Phaseolus vulgaris(Fabaceae) - French Bean

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 renowned for its anti-diabetic, galactagogue, and digestive properties.

Cicer arietinum (Chickpea/Chana): A staple food legume whose seeds are a nutritive tonic. It is the base for Chyawanprash in some traditions and is considered strengthening.

The Fabaceae or Leguminosae family, known as the legume, pea, or bean family, is one of the most important plant families for nutrition. Members are typically high in protein and fiber and often possess phytoestrogenic and blood sugar-stabilizing properties.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Phaseolus vulgaris | English: Common Bean, Kidney Bean, French Bean, Haricot Bean, Green Bean | Sanskrit: Simbi, Rajamasha | Hindi: Fasaliyan, Vilayati Sem | Tamil: Kottavarai | Telugu: Chikkudu | Kannada: Hurali | Malayalam: Vellapayar | Marathi: Farasbi | Bengali: Barbati | Nepali: Farsi | Urdu: Fasoliya |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Nutritive Tonic, Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, Diuretic, Antioxidant.

Medicinal Parts:The immature pods (green beans), mature dried seeds (kidney beans, etc.), and pods (as a tea) are used.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Dietary Fiber (Soluble and Insoluble): Abundant in both pods and seeds. Its actions are Hypoglycemic (slows sugar absorption), Hypolipidemic (binds cholesterol), and Laxative.

Plant-based Protein: A rich source of essential amino acids. Its action is as a Nutritive Tonic, essential for tissue building and repair, especially for muscle and plasma (Rasa Dhatu).

Phytohemagglutinin (in raw beans): A lectin that is toxic in high amounts but may have Immunomodulatory properties in controlled, researched contexts. It is deactivated by proper cooking.

Phytates and Tannins: Can bind to minerals, but also act as Antioxidants.

Minerals (Iron, Magnesium, Potassium): Support energy production, nerve function, and electrolyte balance. Its action contributes to its role as a Balya (strength promoter).

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Prameha (Diabetes) & Medoroga (Obesity)

Formulation: Cooked whole beans or bean pods.

Preparation & Use: Dried bean pods are used to make a tea for diabetes. Including well-cooked whole beans in the diet is recommended for blood sugar management and weight control.

Reasoning: The high fiber and protein content provides a feeling of fullness and results in a slow, steady release of glucose into the bloodstream.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Shotha (Edema)

Formulation: Green bean juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The juice of fresh green beans or a decoction of the pods is consumed as a diuretic to support kidney function and reduce swelling.

Reasoning: Its diuretic property helps increase urine output, flushing out excess fluids and toxins.

Brimhana (Nutritive Tonic) for Weakness

Formulation: Well-cooked beans as part of a balanced meal.

Preparation & Use: Beans are a staple source of protein and iron in vegetarian diets. Dishes like bean stews or curries are consumed to build strength and prevent anemia.

Reasoning: It is a rich source of protein, complex carbohydrates, and iron, making it an excellent food for building body mass and strength.

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

Beans are a dietary staple worldwide, used in dals, curries, salads, and soups.

Ensuring beans are thoroughly cooked is critical to deactivate lectins.

Bean Pod Tea for Blood Sugar Support

Purpose: A traditional supportive remedy for diabetes.

Preparation & Use:

• Dry the pods of green beans.

• Take a handful of these dried pods and boil them in 4 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink this decoction once a day.

Sautéed Green Beans (Farasbi) as a Digestive Side

Purpose: A fibrous and nutritious vegetable side dish.

Preparation & Use:

• Chop fresh green beans.

• Sauté with mustard seeds, cumin, and asafoetida until tender-crisp.

7. Disclaimer:Phaseolus vulgaris must always be consumed well-cooked. Raw or undercooked beans contain phytohemagglutinin, which can cause severe food poisoning. Soaking dried beans for several hours and discarding the water before cooking is essential to reduce anti-nutrients and oligosaccharides that can cause flatulence. Individuals with gout may need to moderate intake due to the purine content. This information is for educational purposes only.

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

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

• The Ayurvedic Cookbook by Amadea Morningstar

• Healing Foods by DK Publishing

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

1. Vigna mungo (Black Gram/Urad Dal)* Species: Vigna mungo | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Vigna* Similarities: Both are protein-rich legumes. Urad dal is uniquely considered a Vata-balancing and Brimhana (nourishing) bean in Ayurveda, used specifically in rejuvenative therapies and to build strength and body mass, unlike the lighter Phaseolus vulgaris.

2. Lens culinaris (Lentil/Masoor Dal)* Species: Lens culinaris | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Lens* Similarities: Both are staple legumes high in protein and fiber. Masoor dal is easier to digest and is considered more Pitta-friendly than many other beans. They share the general nutritive and hypoglycemic benefits of the legume family.

3. Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Cluster Bean)* Species: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Cyamopsis* Similarities: As a close family relative, cluster beans are also high in fiber and have hypoglycemic properties. They are the source of guar gum, a soluble fiber with well-researched benefits for blood sugar and cholesterol, mirroring the soluble fiber benefits of Phaseolus vulgaris.

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