Nishpava (Nishpava (Rajashimbi, Vallaka, Shvetashimbika, Upavishtaka, Sampava, Shimba))
Nishpava, known as Dolichos lablab or hyacinth bean, is a herb used in Ayurveda for its digestive support, metabolic health benefits, and potential in managing various health conditions.
Botanical name: Dolichos lablab. Also known as: Nishpava, Rajshimbi, Swetashimbaka, Flat beans, Hyacinth bean, Indian bean, Lablab bean, Romano beans, Helda beans, Bhattavaasu, Ballara, Sema, Makhansimb, Val, Olia, Aoliyavaala, Adhare, Avare, Avare kaalu, Alasande, Mochai, Avarai, Anumulu, Cikkudu, Paavate, Vaala.
Properties
Saponin-mediated enzyme inhibition, Antioxidant activity of flavonoids, Immune cell signaling modulation by lectins
Dosage
Seed powder: 3-5 grams, Decoction: 40-80 ml, Lablab powder: Adult dosage is 10-20 grams of roasted seed powder daily, consumed with warm water or ghee. For children, a smaller amount of 2-5 grams of well-cooked powder is considered safe.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Madhura (sweet)
- Virya: ["Ushna (heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Madhura (sweet)"]
Benefits
- Abhishyandi (generates moisture)
- Guru (heavy)
Traditional uses
- Visarpa
- Digestive weakness
Dosha effects
- vata: increasing
- kapha: increasing
- pitta: increasing
Preparation methods
- Decoction: Beans and leaves can be used to make a decoction for inflammation.
- Cooking: Seeds are typically boiled or roasted to reduce anti-nutrients and enhance digestibility. Soaking seeds for 6-8 hours before roasting or boiling is also recommended.
- Culinary Use: The fruit is used in food preparations, especially for managing Kapha-related disorders.
- Traditional Recipes: In Rajasthan, a sweet porridge called "Chauri kheer" is made using lablab beans.
- Stir Frying: Chopped beans can be stir-fried with spices and grated coconut.
Contraindications
- Vatarakta
- Pitta and Rakta Prakopa
- Indigestion
- Tridosha Prakopa
- Roots are toxic
Side effects
- May increase Vata and Pitta dosha.
- Can also increase breast milk, blood production, and potentially cause obstruction to urine and Vata.
- Potential side effects include flatulence or mild bloating if seeds are not adequately roasted or soaked.
- Consuming raw or improperly cooked Nishpava can lead to digestive discomfort due to the presence of lectins and other anti-nutrients.
- In large amounts, raw hyacinth bean is possibly unsafe as it contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can be poisonous.
- It may cause indigestion. Indigestion can be treated with Mantha (churned curd or supernatant of buttermilk).
- Excessive intake may lead to flatulence or lectin-related irritation; it's important to follow recommended dosages.
- Possible adverse effects include Vata raktha (gout), brachial neuralgia, Pandu (anemia), blood-related diseases, sciatica, hiccups and asthma.
Interactions
- When taking Nishpava with western medicines, it's best to seek your doctor's advice. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, it is generally recommended to take the allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- Generally, Nishpava goes well with most dietary supplements. However, consult your doctor if you are taking more than one product per day.
- Nishpava does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials and animal studies suggest Dolichos lablab may support digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and lipid profile improvement. More research is needed to confirm these effects and determine optimal dosages.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Abhishyandi (generates moisture)
- Guru (heavy)
Classical clinical indications
- Visarpa
- Digestive weakness