Kulthi
Kulthi
Kulthi, commonly known as Horse gram, is a bean used in hilly regions of India. It is widely grown for human food as a pulse and fodder crop for livestock. It is very popular with the name of Ghahat in Uttarakhand Kumaon villages. It is also grown in states like Himachal, Tamilnadu, and Madhya Pradesh.
Kulthi is an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates, essential amino acids, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins such as carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C[1]. It might not be great in taste as compared to other beans but it sure shows many health-benefiting properties. As per Ayurveda, Kulthi has a Vata-Kapha balancing property that helps to reduce the symptoms of cough and arthritis.
One of the most prominent uses of Kulthi is in kidney stone treatment. The water extracted after soaking or boiling Kulthi not only helps in dissolving kidney stones but stops them from developing again. This is due to its Mutral (diuretic) nature[2].
It may also be helpful in conditions like skin inflammation. It decreases the redness of the skin due to inflammation or skin rash when applied to the affected area[2]. This is due to its Kashaya property.
It is important to know that Kulthi contains a specific type of carbohydrate called raffinose oligosaccharides, which may cause gas and bloating, especially when eaten in large amounts[1].
Kulthi is an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates, essential amino acids, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins such as carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C[1]. It might not be great in taste as compared to other beans but it sure shows many health-benefiting properties. As per Ayurveda, Kulthi has a Vata-Kapha balancing property that helps to reduce the symptoms of cough and arthritis.
One of the most prominent uses of Kulthi is in kidney stone treatment. The water extracted after soaking or boiling Kulthi not only helps in dissolving kidney stones but stops them from developing again. This is due to its Mutral (diuretic) nature[2].
It may also be helpful in conditions like skin inflammation. It decreases the redness of the skin due to inflammation or skin rash when applied to the affected area[2]. This is due to its Kashaya property.
It is important to know that Kulthi contains a specific type of carbohydrate called raffinose oligosaccharides, which may cause gas and bloating, especially when eaten in large amounts[1].
What are the synonyms of Kulthi?
Horse gram, Kulattha, Kulatthika, Tamrabija, Shwetabija, Chakra, Locanahita, Kumbhakari Drakprasada, Cakshushya, Dolichos biflorus, M. uniflorum , poor man’s pulse.
What is the source of Kulthi?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kulthi
1. Kidney Stone
A kidney stone is an accumulation of hard, stony mass in the bladder and urinary tract. In Ayurveda, it is known as Mutrashmari. Mutrashmari (renal calculi) is a condition of Vata-Kapha origin which causes Sanga (obstruction) in the Mutravaha Srotas (urinary system). Mutral (diuretic) property of Kulthi increases urine flow which promotes fast removal of kidney stones. Kulthi or Horse gram also helps balance the Kapha dosha, which further prevents the formation of stones.
Tip
-Soak 3-5grams of horse gram in 100 ml of water overnight
-Strain the water in the morning
-Drink this water on an empty stomach
#To get rid of the symptoms of kidney stones
2. Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha, is caused due to an imbalance of Vata-Kapha dosha and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Consuming Kulthi seeds helps manage diabetes due to its Vata-Kapha balancing, Pachan (digestive) properties. It helps to improve digestion, maintains normal functions of insulin, and reduces symptoms of diabetes.
Tip
-Take Kulthi seed powder 2-3gms or as recommended by the Physician
-Consume it once or twice a day after meals
#To control high sugar levels.
3. High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is caused due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes the accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Including Kulthi Dal in your diet helps to promote Agni (digestive) due to its Ushna (hot) potency. It also reduces Ama and helps in controlling high cholesterol levels.
Tip
-Take 200 grams of Kulthi Dal with 2 liters of water
-Start boiling it on a slow flame (here the method of cooking is slow cooking).
-It will take around 4 to 5 hours
-When it is reduced to half, consume it as soup
#To normalize your high cholesterol levels
4. Obesity
Obesity is a condition that occurs either due to bad eating habits or lack of physical activity. It is a condition in which indigestion leads to the accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of excessive fat. This leads to an imbalance of Meda Dhatu, resulting in obesity. Consuming Kulthi water helps in the management of obesity by digesting Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It also helps to improve metabolism which further prevents obesity.
