Flat Bean

निष्पाव

Nishpava (Flat Bean/Sem) is a climbing vine bearing broad flat pods. Both the tender pods and dried seeds are consumed. It is heavy and can aggravate Vata. The white-flowered variety is preferred. It is used both as vegetable (young pods) and pulse (dried seeds). Verses: 45-46.

What is Flat Bean (Nishpava / Sem / निष्पाव)?

Nishpava (Flat Bean/Sem) is a climbing vine bearing broad flat pods. Both the tender pods and dried seeds are consumed. It is heavy and can aggravate Vata. The white-flowered variety is preferred. It is used both as vegetable (young pods) and pulse (dried seeds). Verses: 45-46.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 8

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vatakara (Vata-aggravating)
  • Brimhana (nourishing)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 8

References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan

19 Nishpava (flat bean) न पावो वात प ता सरो वदाह त यमू करो गु ः २० शु कफशोष वषापहः Nishpava (flat bean) aggravates vata, pitta, bleeding disorders, it increases breast milk production and promotes urine formation.

— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food

Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food

References in Sharangadhara Samhita

Kathillaka, flat bean seeds, Bimbi (Coccinia grandis), Kasheruka, cold water, incompatible food, sexual intercourse, and excessive wandering are harmful.

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 66: Diet for Vata Diseases (Vata Roga Pathyapathyam)

Kathillaka, flat bean seeds, Bimbi (Coccinia grandis), Kasheruka, cold water, incompatible food, sexual intercourse, and excessive wandering are harmful.

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 55: Diet for Vata Diseases (Vata Roga Pathyapathyam)

Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 66: Diet for Vata Diseases (Vata Roga Pathyapathyam); Parishishtam, Chapter 55: Diet for Vata Diseases (Vata Roga Pathyapathyam)

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.