Kulthi dal, also known as horse gram, is a tropical and subtropical legume. Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional healers have known about its therapeutic properties for ages. It’s primarily used as a tonic, astringent, and diuretic, and it’s also helpful for rheumatism, neuralgia, and other ailments. Natural phenols, primarily phenolic acids, flavonoids, and the primary antioxidants, are abundant in horse gram seeds. Horse gram is classified as animal fodder, and its full potential as a component of the human diet is yet to be realized. It can be consumed as seeds, sprouts, or as a meal on its own.

BENEFITS OF KULTHI DAAL

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.

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.

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.

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.

5.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.

6. 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.