Pisum sativum(Fabaceae)

Pisum sativum (Garden Pea)

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 | Malayalam: Pattani | Marathi: Vatana, Matar | Bengali: Motor | Nepali: Kerau |

3. Medicinal Uses:Nutritive Tonic, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Galactagogue, Laxative (mild), Cardioprotective.

Medicinal Parts:The fresh green seeds (peas), dried seeds (split peas), and young tender pods are used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Coumestrol: A polyphenolic compound with phytoestrogenic activity. Its action is Antioxidant and it may help balance hormones, contributing to its traditional use as a galactagogue.

Saponins: Compounds that have been shown to have Hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) and Anticancer properties in research studies.

Dietary Fiber (Soluble and Insoluble): Supports digestive health, adds bulk to stool, and acts as a prebiotic. Its action is Laxative and Hypoglycemic.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Carotenoid antioxidants that accumulate in the retina. Their primary action is to support Vision Health and protect against blue light damage.

Vitamins (K, C, B1) and Minerals (Manganese, Iron): Supports its primary role as a Nutritive Tonic, essential for blood clotting, immunity, energy production, and bone health.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Daurbalya (Weakness) & Brimhana (Nourishment)

Formulation: Cooked peas as a vegetable or in soups.

Preparation & Use: Fresh or dried peas are cooked and consumed as part of a daily meal. Pea soup is considered a light yet nourishing food for the convalescent.

Reasoning: Its balanced profile of protein, fiber, and vitamins makes it an excellent food for providing sustained energy and essential nutrients without being excessively heavy.

Stanyajanana (Galactagogue)

Formulation: Cooked peas in the diet.

Preparation & Use: Including green peas in the diet of lactating mothers is a common traditional practice in many regions to support milk production.

Reasoning: The phytoestrogenic compounds like coumestrol, along with its high nutrient density, are believed to support lactation.

Vibandha (Constipation)

Formulation: Whole peas with their high fiber content.

Preparation & Use: Consuming a serving of whole green peas, which are high in insoluble fiber, helps add bulk to the stool and promotes regular bowel movements.

Reasoning: The dietary fiber absorbs water in the gut, softening the stool and stimulating peristalsis.

Hridroga (Heart Disease) & Prameha (Diabetes)

Formulation: Peas as a regular part of the diet.

Preparation & Use: Replacing a portion of grains with peas in a meal helps modulate blood sugar response and provides heart-healthy fiber and antioxidants.

Reasoning: The soluble fiber helps manage cholesterol levels, while the low glycemic index and fiber content help regulate blood sugar.

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

Peas are a versatile vegetable used globally in curries, rice dishes (e.g., Matar Pulao), soups, and as a side dish.

Strengthening Green Pea Soup (Shukanjana Rasa)

Purpose: A light, nourishing soup for recovery and strength.

Preparation & Use:

• Sauté onions and garlic in ghee or oil.

• Add fresh or frozen green peas and vegetable stock.

• Cook until soft, then blend into a smooth soup.

• Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of mint.

Matar Paneer (A classic North Indian dish)

Purpose: A balanced meal providing protein from peas and paneer.

Preparation & Use:

• Prepare a gravy with tomatoes, onions, and spices.

• Add fresh green peas and cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese).

• Simmer until cooked. Serve with roti or rice.

Simple Sautéed Peas (Matar Ki Sabzi)

Purpose: A quick, digestible way to consume peas.

Preparation & Use:

• Sauté peas with cumin seeds, ginger, and green chilies.

• Cook until tender. Can be mashed slightly for easier digestion.

7. Disclaimer:Pisum sativum is generally very safe when consumed as a food. However, being a legume, it contains FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides) which can cause bloating and flatulence in individuals with sensitive guts or IBS. People with gout may need to moderate their intake of dried peas due to their 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 Useful Plants of India

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

1. Vigna radiata (Mung Bean, Moong)

Species: Vigna radiata | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Vigna

Similarities: Both are legumes valued for their digestibility and nutritive properties. However, mung bean is considered the lightest and most digestible of all legumes in Ayurveda and is the base for many convalescent diets (e.g., Khichdi), whereas pea is slightly heavier.

2. Spinacia oleracea (Spinach, Palak)

Species: Spinacia oleracea | Family: Amaranthaceae | Genus: Spinacia

Similarities: Both are green vegetables rich in iron, lutein, and zeaxanthin, making them beneficial for blood health and vision. They share a role as general nutritive tonics in the daily diet.