Photo: Sanjay Acharya / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Masha माष
Vigna mungo · Fabaceae
Also known as: Black Gram, Urad
Part used: Seed
Masha (Vigna mungo) is black gram or urad dal, a staple pulse that Ayurveda also treats as a serious medicine. It is the heaviest and most nourishing of the pulses, used for strength, Vata disorders and reproductive vitality, and is the base of Mahamash Tel.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Vigna mungo
- Part used: Seed
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: As food (dal), and in formulas like Mashabaladi for Vata/nerve conditions.
Masha in other languages
Introduction
Masha (black gram, Vigna mungo) is the most nourishing of pulses in Ayurveda — a Vata-pacifying, strength-building and aphrodisiac food. Heavy and unctuous, it builds muscle, supports the nerves and restores vigour.
Classification
Of the Fabaceae family, Masha is grouped among the Balya (strengthening) and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) dravyas. Its sweet taste, heavy-unctuous qualities and warming potency nourish and pacify Vata.
Uses & benefits
Black gram is a Brimhana and Vrishya food-drug, used to build tissue in wasting and weakness and to strengthen the nerves in Vata disorders. Its principal medicinal use is external, as the base of Mahamash Taila for paralysis, facial palsy and severe Vata pain.
Masha for strength
The most Balya of the pulses — heavy, oily and nourishing, used in emaciation and to build muscle.
Masha for Vata disorders
Its heaviness and unctuousness make it the classical pulse for Vata, used in joint pain and nerve complaints.
Masha as a Vrishya drug
Named among the reproductive tonics and used in the classical Vajikarana preparations.
Masha in Mahamash Tel
The base of the classical oil used in facial palsy, nerve pain and Vata disorders of the head.
Masha for constipation
Its unctuousness moves a dry bowel, and it is used where Vata constipation predominates.
Masha for lactation
A Stanyajanana drug traditionally given to nursing mothers across India.
Masha for joint pain
Applied externally as a warm poultice over painful joints, and taken internally in Vata arthritis.
Masha for weight gain
Where the aim is to gain rather than lose, it is the classical dietary choice.
Masha for the skin
Ground urad flour is a traditional cleansing and softening application, particularly for dry skin.
Masha for haemorrhoids
Used in Arshas where hard stool aggravates the condition.
Dosage — how much to take
As food (dal), and in formulas like Mashabaladi for Vata/nerve conditions. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Masha?
The citations held for Masha in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Vata & Vrishya context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Dhanya Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Masha?
Cited among strengthening foods. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Vata & Vrishya context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Masha?
Described as Balya and Vrishya. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Dhanya Varga.
What is Masha traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Black gram is a Brimhana and Vrishya food-drug, used to build tissue in wasting and weakness and to strengthen the nerves in Vata disorders. Its principal medicinal use is external, as the base of Mahamash Taila for paralysis, facial palsy and severe Vata pain.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Masha?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Masha classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Masha carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Masha is used medicinally?
The part used is Seed.
How much Masha is taken, and how?
As food (dal), and in formulas like Mashabaladi for Vata/nerve conditions. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Masha be avoided?
Heavy to digest — use moderately if Agni is weak or Kapha is high.
Where does Masha grow?
Black gram is a pulse crop cultivated across India, a staple of many regional cuisines.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Dhanya Varga
Described as Balya and Vrishya. - Charaka Samhita — Vata & Vrishya context
Cited among strengthening foods.
Modern research
-
Vigna mungo (Linn.) Hepper: ethnobotanical, pharmacological, phytochemical, and nutritious profile
(see source). Phytochemistry Reviews (2024)
A comprehensive review of Vigna mungo (Masha / black gram) documenting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, nootropic and nutritive pharmacology.
View study doi:10.1007/s11101-024-09972-6
Safety & precautions
Heavy to digest — use moderately if Agni is weak or Kapha is high.
Where it grows
Black gram is a pulse crop cultivated across India, a staple of many regional cuisines.
Frequently asked questions
What is Masha used for in Ayurveda?
Black gram is used for strength and weight gain, Vata disorders including joint and nerve pain, reproductive vitality, constipation and lactation. It is the base of Mahamash Tel, the classical oil for facial palsy and nerve complaints.
Is urad dal good or bad for health?
Both, depending on constitution. It is the heaviest and most nourishing pulse — excellent for Vata types and for building strength, but it aggravates Kapha and is heavy on weak digestion. Eat it warm, well cooked and well spiced.
What is the dose of Masha?
Eaten as food without a dose limit. As a medicine, seed powder 3–6 g, or used within compounds and oils. Externally as a poultice or flour paste as required.
Who should avoid black gram?
Anyone with sluggish digestion, high Kapha, gout or a history of kidney stones — it is heavy and purine-rich. It is also best avoided at night, when digestion is weakest.
Why is urad flour used on skin?
Ground urad is a traditional cleansing and softening application, used like chickpea flour in ubtan. It cleans without stripping natural oil, which suits dry skin better than soap does.
What is Mahamash Tel used for?
A classical medicated oil built on black gram, used externally in facial palsy, nerve pain, joint stiffness and Vata disorders of the head and neck. It is applied warm.
Is Masha good for muscle building?
It is the classical Balya pulse and is traditionally used to gain weight and strength, taken with ghee and milk. Its protein content supports the traditional use, though it is heavy and needs good digestion to be assimilated.
