Bengal gram

Description

Bengal gram is called Chickpea or Gram (Cicer aritinum L.) in South Asia and Garbanzo bean in most of the developed world. Bengal gram is a major pulse crop in India, widely grown for centuries and accounts for nearly 40 percent of the total pulse production. India is the major growing country of the world, accounting for 61.65 percent of the total world area under Bengal gram and 68.13 percent of the total world production.

Uses

Diabetes :- Experiments have shown that the intake of water extract of Bengal gram enhances the utilization of glucose in both the diabetic and the normal persons. Tests were conducted a CFTRI Laboratories in Mysore, on a chronic diabetic patient whose insulin requirement was of the order of 40 units a day When kept on a diet which included liberal supplements of Bengal gram extract. the condition of the patient improve considerably and his insulin requirement was reduced to about 20 units per day. Diabetic patients who are on a prescribed die! which dot's not severely restrict the intake of carbohydrates. but includes liberal amounts of Bengal gram extract, have shown considerable improvement in their fasting blood sugar levels, glucose tolerance, urinary excretion of sugar and general condition.
Anemia :- Fresh juice of Bengal gram leaves is a very rich source of iron. It is, therefore. highly beneficial in the treatment of iron­deficiency anemia. A tablespoonful of fresh juice mixed with honey should be taken in this condition.
Digestive System Disorder :- An acid liquid is obtained by collecting the dew drops from the leaves by spreading a thin white cloth over the crop at night or by any other means. This acid liquid contains about 94 per cent malic acid and 6 per cent oxalic acid and is used medicinally. It is a valuable astringent for use in dyspepsia, vomiting, indigestion, costiveness, diarrhea and dysentery.
Painful Menstruation :- A bath prepared by putting the entire Bengal gram plant in hot water is highly beneficial in painful menstruation. It may be taken in the form of a sitting steam bath.
Skin and Hair Disease :- Flour of the un roasted Bengal gram is a very effective cleansing agent and its regular use as a cosmetic bleaches the skin. In allergic skin diseases like eczema, contact dermatitis, scabies, washing the skin with this flour will be highly beneficial. The Bengal gram flour can be beneficially used in the treatment of pimples. The flour should be mixed with curd to make a paste. This paste should be applied to the face. It should be washed off after some time. Washing the hair with Bengal gram flour, keeps them clean, soft and free from hair diseases.