Cicer arietinum(Fabaceae)- Chana,Chickpea

Cicer arietinum (Chickpea)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Cicer arietinum

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Cicer

Related Herbs from the same family:

See Cajanus cajan for Fabaceae family overview.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Cicer arietinum | English: Chickpea, Bengal Gram | Sanskrit: Chanaka, Harimantha | Hindi: Chana, Chole | Tamil: Konda Kadalai | Telugu: Sanagalu | Kannada: Kadale | Malayalam: Kadala | Marathi: Harbara | Bengali: Chola | Arabic: Hummus | Nepali: Chana |

3. Medicinal Uses:Nutritive Tonic, Aphrodisiac (Vajikara), Galactagogue, Diuretic, Nervine, Strengthening (Balya).

Medicinal Parts:The seeds (chickpeas) are the primary part used, both whole (Kala Chana) and split (Chana Dal).

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

High-Quality Protein and Carbohydrates: Provides sustained energy. Their action is Brimhana (nutritive) and Balya (strength promoting).

Dietary Fiber: Supports digestive and heart health. Its action is Laxative, Prebiotic, and Hypocholesterolemic.

Iron and Phosphorus: Essential for blood and bone health. Their action is Rasayana (rejuvenating).

Phytosterols: Support hormonal balance. Their action is potentially Vajikara (aphrodisiac).

Saponins: Contribute to its Hypocholesterolemic and Antioxidant properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Brimhana (Nutritive Tonic) & Medoroga (Obesity Management)

Formulation: Cooked whole chickpeas (Kala Chana).

Preparation & Use: Boiled whole chickpeas are consumed as a snack or in salads. Interestingly, despite being nourishing, they are also used in weight management due to their high fiber and protein content, which promotes satiety.

Reasoning: Its Guru (heavy) quality provides nourishment, while its high fiber content prevents overeating by creating a feeling of fullness.

Stanyajanana (Galactagogue) & Ksheena (Emaciation)

Formulation: Chickpeas as part of the daily diet.

Preparation & Use: Lactating mothers are often given dishes made with chickpeas to support milk production. It is also given to children and underweight individuals to build healthy body mass.

Reasoning: It is a dense source of protein, calories, and nutrients, making it an ideal food for building tissue and supporting the high metabolic demands of lactation.

Vajikara (Aphrodisiac) & Shukrala (Increases Semen)

Formulation: Chickpeas roasted with spices and ghee.

Preparation & Use: A classic preparation involves roasting soaked and boiled chickpeas (Kala Chana) in ghee with black pepper and other warming spices. This is consumed as a tonic.

Reasoning: Its nourishing properties are believed to directly strengthen the Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue), enhancing vitality and sexual function.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Chickpeas are used in a vast array of dishes, from dals and curries to snacks and sweets.

Strengthening Kala Chana Curry

Purpose: To build strength and body mass.

Preparation & Use:

• Soak whole black chickpeas overnight.

• Pressure cook with turmeric and salt.

• Sauté with onions, tomatoes, and traditional spices like coriander and garam masala.

Roasted Chana for Snacking

Purpose: A healthy, nutritive snack.

Preparation & Use:

• Roast boiled or soaked whole chickpeas in a pan with ghee, turmeric, salt, and black pepper until crisp.

Chana Dal for Daily Consumption

Purpose: A common dal preparation.

Preparation & Use:

• Cook split chickpea dal (Chana Dal) with turmeric.

• Temper with ghee, cumin, asafoetida, and red chilies.

7. Disclaimer:Cicer arietinum is a heavy and hard-to-digest legume. Its Guru (heavy) property can aggravate Vata and cause gas and bloating if consumed in excess or if one's digestion is weak. It is essential to soak it well and cook it thoroughly with digestive spices like asafoetida (hing), ginger, and cumin. Individuals with very weak digestion should consume it in moderation.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Bhava Prakasha Nighantu

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Vigna mungo (Black Gram)* Species: Vigna mungo | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Vigna* Similarities: Both are considered heavy, strengthening, and aphrodisiac pulses in Ayurveda. They are used to build mass, strength, and reproductive tissue, and both should be consumed with digestive spices.

2. Sesamum indicum (Sesame/Tila)* Species: Sesamum indicum | Family: Pedaliaceae | Genus: Sesamum* Similarities: Both seeds are rich in protein, calcium, and healthy fats. They are used as Brimhana (nutritive) tonics and are considered Vajikara (aphrodisiac) and beneficial for bones and muscles.

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