Food · Asia
Red lentil
Lens culinaris
Traditionally attributed effects: easily digestible, beneficial in bleeding and fever; purifies the blood internally and externally; scrub improves circulation.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
As a masoor dal dish (cook for about 1 hour); 1 cup ground in a face mask with turmeric, saffron and sandalwood; 3 cups ground in dry body scrub.
Use in traditions
Described in Ayurveda in the kitchen and daily care. Lentils are one of the first crops domesticated in the Fertile Crescent. In India dal is the daily source of protein; Ayurveda (masura) regards red lentils as light and cooling. Ground lentils were laid on skin ulcers.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Easily digestible, beneficial in bleeding and fever; purifies the blood internally and externally; scrub improves circulation.
Preparation and amount
As a masoor dal dish (cook for about 1 hour); 1 cup ground in a face mask with turmeric, saffron and sandalwood; 3 cups ground in dry body scrub.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen