A common spice and medicine. Medicago sativa  (Alfalfa): A nutritive tonic and phytoestrogen herb. The Fabaceae family provides many of the world's most important medicinal plants, wi

Arachis hypogaea (Peanut) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Arachis hypogaea Family: Fabaceae Genus: Arachis Related Herbs from the same family: (Refer to Lablab purpureus  for examples like Licorice, Fenugreek, etc., as they belong to the same Fabaceae family).   2. Common names Scientific Name: Arachis hypogaea | English: Peanut, Groundnut | Sanskrit: Bhuimudga, Mandapi | Hindi: Moongphali, Mungfali | Tamil: Nilakadalai, Verkadalai | Telugu: Ve

Vigna aconitifolia (Moth Bean) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Vigna aconitifolia Family: Fabaceae Genus: Vigna Related Herbs from the same family: Licorice, Fenugreek, Groundnuts, Mung beans   2. Common names Scientific Name: Vigna aconitifolia | English: Moth Bean, Mat Bean, Turkish Gram | Sanskrit: Makushtha | Hindi: Mot, Moth | Tamil: Thanai Payaru | Telugu: Mochchhe | Kannada: Madike | Malayalam: Moth | Marathi: Matki | Bengali: Moth | Gu

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Pisum sativum Family: Fabaceae Genus: Pisum Related Herbs from the same family: (Refer to Lablab purpureus  for examples like Licorice, Fenugreek, etc., as they belong to the same Fabaceae family).   2. Common names Scientific Name: Pisum sativum | English: Garden Pea, Green Pea, Field Pea | Sanskrit: Kalaya, Satila, Harenu | Hindi: Matar, Vatana | Tamil: Pattani | Telugu: Patani, Batani | Kannada: Batani | Malay

Lablab bean is a wonderful Digestive Tonic, An antispasmodic, helps manage high sugar, regulate menstrual cycle & promote milk secretion

Lens culinaris (Lentil) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Lens culinaris Family: Fabaceae Genus: Lens Related Herbs from the same family: See Cajanus cajan for Fabaceae family overview.   2. Common names Scientific Name: Lens culinaris | English: Lentil | Sanskrit: Masura | Hindi: Masoor | Tamil: Misur Paruppu | Telugu: Misur Pappu | Kannada: Masur | Malayalam: Masoor | Marathi: Masur | Bengali: Masoor | Persian: Adas |   3. Medicinal Uses: Nutri

Vigna radiata (Mung Bean) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Vigna radiata Family: Fabaceae Genus: Vigna Related Herbs from the same family: Horse gram, Groundnuts, Fenugreek   2. Common names Scientific Name: Vigna radiata | English: Mung Bean, Green Gram | Sanskrit: Mudga | Hindi: Moong | Tamil: Pachai Payaru | Telugu: Pesalu | Kannada: Hesaru | Malayalam: Cheru Payaru | Marathi: Moog | Bengali: Moong | Nepali: Mung |   3. Medicinal Uses: Trid

Vigna mungo (Black Gram) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Vigna mungo Family: Fabaceae Genus: Vigna Related Herbs from the same family: Groundnuts, Cowpeas, Horsegram, Liquorice.   2. Common names Scientific Name: Vigna mungo | English: Black Gram, Black Lentil | Sanskrit: Mashaparni, Masha | Hindi: Urad, Ma ki Dal | Tamil: Ulundu | Telugu: Minumulu | Kannada: Uddu | Malayalam: Uzhunnu | Marathi: Udid | Bengali: Biulir Dal | Nepali: Maas |   3

Photographs courtesy: Music Forest 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Cajanus cajan Family: Fabaceae Genus: Cajanus Related Herbs from the same family: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice/Yashtimadhu): A premier Ayurvedic Rasayana (rejuvenative) known for its demulcent, expectorant, and adrenal-tonic properties. It is a key herb for soothing the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek/Methika): A v

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Cluster Bean) 1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba Family: Fabaceae Genus: Cyamopsis Related Herbs from the same family: Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek/Methika): As mentioned, a key digestive and anti-diabetic herb. The soluble fiber in fenugreek seeds (galactomannan) is similar to that in cluster beans. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice/Yashtimadhu):  A classic demulcent and rejuvenative herb, showc

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification Species: Phaseolus vulgaris Family: Fabaceae Genus: Phaseolus Related Herbs from the same family: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice/Yashtimadhu): A quintessential Ayurvedic rejuvenative and demulcent herb, used for sore throat, cough, and to balance Vata and Pitta. It is a key ingredient in many formulations. Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek/Methika): A versatile seed used as a spice, vegetable, and medicine. It is renown

Scientific Name:   Rhynchosia minima Family:  Fabaceae ( Leguminosae) Genus:   Rhynchosia Related Herbs from the same family: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu, Licorice): A cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, renowned for its demulcent, expectorant, and adrenal-tonifying properties. It is native to Western Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Abrus precatorius (Gunja, Crab's Eye): A highly potent and toxic plant used in classical Ayurveda, after extensive purification (shodhana)