Tip
-Soak 3-5 grams of horse gram in 100 ml of water overnight
-Strain the water in the morning
-Drink this water on an empty stomach
#To get relief from digestion problems, aiding in weight loss
A kidney stone is an accumulation of hard, stony mass in the bladder and urinary tract. In Ayurveda, it is known as Mutrashmari. Mutrashmari (renal calculi) is a condition of Vata-Kapha origin which causes Sanga (obstruction) in the Mutravaha Srotas (urinary system). Mutral (diuretic) property of Kulthi increases urine flow which promotes fast removal of kidney stones. Kulthi or Horse gram also helps balance the Kapha dosha, which further prevents the formation of stones.
Tip
-Soak 3-5grams of horse gram in 100 ml of water overnight
-Strain the water in the morning
-Drink this water on an empty stomach
#To get rid of the symptoms of kidney stones
2. Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha, is caused due to an imbalance of Vata-Kapha dosha and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Consuming Kulthi seeds helps manage diabetes due to its Vata-Kapha balancing, Pachan (digestive) properties. It helps to improve digestion, maintains normal functions of insulin, and reduces symptoms of diabetes.
Tip
-Take Kulthi seed powder 2-3gms or as recommended by the Physician
-Consume it once or twice a day after meals
#To control high sugar levels.
3. High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is caused due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes the accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Including Kulthi Dal in your diet helps to promote Agni (digestive) due to its Ushna (hot) potency. It also reduces Ama and helps in controlling high cholesterol levels.
Tip
-Take 200 grams of Kulthi Dal with 2 liters of water
-Start boiling it on a slow flame (here the method of cooking is slow cooking).
-It will take around 4 to 5 hours
-When it is reduced to half, consume it as soup
#To normalize your high cholesterol levels
4. Obesity
Obesity is a condition that occurs either due to bad eating habits or lack of physical activity. It is a condition in which indigestion leads to the accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of excessive fat. This leads to an imbalance of Meda Dhatu, resulting in obesity. Consuming Kulthi water helps in the management of obesity by digesting Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It also helps to improve metabolism which further prevents obesity.
Tip
-Soak 3-5 grams of horse gram in 100 ml of water overnight
-Strain the water in the morning
-Drink this water on an empty stomach
#To get relief from digestion problems, aiding in weight loss
Precautions when using Kulthi
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
Excessive intake of Kulthi may cause gas and bloating in some people.
Allergy
Modern Science View
Although not very common, cases of allergy with the use of Kulthi have been reported[3].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Enough evidence is not available to suggest its use while breastfeeding. Kindly consult your doctor before using it.
Recommended Dosage of Kulthi
- Kulthi Powder - 2-5gm or as directed by the physician
How to use Kulthi
Kulthi Seed Powder
-Take Kulthi seed powder 2-3gms or as recommended by the Physician
-Consume it once or twice a day after meals
Making Kulthi water:
-Soak 3-5grams of Kulthi (horse gram) in 100 ml of water overnight
-Strain the water in the morning
-Drink this water on an empty stomach
-Additionally, you can make a thin dal of these soaked horse grams.
-You can consume it as per your choice with rice or roti.
Making Kulthi soup:
-Take 200 grams of Kulthi Dal and add 2 liters of water to a pan.
-Start boiling it on a slow flame (here the method of cooking is slow cooking).
-The Dal will take around 4 to 5 hours to get cooked.
-Wait till the mix is reduced to half.
-Your soup is ready to be consumed.
#You can see benefits within a week or two weeks after taking this.
-Take Kulthi seed powder 2-3gms or as recommended by the Physician
-Consume it once or twice a day after meals
Making Kulthi water:
-Soak 3-5grams of Kulthi (horse gram) in 100 ml of water overnight
-Strain the water in the morning
-Drink this water on an empty stomach
-Additionally, you can make a thin dal of these soaked horse grams.
-You can consume it as per your choice with rice or roti.
Making Kulthi soup:
-Take 200 grams of Kulthi Dal and add 2 liters of water to a pan.
-Start boiling it on a slow flame (here the method of cooking is slow cooking).
-The Dal will take around 4 to 5 hours to get cooked.
-Wait till the mix is reduced to half.
-Your soup is ready to be consumed.
#You can see benefits within a week or two weeks after taking this.
Benefits of Kulthi
1.Skin rashes
Skin rashes can be a result of a variety of factors, including infections, heat, allergens, immune system disorders, and medications. It generally occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. This imbalance might lead to itching, redness, or irritation. Kulthi seeds have Kashaya property which helps in decreasing the symptoms of skin rash.
