Adhaki (Tuvari, Shanapushpika, Mritsna, Sura-mrittika)

About

Adhaki, also known as pigeon pea, is a pulse with Kapha and Pitta-alleviating properties. It is described as dry, sweet, cooling, and light.

Properties

Inhibition of key enzymes involved in glucose metabolism (DPP4 and PTP1B), Antimicrobial activity against various microbial strains, Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells

Dosage

Whole dried seeds: 20–50 g/day, soaked overnight and boiled into a dal. Combine with digestive herbs like cumin or coriander. Powdered seed (bhavana churna): 3–6 g, taken with warm water or honey. Seed extract (standardized): 200–400 mg capsule, twice daily. Seed Decoction: 10–20 g of dried seeds boiled in 250–300 mL water for 10–15 minutes; strain and drink 1 cup, 2–3 times daily, ideally before meals.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Sweet
• Virya: ["Cooling"]
• Vipaka: ["Sweet"]

Benefits

• Kapha-alleviating
• Pitta-alleviating

Traditional uses

• Balances Kapha and Pitta doshas, while enhancing Vata
• Digestive support, carminative, and mild laxative effects, especially for Vata-induced bloating
• Anti-inflammatory (leaf poultices for joint pains)
• May help in metabolic regulation
• Treatment of cough, bronchitis, and abdominal pain
• Treatment for mouth ulcers and gingivitis
• Treatment for liver ailments
• Stops bleeding, relieves pain, and treats intestinal worm infestations
• Treatments for anemia, blood pressure, hemorrhoids, lung and chest disorders, and to eliminate internal parasitic worms
• Antioxidant effects
• Antimicrobial effects
• Antidiabetic effects
• Neuroprotective effects
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Hepatoprotective action
• Immunomodulatory effects

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: decreasing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Dal: The whole dried seeds are soaked overnight and then boiled to prepare a simple dal.
• Powder (churna): Seeds are ground into a powder.
• Leaf paste: Fresh leaves are ground with water or ghee for topical application.
• Topical Poultice: Crushed leaves are applied to the skin.
• Decoction: Dried seeds are boiled in water.
• Tea: Pigeon pea leaves can be processed into tea using methods involving spreading, shaking, stir-frying, kneading, and baking the leaves.

Contraindications

• General Safety: While generally well-tolerated, caution is advised.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid raw seed powders; mild-cooked dal is generally considered safe in moderate amounts.
• Kidney Disorders: Use with caution in kidney disorders due to its diuretic action, which may strain renal function.
• Medications: Those on hypoglycemic or anticoagulant medications should consult an Ayurvedic doctor before use, as interactions are possible.
• Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines.
• Vata Imbalance: Red gram as unwholesome diet in Vata dosha aggravated diseases.
• Raw Seed Powders: Pregnant women should avoid raw seed powders.
• Indigestion: Can cause indigestion if not properly prepared or if the digestive system is weak. Indigestion caused by consuming red gram can be treated by taking sour fermented drinks.

Side effects

• Gastrointestinal upset (bloating, gas, or mild diarrhea)
• Allergic reactions (skin rash or itching)
• Excess diuresis
• High consumption may not be ideal for people prone to oxalate stones

Interactions

• Thyroid medications (reduced absorption of levothyroxine)
• Blood sugar interactions (can potentiate hypoglycemic medications)

Active compounds

• Flavonoids
• Stilbenes
• Coumarins
• Isoflavones

Clinical evidence

Meta-analyses of up to 5 RCTs and databases tracking 10+ RCTs show promising evidence for the antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties of Cajanus cajan. Further research is warranted to validate these findings.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Kapha-alleviating
• Pitta-alleviating

Frequently asked questions