Urad and Black Gram

Listing ID #4345130

Urad also know commonly as Black Gram originated in India where it has been in cultivation from ancient times and is one of the most highly prized pulses of India.

As the name suggests whole black gram is black in colour and split dehulled are white in colour. These tiny split white grains are also known as urad dal in India. The bean is boiled and eaten whole or, after splitting, made into dal; prepared like this it has an unusual mucilaginous texture. Ground into flour or paste, it is also extensively used in South Indian culinary preparation like dosa (savory thin and crispy pancake), idli (soft rice and urad dal cakes), vada (fried urad dal balls) and papdum. When used this way, the white lentils are usually used.

Black gram is known to have soothing and cooling properties. It is an aphrodisiac and nervine tonic. However, excessive use of black gram causes flatulence which can, however, be prevented by adding little asafetida, pepper and ginger in the culinary preparations. It should not be taken by those who are easily predisposed to rheumatic diseases and urinary calculi as it contains oxalic acid in high concentration.

Consumption of urad dal is good for diabetic patients. Germinated black gram, taken with half a cupful of fresh bitter gourd juice and a teaspoonful of honey is highly beneficial in the treatment of milder type of diabetes. It should be used once daily for three to four months with restriction of carbohydrates.

Urad dal aids sexual dysfunctions; it must be soaked in water for about six hours and then fried in pure cow's ghee after draining the water is an excellent sex tonic. It can be used with wheat bread and honey with highly beneficial results in functional impotency, premature ejaculation and thinness of the semen. This preparation eaten with half boiled egg is excellent for nervous disorders such as nervous weakness, weakness of memory, schizophrenia and hysteria.

Washing the hair with a paste of urad dal and fenugreek lengthens the hair, keeps them black and cures dandruff. People suffering from severe digestive disorders must consume black gram whole or split as it is valuable in easing digestive disorders. In the form of decoction, it is useful in dyspepsia, gastric catarrh, dysentery and diarrhea.

An ointment made from black gram is useful as an external application in rheumatism, contracted knee and stiff shoulder. It is prepared by boiling about 4 Kgs of urad dal in 38.4 litres of water. It should be boiled down to about 9.6 liters and strained. The strained decoction should be boiled with about 2.5 liters of sesame oil and 1/2 kg of rock salt till the water has been evaporated. Paste of the fresh root is also useful in rheumatic pains.