Cicer arietinum(Fabaceae) ChickPea

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, with chickpeas being a cornerstone legume.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Cicer arietinum | English: Chickpea, Garbanzo Bean | Sanskrit: Chanaka, Harimantha | Hindi: Chana, Chole | Tamil: Konda Kadalai | Telugu: Senagalu | Kannada: Kadale | Malayalam: Kadala | Marathi: Harbara | Bengali: Chola | Nepali: Chana | Urdu: Chana | French: Pois chiche | Spanish: Garbanzo | Italian: Ceci | German: Kichererbse | Chinese: Yīng-zuǐ dòu (鹰嘴豆) | Russian: Nut (Нут) | Japanese: Hijikko (ヒヨコ豆) |

3. Medicinal Uses:Nutritive Tonic, Aphrodisiac, Galactagogue, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Hypoglycemic, Hypocholesterolemic.

Medicinal Parts:The seed (bean) is the primary part used, both as food and medicine. The leaves and sprouts are also used to a lesser extent.

• Seeds (Dried/Fresh): Consumed as a whole food (dal, flour, roasted) and valued for their strengthening properties.

• Leaves: Used in traditional preparations for digestive issues and as a blood purifier.

• Sprouts: Consumed for their enhanced nutrient profile and digestibility.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Proteins and Amino Acids: A rich source of plant-based protein, supporting its role as a Nutritive Tonic and tissue-builder.

Dietary Fiber (Soluble and Insoluble): Contributes to Hypocholesterolemic and Hypoglycemic effects by slowing down sugar absorption and binding cholesterol.

Isoflavones: (e.g., Biochanin A) Phytoestrogens that may contribute to Hormone-balancing and Bone-health properties.

Saponins: Which have Hypocholesterolemic and Antioxidant activities.

Minerals: High in Iron, Phosphorus, and Magnesium, supporting energy production, bone health, and its use in anemia.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Brihana (Nutritive Tonic) and Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac)

Formulation: Cooked beans, chickpea flour dishes.

Preparation & Use: Regular consumption of chickpeas is believed to build muscle, strength, and reproductive tissue (Shukra Dhatu). It is a staple food for strength and vitality.

Reasoning: Its high protein, complex carbohydrate, and mineral content provide sustained energy and the building blocks for physical strength and virility.

Galactagogue (Promotes Lactation)

Formulation: Cooked chickpea curry or soup.

Preparation & Use: Given to nursing mothers to improve the quantity and quality of breast milk.

Reasoning: Its nutritive and protein-rich nature supports the increased metabolic demands of lactation.

Mutrala (Diuretic) and Medohara (Reduces Fat)

Formulation: Cooked as a vegetable or soup.

Preparation & Use: Used in diets for weight management and to support kidney function by promoting urine flow.

Reasoning: The high fiber content promotes satiety and healthy elimination, while its diuretic property helps reduce water retention.

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

Classic Chana Masala for Strength

Purpose: A delicious and fortifying main dish.

Preparation & Use:

• Soak dried chickpeas overnight.

• Cook with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices like turmeric, coriander, cumin, and amchoor (dry mango powder).

• Serve with rice or roti.

Sattu Drink for Energy and Cooling

Purpose: A traditional summer drink from roasted chickpea flour.

Preparation & Use:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of Sattu (roasted chickpea flour) with water, salt, and a squeeze of lemon.

• Add roasted cumin powder for flavor.

• Drink as a refreshing and energizing beverage.

Chickpea Leaf Juice for Digestion

Purpose: A traditional remedy for indigestion.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush fresh chickpea leaves to extract the juice.

• Consume about 10-15 ml to relieve digestive discomfort.

7. Disclaimer:Cicer arietinum is a very safe and common food. However, like other legumes, it can cause flatulence in some individuals due to its complex sugars. Soaking and proper cooking can mitigate this. As with any food used for therapeutic purposes, individual tolerance should be considered.

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

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

• The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad

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

1. Lens culinaris (Masoor Dal)

• Species: Lens culinaris | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Lens

• Similarities: Another highly nutritive legume from the same family, used as a dietary staple in India for its protein and iron content, often recommended for convalescence.

2. Phaseolus vulgaris (Kidney Bean)

• Species: Phaseolus vulgaris | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Phaseolus

• Similarities: Shares the high fiber, protein, and mineral profile of chickpeas, contributing to blood sugar stability and cardiovascular health.