Suffering from kidney or gall stones? Kulthi or horse gram is the best natural remedy if kidney or gall stones are detected in the early stages, and are not big enough to warrant surgical intervention. Macrotyloma uniflorum, as Kulthi is technically called, is a wonder legume that can cure a number of health problems.
Macrotyloma is used in tribal systems of medicine the world over, while in India practitioners of Unani and Ayurveda often prescribe it for health problems like cough, breathing trouble, ulcers and gas in the stomach, worm infection and excessive sweating. It is also recognised as a natural health tonic for general well being. Some herbalists consider Kulthi a good food that controls arthritis.
Pregnant women and those suffering from tuberculosis should be cautious about the use of this herb. Macrotyloma may cause severe health complications in pregnant women and tuberculosis patients. So avoid this even as a food legume.
Since Kulthi is a common legume used in kitchen preparations, it can be obtained from any grocery store. Ready-made herbal formulations based on Kulthi are also available in herbal stores.
Note: Those allergic to certain herbs should avoid them.
Disclaimer: Consult a qualified professional before using herbal formulations at home
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Home remedies
w The regular intake of Kulthi as a food (Ulvala charu, as it is called in Andhra Pradesh) clears the digestive tract of worm infections including tape worms. It reduces flatulence and acidity and keeps the digestive system in good condition.
w Take a little quantity of horse gram, boil it in a glass of water, allow it to cool and filter it. Mix it in a grinder with pure drinking water to make a semi-solid liquid. Add a pinch of pepper and drink the preparation for relief from cold, cough or sore throat.
w Those suffering from stomach aches may try a combination of a little finely ground horse gram, dried ginger and asafoetida. You may prepare the mixture fresh or prepare it in a large quantity for future use.
w If you are weight conscious, include horse gram in your regular diet. Herbal doctors point out that eating horse gram daily will help reduce obesity.
w Herbal doctors recommend that patients of kidney or gall stones may soak a little quantity of horse gram in a glass of pure drinking water for about 10 hours. The infusion can be taken twice a day. Others suggest that the seeds thus soaked in water be mashed and consumed twice daily.