Kalo Gahat, कालो गहत , Black Hosre Gram, कालाकुल्थी, Macrotyloma species :

यो पहाडमा गर्मी क्षेत्रमा भिराला जमिनमा साउन-भदौतिर खेती गरिन्छ र मङ्सिर - पुसमा भण्डारण हुन्छ । यसको काला बीज औषधीय मानिन्छ । गुण-धर्म : टर्रो स्वाद र स्वभाव गर्मी । प्रयोग : यो पत्थरी गलाउने, कफपित्तवातनाशक, त्रिदोषशामक, सुन्निएको मृगौला र फोक्सोमा लाभदायक, रुघा-खोकी - पिनास - कफको दममा गुणकारी, रक्तविकार र चर्मरोगमा हितकारी, गाँठा-गिर्खा अर्बुद रोगमा उपयोगी, पेटमा पानी भरिने, आन्द्रा र गर्भाशय शोथमा कल्याणकारी हुन्छ । यसको धूलो मनमनतातो पानीसँग १/१ चम्चा ५-७ पटक, काँढापानी १/१ गिलास ३ - ५ पटक, पाकरस आधा लिटर २ पटक । नेपाली भान्छामा गेडागुडीको विशेष महत्त्व छ। तीमध्ये पनि 'कालो गहत' (Black Horse Gram) केवल एउटा दाल मात्र नभएर एक शक्तिशाली आयुर्वेदिक औषधि पनि हो। यसलाई वैज्ञानिक भाषामा Macrotyloma uniflorum भनिन्छ। विशेषगरी पत्थरीका बिरामीहरूका लागि यो अमृत समान मानिन्छ। आउनुहोस्, यसको गुण, फाइदा र प्रयोग विधिबारे विस्तृत रूपमा चर्चा गरौं।

परिचय

कालो गहत एक प्रकारको दलहन बाली हो, जसलाई संस्कृतमा 'कुलत्थी' भनिन्छ। यो हेर्दा सानो, चेप्टो र गाढा कालो वा खैरो रङ्गको हुन्छ। यसको स्वभाव निकै तातो (Ushna) हुने भएकाले जाडो महिनामा यसको सेवन बढी लाभदायक मानिन्छ। नेपालको पहाडी भेगमा यसलाई स्वास्थ्यवर्धक दालको रूपमा सदियौँदेखि प्रयोग गरिँदै आएको छ।

नेपाल र अन्य देशहरूमा उपलब्धता

गहत विशेषगरी दक्षिण एसियाली मुलुकहरू जस्तै नेपाल, भारत, र श्रीलङ्कामा बढी पाइन्छ। नेपालको सन्दर्भमा यो पहाडी र भित्री मधेशका सुक्खा तथा भिराला जमिनमा राम्रोसँग फल्छ। यसलाई धेरै सिँचाइ र मलको आवश्यकता नपर्ने हुनाले यो कम उब्जाउ हुने पाखो जमिनमा पनि सजिलै खेती गर्न सकिन्छ। साउन-भदौतिर यसको खेती गरिन्छ भने मङ्सिर-पुसतिर फसल काट्ने र भण्डारण गर्ने काम हुन्छ।

भौतिक गुणहरू

कालो गहतको स्वाद अलि टर्रो हुन्छ। यसको दाना कडा हुने भएकाले यसलाई पकाउनुअघि केही समय भिजाउनु आवश्यक हुन्छ। आयुर्वेदका अनुसार यो 'त्रिदोषशामक' अर्थात् वात, पित्त र कफ तीनै दोषलाई सन्तुलनमा राख्न मद्दत गर्ने गुणले युक्त हुन्छ। यसमा उच्च प्रोटिन, फलाम (Iron), क्याल्सियम र फाइबर प्रशस्त मात्रामा पाइन्छ।

फाइदा

कालो गहत स्वास्थ्यका लागि बहुगुणी छ। यसका प्रमुख फाइदाहरू निम्नानुसार छन्:

मृगौला र पित्तथैलीको पत्थरी: यो पत्थरी गलाउन र पिसाबको माध्यमबाट बाहिर निकाल्न विश्वभर प्रसिद्ध छ।

श्वासप्रश्वास सम्बन्धी समस्या: रुघाखोकी, पिनास, कफ र दमका बिरामीका लागि यो निकै गुणकारी हुन्छ।

सुन्निएको ठीक गर्ने: मृगौला वा फोक्सो सुन्निएको अवस्थामा यसको सेवनले राहत दिन्छ।

पाचन र पेटको समस्या: पेटमा पानी भरिने (Ascites), आन्द्रा र गर्भाशयको जलन वा सुजनमा यसले कल्याण गर्दछ।

चर्मरोग र रक्तविकार: रगत सफा गर्न र छाला सम्बन्धी समस्या हटाउन यसले मद्दत गर्छ।

गाँठा-गिर्खा: शरीरमा आउने अनावश्यक गाँठा-गिर्खा वा अर्बुद (Tumor) रोगमा पनि यसलाई उपयोगी मानिन्छ।

प्रयोग विधि

गहतलाई विभिन्न तरिकाले प्रयोग गर्न सकिन्छ। विशेषगरी पत्थरीका लागि तल दिइएको विधि अचुक मानिन्छ:

