Shimbi (Shimbi (Pustashimbi, Pustakashimbika))
Shimbi, known as Lablab purpureus or Hyacinth Bean, is a legume used in Ayurveda for its sweet taste and cooling properties. It is mentioned in classical texts for its effects on Vata, Kapha, and Pitta doshas.
Botanical name: Lablab purpureus. Also known as: Hyacinth bean, Lablab bean, Dolichos bean, Bonavist bean, Egyptian kidney bean, Indian bean, Field bean, Australian pea, Sem, Ghevada, Warava, Anvare, Kadavebaala, Pandhre pavate, Capparada-avare, Avare, Avare bele, Amara, Avara, Amarakka, Avarai, Motchai, Civappavarai, Kattu-moccai, Pal-avarai, Vell-avarai, Chikkudu, Adavichikkudu, Alsanda, Tellachikkudu, Nispavah, Shimba, Anguliphala, Shim, Val, Sem, Dambala, Ratupeti dambala, Ho dambala, Kiri dambala, Kos ata dambala, Sudu pethi dambala, Bataw.
Properties
Antiviral activity against BoHV-1, Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, Hepatoprotective effects against fatty acid influx, Increase in hemoglobin percentage
Dosage
Dosage depends on the form of *Lablab purpureus* used. For roasted seed powder, a clinical trial used 15g daily to improve bowel regularity. A general recommendation is 10-20 g of roasted seed powder daily, mixed in warm water or ghee. In iron deficiency anemia, the plant has shown to increase hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalized dosage recommendations.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Sweet
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Sweet"]
Benefits
- Digestive support
- Nourishing food
- Digestive tonic
- Supports Agni (digestive fire)
- Alleviates vata-related bloating or irregular digestion
- Strengthens the spleen
- Reduces internal dampness
- Relieves diarrhea, bloating, nausea, and food poisoning symptoms
- Promotes bowel regularity
- Reduces susceptibility to heart and kidney disease
- Lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics
- Antioxidant properties
- Antimicrobial properties
- Cytotoxic properties
- Insecticidal properties
- Anti-obesity properties
- Immune modulatory properties
- Hypolipidemic properties
- Antiviral properties
- Anticancer properties
Traditional uses
- Digestive aid
- Detoxification
- Treatment of diarrhea
- Treatment of bloating
- Treatment of nausea
- Treatment of food poisoning symptoms
- Treatment of cholera
- Reduction of uterine wall inflammation
- Increase menstrual flow
- Febrifuge
- Antispasmodic
- Treatment for phlegmatic disorders
- Postpartum recovery
- Used as an antidote for food poisoning
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: increasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Boiling or roasting seeds: Seeds are typically boiled or roasted to reduce anti-nutrients and enhance digestibility.
- Soaking seeds: Soaking seeds for 6-8 hours before roasting or boiling is also recommended. Discard the soaking water.
- Fresh Juice (Svarasa): Crushing the fresh plant and straining the liquid.
- Herbal Paste (Kalka): Crushing the fresh or dried plant into a soft mass, sometimes mixed with honey, ghee, or oil.
- Decoction (Kvatha): Boiling dry herbs in water until the water reduces to one-quarter of its original amount.
- Hot Infusion (Phant): Adding herbs to boiling water and allowing to steep for a period of time.
- Cold Infusion (Hima): Soaking herbs in cold water for an extended period.
- Cooking Mature Seeds: Requires pre-soaking overnight, discarding the water, and boiling with multiple changes of water to remove toxins.
Contraindications
- Consumption of raw fruit and beans is toxic due to cyanogenic glycosides; thorough boiling with several water changes is essential.
- Avoid during pregnancy due to potential antifertility and abortifacient effects.
- Use caution with bleeding disorders or anticoagulant medications.
- Use caution if taking anti-inflammatory medications.
- Use caution if having low blood pressure, high blood pressure, liver disorders, edema, severe kidney insufficiency, low blood potassium, or heart disease.
Side effects
- Large doses may cause diarrhea and vomiting.
- Improper or excessive use may aggravate pitta, causing pitta- and blood-related disorders.
- May cause flatulence or lectin-related irritation if not properly prepared.
- Some varieties contain toxins or anti-nutritional compounds that can be harmful if not properly cooked.
- May loosen the bowels.
Interactions
- May interact with anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and anticoagulants like aspirin, warfarin, and heparin.
- May increase bleeding.
- Astragalus (another herb) may interact with medications that suppress the immune system and may affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
- It is important to stop taking all herbs approximately one week before surgery.
- Use caution with hypertensive drugs and CNS depressants.
Clinical evidence
Limited in vitro and animal studies suggest potential antiviral, anti-anemic, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects of Lablab purpureus. Clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.