The scientific name of Horse gram: Macrotyloma uniflorum, Dolichos biflorus Linn.
Name of Horse gram in different languages:-
English: Cowpea, Horsegram
Sanskrit: Kulatha
Hindi: Kutthi
Tamil: Kollu
Malayalam: Muthira-മുതിര
Plant description:
Horse gram is an annual herb, a legume, sub-erect or trailing many branched; leaves are arranged alternately, stipulate, trifoliate, and ovate, up to 5. cm long, flowers found in axillaries, color yellow, 1.8 cm long; contain 5 to 6 seeds in a pod, size up to 5.0 cm long, ellipsoid and flattened.
Useful plant parts:
Seeds
Medicinal uses:
To treat piles, colic, epitasis, hiccups, abdominal lumps, bronchial asthma flatulence, ulcers etc.
Chemical content:
Coumestrol, glycoprotein, psoraliding; dolichin A and dolichin B, 2-hydroxy-genistein, β-sitosterol, coumesterol, delbergiodin, genistein, isoferreirin, keivitone, phaseollidin, pyranoside.
Ayurveda uses of Horse gram
Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum), known as “Kulthi” in Ayurveda, is a legume that has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine for its various therapeutic properties.
Here are some of the common Ayurvedic uses of horse gram:
- Digestive Health: Horse gram is believed to have digestive properties and is used to stimulate digestion. It is sometimes recommended for individuals with sluggish digestion or digestive disorders.
- Weight Management: It is considered beneficial for weight management due to its high protein and fiber content, which can help increase feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake.
- Diabetes Management: Horse gram is believed to have properties that may help regulate blood sugar levels. Some Ayurvedic formulations use horse gram as a component to support individuals with diabetes.
- Respiratory Health: In Ayurveda, horse gram is used in formulations to address respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. It is believed to have expectorant properties.
- Urinary Disorders: Horse gram is traditionally used to support urinary health and is believed to have diuretic properties. It may be recommended for conditions like kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
- Rheumatism and Joint Disorders: It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be used in Ayurvedic remedies to alleviate joint pain and inflammation, particularly in conditions like arthritis.
- Menstrual Disorders: Horse gram is sometimes used in Ayurvedic formulations to address menstrual irregularities and discomfort.
- Anemia: Due to its relatively high iron content, horse gram may be recommended in Ayurveda to support individuals with anemia or low hemoglobin levels.
- Skin Conditions: Some Ayurvedic preparations use horse gram for its potential benefits in addressing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- Aphrodisiac Properties: In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, horse gram is believed to have aphrodisiac properties and may be used to support sexual health.
- Boosting Immunity: It is believed to have immune-boosting properties and may be used in Ayurvedic formulations to strengthen the body’s natural defenses.
- Liver Health: Some traditional remedies use horse gram to support liver function. It is believed to have hepatoprotective properties.
It’s important to note that while horse gram has a long history of traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine, scientific research on its efficacy is ongoing, and not all of its traditional uses have been conclusively supported by modern scientific evidence. As with any herbal remedy, it’s advisable to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner or an Ayurvedic expert before using horse gram or any other herbal treatment, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications.
Horse gram is used as an ingredient to prepare Ayurvedic medicines like:-
