Gond Katira has long been a part of Indian kitchens. The wonders of this crystalline herb have been known to pass on from generation to generation. Gond benefits have been substantiated by Ayurveda and medical scientists alike. It addresses many health issues concerning the human body and can also be had as is for general well-being. If there’s a food you can have both during winters and summers - it’s gond.
It is also known as Tragacanth gum and is mostly cultivated in the Middle Eastern regions, especially Iran. From a summer sweetener to a skincare and haircare ingredient, this herb does it all!
So, let’s dig into some of the most amazing gond benefits but before that, let’s understand where it comes from.
What is Gond Katira and How is it Prepared
Gond katira is extracted from the dried sap of various species of Middle Eastern legumes commonly called ’locoweed.’ These plants are usually in the form of shrubs or herbs belonging to the family Astragalus. Since it is extracted from the sap, it is in the form of a solid, white crystalline gum.
Alternatively, this natural gum is also known by the names of gum dragon, gum elect, Shiraz and Shiraz gum. Although it is a tree gum, it is less frequently used in applications than other gums like guar gum or gum Arabic and mostly has health-based and not industrial uses.
The texture of gond katira can be described as a dense and flavourless, and it is a water-soluble mixture. It takes on water to transform into a gel that can be blended into a paste.
How Gond Katira Keeps the Body Cool in Summer and Warm in Winter
You might have come across recipes on YouTube about gond drinks. Well, that is because of one of the much-celebrated gond katira uses as a coolant. Gond katira helps keep your body cool in the scorching heat of summer. Dissolve some gond katira in water, add it to lemonades, milkshakes and ice creams, and enjoy!
However, it’s not just for summers. Gond benefits by keeping the body warm in winter. Whenever winters are around the corner, you can revisit the gond ladoo recipe our mothers and grandmothers used to make during winter. Dry fruits mixed with gond make it a superfood for keeping you warm during chilly winter nights.
Due to the amazing properties of gond as a cooling agent, gond benefits us as a potent solution to dehydration and heat strokes. Gond also prevents nose bleeding that commonly occurs in kids due to excessive heat.
How Gond Benefits Good Digestion
Gond is a strong laxative and that is one of the gond katira benefits. It is rich in fibre and thus enhances digestive metabolism appreciably. Its purgative properties make it an excellent remedy for digestive problems like indigestion, bloating and constipation. The herb stimulates bowel movements and ensures good gut health.
Here’s a quick and tasty drink to have if you are suffering from bad digestion. Simply soak gond katira in some water till it swells up and begins to look like crushed ice. Mix some lemon juice and cold water in this and have it for instant relief. Since it is tasteless, you can also add some sugar for taste. Ensure that you do not consume it in raw form since that can cause side effects.
How Gond Helps in Boosting Immunity
Weather conditions are erratic nowadays, and our hectic lifestyle does not allow us to protect our immune systems well. As a result, kids and adults alike get infected during weather changes easily. Gond katira uses also extends to strengthening one’s immunity. This wonder food is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in the repair of nerve cells. It also aids in controlling blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
It provides additional support to the body's natural defense system and aids in warding off bacteria, infections and disease-causing microbes. Consuming Gond katira can protect your body from the effects of infectious diseases like cough, cold, and throat infection.
How Gond Helps Regaining Strength Post-Pregnancy
Perhaps the most contemporary and well-known gond katira benefit is the nutrition it provides to new mothers. Pregnancy is both a special and demanding experience, especially for breastfeeding mothers. Their body goes through a lot of changes. The days and weeks after delivery are very critical for both the mother and the baby since they need to be supplied with all essential nutrients and foods. Mothers also need to take care of the nutritional needs of their newborns.
Gond benefits women as it is rich in two major nutrients-protein and calcium that are required the most by women post-pregnancy. It is not only a social practice in many parts of India but also has several long-lasting benefits.
Since olden times, elderly women have been preparing gond laddoos for mothers to replenish their energy levels. Studies have also shown that it increases milk production in lactating mothers.
How Gond Benefits in Relieving in Joint Pain
When used in the proper dosages, tragacanth gum has the potential to be an effective analgesic (pain reliever). Various studies have reflected its positive effects in reducing inflammation that often affects muscles and joints. Whether this pain is due to old age or due to strain, gond benefits joint pain immensely. The enzymes contained therein target the specific neural network, reducing the feeling of discomfort.
Ever wondered why that is? Gond katira is a rich source of magnesium and calcium that are known to be critical in developing strong bones and teeth in the body. To soak in gond benefits, you can either consume it in the form of a drink or laddoos or simply make a paste of gond with water and apply it to the affected areas.
Conclusion
Our bodies undergo many lifestyle changes as we change cities and advance higher in our lives. Our busy schedules sometimes do not permit consuming all the healthy food that is out there. However, it is never too late to take the first step toward a healthy body and mind. It is, thus, recommended to have food that not only has positive effects on the body but is good to eat as well. When kids frown at the sight of greens and fruits we serve to them, they will happily have delicious gond laddoos and indulge in the good gond katira uses.
FAQs
Can gond katira be consumed at night?
Yes, it is the ideal remedy for treating headaches, relaxing the body, boosting immunity and enhancing intestinal health when consumed with milk.
Can I soak some gond katira beforehand and store it in the freezer?
Yes absolutely. Soaked Gond katira can be stored for around 4-5 days in the refrigerator (a cool, dry area.)
Is consuming gond katira safe for people with allergies?
People who have food or skin allergies must consume gond katira only after consulting a physician.
How much daily intake of gond katira is safe?
Gond Katira should be had once a day in any of the aforementioned forms to best feel its results.
Is gond katira helpful for males?
Yes, it is known to have aphrodisiac properties that can be used to cure other male fertility disorders, lower sperm counts and help men regain their sexual vitality.