पत्थरी उपचारको विशेष विधि:

एक काँचको गिलासमा २५० ग्राम पानी लिनुहोस् र त्यसमा २० ग्राम कालो गहत हालेर रातभर भिज्न दिनुहोस्।

बिहान उठेर सो पानीलाई राम्ररी चलाएर खाली पेटमा पिउनुहोस्।

त्यसपछि सोही गहत भएको गिलासमा फेरि नयाँ पानी थप्नुहोस् र दिउँसो पिउनुहोस्।

दिउँसो पिएपछि पुनः पानी थप्नुहोस् र साँझ पिउनुहोस्।

एक दिनमा तीन पटक (बिहान, दिउँसो, साँझ) पानी पिएपछि अर्को दिन नयाँ गहत प्रयोग गर्नुहोस्।

यो प्रक्रिया करिब एक महिनासम्म गर्नाले मृगौला र मूत्रथैलीको पत्थरी बिस्तारै गलेर बाहिर निस्कन्छ।

थप उपाय: शारीरिक रूपमा बलियो व्यक्तिले काठको फलेकमा चढेर भुइँमा उफ्रिने (८-१० पटक) व्यायाम गर्दा पत्थरी तल खस्न र पिसाबबाट निस्कन मद्दत पुग्छ। (नोट: शारीरिक रूपमा कमजोर व्यक्तिले यो व्यायाम नगर्नुहोला)।

अन्य प्रयोग:

धूलो: १-१ चम्चा धूलो मनतातो पानीसँग दिनको ५-७ पटक लिन सकिन्छ।

काँढापानी (Decocton): गहतलाई उमालेर बनाइएको पानी १-१ गिलास दिनको ३-५ पटक पिउन सकिन्छ।

रस: आधा लिटर पाकरस दिनको दुई पटक सेवन गर्न सकिन्छ।

खेती, उत्पादन र संरक्षण

कालो गहत एक टिकाउ बाली हो। नेपालको पहाडी भिरालो जमिन यसका लागि उपयुक्त छ। यसलाई खासै कीरा नलाग्ने हुनाले प्राङ्गारिक (Organic) रूपमा उत्पादन गर्न सजिलो छ। उत्पादन भइसकेपछि यसलाई राम्ररी सुकाएर ओस नलाग्ने ठाउँमा भण्डारण गर्नुपर्छ। यसको औषधीय गुण जोगाउन यसलाई हावा नछिर्ने भाँडोमा राख्नु राम्रो हुन्छ। स्थानीय बीउको संरक्षणले हाम्रो परम्परागत उपचार पद्धतिलाई पनि जीवित राख्दछ।

निष्कर्ष

कालो गहत प्रकृतिले हामीलाई दिएको एउटा अमूल्य उपहार हो। खानपानमा यसलाई दालको रूपमा समावेश गर्दा शरीरलाई ऊर्जा मिल्नुका साथै धेरै रोगहरूबाट बच्न सकिन्छ। यद्यपि, कुनै पनि गम्भीर रोगको उपचारका लागि यसको प्रयोग गर्नुअघि आयुर्वेदिक चिकित्सक वा विशेषज्ञको सल्लाह लिनु बुद्धिमानी हुन्छ। घरमै उपलब्ध हुने यस्ता जडीबुटीको सही पहिचान र प्रयोग गरौँ, स्वस्थ रहौँ।

Introduction

Kalo Gahat, also known as Black Horse Gram, is scientifically identified as Macrotyloma uniflorum. In Nepali, it is called कालो गहत or कालाकुल्थी. This herb is actually a type of pulse (legume), but in traditional medicine it is valued as a powerful natural remedy. It has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and folk medicine for treating kidney stones, respiratory problems, and digestive disorders.

Kalo Gahat is especially popular in the hilly regions of Nepal and India. The black seeds are considered more medicinal than other varieties. It has a slightly bitter and astringent taste and produces warmth in the body. Because of its heating nature, it is often used in cold seasons and for conditions related to excess mucus (Kapha) and imbalance of Vata and Pitta.

Availability in Nepal and Abroad

In Nepal, Kalo Gahat is mainly cultivated in the hilly regions during the warm season. Farmers usually sow it around Shrawan–Bhadau (July–September) and harvest it in Mangsir–Poush (November–January). It grows well in sloped land and does not require very fertile soil, making it suitable for mountain agriculture.

Abroad, horse gram is widely grown in India, Sri Lanka, and some parts of Southeast Asia. In India, it is commonly called Kulthi and is used both as food and medicine. It is also gaining attention in Western countries due to its high protein content and medicinal value. In health food stores and online markets, horse gram seeds and powder are available as natural remedies for kidney stones and weight management.

Physical Properties

Kalo Gahat seeds are small, oval-shaped, and dark brown to black in color. The plant is a low-growing annual herb with small green leaves and yellowish flowers. It belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae).

The seeds are hard and require soaking before cooking or medicinal use. The taste is slightly bitter and astringent. According to Ayurveda, it has a heating (hot) nature. Nutritionally, horse gram is rich in:

Protein

Iron

Calcium

Fiber

Antioxidants

Because of its rich nutrients, it is considered both a food and a medicine.