2.Joint Pain
Kulthi can help reduce bone and joint pain. According to Ayurveda, bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly caused due to an imbalanced Vata. Applying the paste of Kulthi seeds helps control the localized pain and reduce inflammation. This is due to its Vata balancing property.
Tip
-Take Kulthi seeds as per your requirement and make a fine powder out of it
-Mix it with water or buttermilk and make a paste
-Apply it on affected areas once or twice a day
#To get quick relief from inflammation or pain.
Skin rashes can be a result of a variety of factors, including infections, heat, allergens, immune system disorders, and medications. It generally occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. This imbalance might lead to itching, redness, or irritation. Kulthi seeds have Kashaya property which helps in decreasing the symptoms of skin rash.
2.Joint Pain
Kulthi can help reduce bone and joint pain. According to Ayurveda, bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly caused due to an imbalanced Vata. Applying the paste of Kulthi seeds helps control the localized pain and reduce inflammation. This is due to its Vata balancing property.
Tip
-Take Kulthi seeds as per your requirement and make a fine powder out of it
-Mix it with water or buttermilk and make a paste
-Apply it on affected areas once or twice a day
#To get quick relief from inflammation or pain.
Precautions when using Kulthi
Allergy
Modern Science View
Although not very common, cases of allergy with the use of Kulthi have been reported[3].
Recommended Dosage of Kulthi
- Kulthi Powder - 2-5 gm or as per your requirement
How to use Kulthi
Kulthi Seeds
-Take Kulthi seeds and make a fine powder out of it
-Mix it with water or buttermilk and make a paste
-Apply it on affected areas once or twice a day
#To get quick relief from inflammation or pain.
-Take Kulthi seeds and make a fine powder out of it
-Mix it with water or buttermilk and make a paste
-Apply it on affected areas once or twice a day
#To get quick relief from inflammation or pain.
Frequently asked questions
Ayurvedic View
The seeds of Kulthi can be roasted, mixed with other herbs and spices. You can also ground the seeds into a fine powder to sprinkle over rice.
Ayurvedic View
You can consume Kulthi (horse gram) by making a soup or dal out of it for kidney stones Steps to make soup:
-Take Kulthi (horse gram) in 500ml of water
-Cook in a pressure cooker for about 5 to 7 whistles
-Strain the soup and add salt to taste.
-Take Kulthi (horse gram) in 500ml of water
-Cook in a pressure cooker for about 5 to 7 whistles
-Strain the soup and add salt to taste.
Ayurvedic View
Kulthi (horse gram) should be avoided if a person has hyperacidity. Hyperacidity is generally caused due to the accumulation of excessive Pitta in the body. In addition to that, the Ushna (hot) nature of Kulthi can further aggravate the symptoms of acidity.
Modern Science View
Kulthi (horse gram) seeds can help induce menstrual periods. People experiencing prolonged menstrual cycles or scanty bleeding (oligomenorrhea) can use Horse gram in their diet regularly. Decoction of seeds is also useful in the management of postpartum syndrome[8].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kulthi is beneficial for eliminating kidney stones from the body. It has diuretic properties which help increase urine flow, thereby creating pressure on the deposited stone. This helps to flush out the deposits in the form of small stones.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Kulthi is an effective herbal remedy used for expelling kidney stones. Mutral (diuretic) property of Kulthi increases the urine flow which exerts pressure on the deposited stone, helping the body flush out stone from the kidney.
Ayurvedic View
Generally, Kulthi is not advised to be consumed daily or on a regular basis. This is because it is Ushna (hot) in nature which can cause digestive problems like hyperacidity.
Modern Science View
Kulthi (horse gram) can provide relief from joint pain, a common symptom of arthritis. It can be applied externally by making a paste out of the seeds (by adding water or buttermilk) to the affected area[8].
Modern Science View
Yes, you can have raw sprouted Kulthi (horse gram). Just take a handful of the seeds and soak them overnight. You can add sprouts to salads, soups, stir fry, etc.
Modern Science View
Kulthi or Horse gram may prove to be very helpful in pregnancy, as it helps to increase the blood count. However, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist before using Kulthi[2].
Ayurvedic View
Kulthi when used externally can provide benefits in relieving the symptoms of inflammation or pain. In order to use it externally, you need to make a fine powder out of Kulthi seeds. Now, mix the powder with water or buttermilk and make a paste. The mix is ready to be applied to the affected areas once or twice a day.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.