Hour 79 Ayurveda – Medicinal Herbs X
Rice, Wheat, Greengram, Blackgram & Millets
Rice (Shali or Tandula)
Rasa Panchaka
- Rasa: Madhura (Sweet)
- Guna: Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Slightly oily)
- Virya: Sheeta (Cooling)
- Vipaka: Madhura (Sweet)
- Dosha Effect: Balances Pitta and Vata Doshas
Therapeutic Properties
Rice is comforting and light, which is why it is often considered easy to digest. Its sweet taste, oily quality, and cooling potency soothe the digestive system, especially during warmer seasons. After digestion, rice has a sweet effect, nourishing the tissues and providing gentle strength without overwhelming the body.
Digestive and Medicinal Uses
Rice preparations such as:
- Rice porridge
- Rice gruel
- Rice boiled with herbal decoctions
- Boiled rice with milk
are used to kindle the digestive fire (Agni) and are beneficial for a vast number of diseases. They are particularly used during and after purification therapies (Shodhana Karma).
Wheat (Godhuma)
Rasa Panchaka
- Rasa: Madhura (Sweet)
- Guna: Guru (Heavy)
- Virya: Sheeta (Cooling)
- Vipaka: Madhura (Sweet)
- Dosha Effect: Balances Pitta and Vata; Increases Kapha in excess
Therapeutic Properties
Wheat is nourishing, strengthening, and helps build body mass while providing a sustained source of energy. Its cooling nature balances Pitta and Vata doshas effectively. However, due to its heavy quality, excess consumption can increase Kapha Dosha, leading to sluggishness or weight gain.
Usage and Precautions
- Wheat is grounding and fortifying when consumed in moderation.
- Overconsumption can lead to Kapha-related issues such as obesity.
Green Gram (Moong Bean / Mudga)
Rasa Panchaka
- Rasa: Madhura (Sweet), Kashaya (Astringent)
- Guna: Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
- Virya: Sheeta (Cooling)
- Vipaka: Madhura (Sweet)
- Dosha Effect: Balances Pitta and Kapha; Slightly increases Vata
Therapeutic Properties
Green gram is a celebrated grain in Ayurveda due to its detoxifying qualities. It is light, dry, and cooling in nature, making it an excellent choice for balancing Pitta and Kapha. While it may slightly increase Vata, this effect can be countered by adding spices like cumin and a small amount of ghee while cooking.
Digestive and Detox Benefits
Green gram has a sweet post-digestive effect, which makes it:
- Gentle on the stomach
- Ideal for people with sensitive digestion
- A natural detoxifier that also nourishes the body
Its light and soothing nature makes it highly praised for promoting clean digestion and energizing the body.
Millets (Kshudra Dhanya / Avara Dhanya)
Rasa Panchaka
- Rasa: Madhura (Sweet), Kashaya (Astringent)
- Guna: Ruksha (Drying)
- Virya: Ushna (Slightly hot)
- Vipaka: Katu (Pungent)
- Dosha Effect: Pacifies Kapha and Pitta; Aggravates Vata
Therapeutic Properties
Millets possess scraping properties (Lekhana Karma), which help remove excess fat accumulation in the body. They are beneficial for Kapha-related diseases or disorders caused by over-nourishment, such as:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Infertility
- Hypothyroidism
Effects on Digestion and Dhatus
- Millets dry up the feces and may cause hard stools due to their drying nature.
- They can deplete Dhatus (tissues) if consumed excessively, aggravating Vata Dosha.
Best Usage
- Millets are highly recommended for individuals who are obese or suffering from over-nourished conditions.
- Conversely, grains like rice, wheat, and green gram, which are nourishing, are ideal for people with lean and emaciated bodies.