Medicinal Properties

Kalo Gahat has many medicinal benefits. Traditional knowledge and scientific studies suggest that Macrotyloma uniflorum contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and diuretic properties.

Some important medicinal properties include:

Helps dissolve kidney and gall bladder stones

Balances Vata, Pitta, and Kapha (Tridosha)

Reduces swelling in kidneys and lungs

Useful in cough, cold, sinusitis, and asthma

Beneficial in blood disorders and skin diseases

Helpful in tumors, cysts, and glandular swelling

Reduces water accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)

Supports uterine and intestinal inflammation relief

It acts as a natural diuretic, meaning it increases urine flow. This helps remove toxins and small stone particles from the urinary tract.

Advantages

Kalo Gahat offers many advantages:

Natural and Affordable – Easily available in rural areas and cheaper than modern medicines.

High Nutrition Value – Provides protein and minerals along with medicinal benefits.

Supports Weight Management – High fiber keeps you full longer and helps in weight control.

Improves Digestion – Stimulates digestive fire and reduces bloating.

Boosts Immunity – Rich antioxidants strengthen the immune system.

Heart Friendly – May help reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Because of these advantages, many people use it regularly as part of their diet.

Traditional Uses

In traditional Nepali and Ayurvedic medicine, Kalo Gahat is widely used. The black seeds are considered more powerful for healing.

Some traditional uses include:

Powder mixed with warm water for kidney stones

Decoction (boiled water extract) for cough and asthma

Paste applied externally on swelling and skin problems

Soup given to women after childbirth for strength

Used in treating urinary disorders

Special Method to Treat Kidney and Gall Bladder Stones

A traditional method is followed for dissolving stones:

Take 20 grams of horse gram and soak it in 250 ml of water overnight in a glass.

In the morning, mix well and drink the water on an empty stomach.

Add the same amount of fresh water again and drink in the afternoon.

Repeat the same process in the evening.

After three uses in one day, discard the seeds.

Continue this process daily for one month.

It is believed that this method slowly dissolves kidney and bladder stones and helps them pass out naturally through urine.

A simple exercise is also suggested:

Stand on a wooden plank and gently jump down 8–10 times. This may help move the stone downward. However, weak individuals should avoid this exercise. Always consult an Ayurvedic or natural health expert before trying this remedy.

Usage Methods & Dosage

Kalo Gahat can be used in different forms:

Powder Form –

1 teaspoon with lukewarm water

Taken 5–7 times daily in small amounts

Decoction (Boiled Water) –

1 glass, 3–5 times daily

Fresh Extract (Juice) –

Half liter, twice daily

Soup Form (Food Use) –

1 bowl daily during winter

Dosage may vary depending on age, body type, and health condition. It is always better to take advice from a qualified practitioner before regular medicinal use.

Harvesting & Preservation

Kalo Gahat is harvested when the pods turn dry and brown. After harvesting, the plants are dried under the sun. The seeds are separated by threshing and then stored.

For preservation:

Keep seeds in a dry and cool place.

Store in airtight containers to prevent moisture.

Protect from insects using natural methods like neem leaves.

Proper storage ensures that the seeds remain usable for up to one year.

Conclusion

Kalo Gahat (Black Horse Gram), scientifically known as Macrotyloma uniflorum, is a powerful traditional herb with both nutritional and medicinal value. Widely grown in the hills of Nepal, it has been trusted for generations for treating kidney stones, respiratory problems, and digestive disorders.

Its warming nature, rich nutrients, and strong diuretic properties make it especially beneficial in cold climates and urinary conditions. When used properly and under expert guidance, Kalo Gahat can serve as a natural, affordable, and effective remedy.

By combining traditional wisdom with modern knowledge, this humble mountain pulse continues to offer great health benefits to people in Nepal and around the world.

Reference

घिरौंला (Ghironla) , Ghiyatorai (घिया तोरई) Luffa cylindrica (Linn.) M. Roemer Benefits and using method

Saano Dugdhi (सानो दुग्धी) , Laghu Dugdhika (लघु दुग्धिका ) Euphorbia thymifolia Linn. Benefits, uses and using Method

Dudhe jhar (दुधे झार) , Dugdhika ( दुग्धिका) Euphorbia hirta Linn. Benefits and Uses

Branari (व्रणारी), Tridax procumbens Linn. Benefits and using Method

Ajmbari (अजम्बरी ), Parnabeej ( पर्णबीज) Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken Benefits and using methods

Punarnva (पुनर्नवा) Boerhavia diffusa Linn. Benefits and uses

Phaledo (फलेदो), Paribhadra (पारिभद्र) Erythrina variegata Linn. Using method, uses and Benefits

Poi Saag(पोइसाग), Potaki( पोतकी) Basella alba Linn. Benefits, uses and using method

Kokin, कोकिन, Erythroxylum coca

Kokum, कोकम, अमसुल, Kokam Butter Tree, Garcinia indica

Sano Kodo, सानो कोदो, श्यामक, Little Millet, Panicum sumatrense