Kulthi , Horse-Gram

Dolichos biflorus (Kulthi) is a branched, suberect, and downing herb, native to most parts of India, and found at altitudes of up to 1000 m, whose seeds can be cooked and eaten. Nutrition plays a key role in building immunity and preventing noncommunicable diseases to a certain extent. Phytochemical analysis showed that the kulthi extract contains alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, and tannins, which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. In Ayurveda, the seed of Dolichos biflorus or Kulthi is used in the treatment of piles, joint inflammation & pain, constipation, urinary calculi, cough, edema, asthma, leucorrhoea, etc. Soup or extract prepared from seeds is also beneficial in enlarged liver and spleen. The Kulthi seeds have been reported to show antilithiatic, antihepatotoxic, and hypolipidemic activity, and are involved in lowering the level of blood sugar and total cholesterol.

Uses:- The paste of Kulatta seeds is used for fomentation to relieve localized swelling. The seeds stimulate and increase sweating, thus opening the sweat pores of the body to push out the toxins from the body.

The seed of the herb is powdered, burnt and the smoke coming from it is inhaled to relieve hiccups. Cold infusion (Hima) of the seeds of horse gram is taken in a dosage of 80-100ml per day to treat renal calculi, difficulty in micturition, and pain in the urinary bladder.