Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Urad Dal known as Masha or Phaseolus mungo in Ayurveda is a strengthening legume valued for its unctuous and heavy qualities. It possesses a Sweet taste and Hot potency making it the premier food for pacifying Vata dosha though it aggravates Kapha and Pitta. It acts as a powerful aphrodisiac and nutritive tonic increasing muscle bulk and reproductive fluids. Therapeutically it is crucial for treating neuromuscular disorders like paralysis and facial palsy often used in medicated oils like Mahamasha Taila. In Panchakarma its flour creates the dough dams used to retain oil in procedures like Kati Vasti. Due to its heaviness it is contraindicated in skin diseases and for daily intake.
Urad Dal, known in Ayurveda as Masha or Black Gram, is one of the most nutritious and strengthening pulses used in Indian medicine. Unlike Green Gram (Mudga), which is light and easy to digest, Urad Dal is revered for its heaviness, unctuousness, and powerful ability to pacify the Vata dosha (air/ether element). It is considered the premier food for increasing physical strength and sexual potency.
Urad Dal is a leguminous crop widely cultivated in India. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a "Sukha-dhanya" (grain/pulse) but possesses properties distinct from most other legumes. While most pulses are cooling and light, Masha is hot, heavy, and unctuous. It is highly valued as a Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and Balya (strength promoter), making it a key dietary item for those seeking to build muscle mass and vitality.
According to Charaka Samhita:
(General guidance based on food and formulations):
Charaka Samhita – Sutra Sthana (Shimbidhanya Varga – Masha description)
https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/charaka-samhita
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Pulses Division
https://icar.org.in
National Food Security Mission – Pulses
https://nfsm.gov.in
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
It is not recommended for daily use for everyone, especially those with Kapha constitution or weak digestion, as it is heavy. It is best for Vata types or during winter.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is beneficial when taken in the winter season or when one needs physical strength and nourishment.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Ayurvedic texts mention preparations where Urad dal is cooked with milk and ghee for aphrodisiac effects. However, general dietary rules often caution against mixing legumes with milk; this specific combination is a therapeutic exception for strength.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Urad Dal known as Masha or Phaseolus mungo in Ayurveda is a strengthening legume valued for its unctuous and heavy qualities. It possesses a Sweet taste and Hot potency making it the premier food for pacifying Vata dosha though it aggravates Kapha and Pitta. It acts as a powerful aphrodisiac and nutritive tonic increasing muscle bulk and reproductive fluids. Therapeutically it is crucial for treating neuromuscular disorders like paralysis and facial palsy often used in medicated oils like Mahamasha Taila. In Panchakarma its flour creates the dough dams used to retain oil in procedures like Kati Vasti. Due to its heaviness it is contraindicated in skin diseases and for daily intake.
Urad Dal, known in Ayurveda as Masha or Black Gram, is one of the most nutritious and strengthening pulses used in Indian medicine. Unlike Green Gram (Mudga), which is light and easy to digest, Urad Dal is revered for its heaviness, unctuousness, and powerful ability to pacify the Vata dosha (air/ether element). It is considered the premier food for increasing physical strength and sexual potency.
Urad Dal is a leguminous crop widely cultivated in India. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a "Sukha-dhanya" (grain/pulse) but possesses properties distinct from most other legumes. While most pulses are cooling and light, Masha is hot, heavy, and unctuous. It is highly valued as a Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and Balya (strength promoter), making it a key dietary item for those seeking to build muscle mass and vitality.
According to Charaka Samhita:
(General guidance based on food and formulations):
Charaka Samhita – Sutra Sthana (Shimbidhanya Varga – Masha description)
https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/charaka-samhita
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Pulses Division
https://icar.org.in
National Food Security Mission – Pulses
https://nfsm.gov.in
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
It is not recommended for daily use for everyone, especially those with Kapha constitution or weak digestion, as it is heavy. It is best for Vata types or during winter.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is beneficial when taken in the winter season or when one needs physical strength and nourishment.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Ayurvedic texts mention preparations where Urad dal is cooked with milk and ghee for aphrodisiac effects. However, general dietary rules often caution against mixing legumes with milk; this specific combination is a therapeutic exception for strength.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem