Gond Katira, also known as Tragacanth Gum, is a natural herb that is often used in traditional Indian and Unani medicine. It is obtained from the sap of a tree found in the Middle East and some parts of India. When soaked in water, Gond Katira becomes soft and jelly-like, and that is how most people consume it. Gond Katira is used in summer drinks, sweets, and even health tonics. It is rich in natural cooling effects, and that is why people love taking it when it is hot in the summer. But that’s not all. A lot of health benefits of gond katira. It is taken to gain weight, improve the state of the skin, digestive activity, and increase energy. It is also used by women in the process of pregnancy and after childbirth due to its strength-giving property.
What is Gond Katira?
Gond Katira is a natural gum, which is a product of Astragalus. It is flavorless, it smells nothing, it has no sharp smell. When dry, it appears as small crystals or rough pieces. But on the night before, it is softened by immersion in water and resembles jelly. Individuals combine it with milk, lemon water, or sherbet and drink it in the mornings.
In Hindi, it is called Gond Katira, in English, it is known as Tragacanth Gum, and in Urdu, it is called Gond Kateera.
Basic Details About Gond Katira
Name | Details |
Common Name | Gond Katira |
Scientific Name | Astragalus Gummifer |
Type | Natural Gum / Resin |
Origin | Found in India, Iran, Iraq, and the Middle East |
Taste | Tasteless / Odorless |
Appearance | Crystalline / Rough when dry |
Usage | Soaked in water, used in drinks or desserts |
Best Time to Take | Morning (on an empty stomach) |
Benefits of Gond Katira
Gond Katira is filled with natural health properties. It is suitable for men, women, children, and elderly people. People who believe in Ayurveda often include it in their daily diet. Let us look at some of the top benefits of Gond Katira in simple words.
1. Helps in Keeping the Body Cool
One of the biggest benefits of Gond Katira is that it cools down the body. In the summer season, when there is extreme heat, it protects your body from heatstroke. People add it to their summer drinks like lemon water, rose milk, or thandai, and drink it on hot days.
When Gond Katira is soaked in water and taken in the morning, it helps maintain the internal body temperature and reduces body heat naturally.
2. Boosts Strength and Energy
Gond Katira has been known to increase your energy. This is the reason why it is offered to women when they give birth in order to help them heal quickly. It also assists in building up muscle and enhancing stamina. Most bodybuilders and gym-goers use it with milk to gain weight and build muscles in a healthy manner.
It provides natural carbohydrates, which will provide you with the power to spend your day and not feel fatigued.
3. Good for Digestion and Constipation
People who have constipation, gas, or slow digestion can benefit from Gond Katira. It functions as an innate laxative. Known to demystify your stomach when consumed in the appropriate quantity and enhances the digestive condition of your body. It makes the stool soft and easy to pass.
Gond Katira mixed in cold milk will also help those who experience acidity or a burning sensation in the stomach.
4. Supports Skin Health
Gond Katira is not bad on your skin either. It makes your body hydrated inside, and this helps in giving your skin a natural shine. Gond Katira can be used regularly to treat such conditions as dry skin, dullness, and manifest signs of aging, such as wrinkles.
Gond Katira powder is also used by some individuals in a face mask due to its anti-aging and cooling properties on the skin.
5. Helps in Weight Gain
For people who are very thin and want to gain healthy weight, Gond Katira can be a good addition to their diet. Since it is rich in natural sugars and carbs, it increases calorie intake without being unhealthy.
Take it daily with milk and some dry fruits for better results. It helps you gain weight naturally over time.
6. Useful in Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery
Gond Katira is often recommended by elders during pregnancy and after childbirth. It helps the mother regain her strength and energy. It also supports milk production for breastfeeding women.
However, pregnant women should consult a doctor before taking it to ensure it suits their body and condition.
7. Supports Joint and Bone Health
Gond Katira is also beneficial to the joints and bones because of its strength-producing effects. Individuals with joint pains or having weak bones may take it regularly in order to feel better. It maintains inflammation, and it makes the muscles and the bones stronger naturally.
8. Boosts Immunity and Overall Health
Gond Katira is also useful in strengthening your immunity. The frequent usage will help in shielding the body against cough, cold, and seasonal infections. It maintains your internal system and promotes good health.
It is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which safeguards the body against dangerous infections.
Gond Katira Side Effects
While Gond Katira has many health benefits, it is important to know that too much of anything is not good. Taking Gond Katira in excess or without proper soaking can cause side effects in some people.
Here are some common side effects to watch out for:
- If you take it without soaking, it may choke the throat or cause stomach pain.
- If taken in large amounts, it can cause bloating or loose motion.
- People with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues should start with small amounts.
- If you have any allergies to natural herbs, consult a doctor before taking it.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should take it only under medical advice.
How to Use Gond Katira
Using Gond Katira is very simple. Just follow these steps:
- Take one teaspoon of Gond Katira and soak it in water overnight.
- In the morning, it will become jelly-like and soft.
- Drain the water and mix the jelly with cold milk, rose syrup, or lemon water.
- Drink it on an empty stomach for better results.
You can also mix it with lassi, sharbat, or smoothies as per your taste.
Best Time to Take Gond Katira
The best time to take Gond Katira is early morning on an empty stomach. You can also take it in the afternoon during summers to cool your body. Avoid taking it late at night as it may affect digestion in some people.
Who Should Avoid Gond Katira?
While Gond Katira is natural and mostly safe, some people should avoid it or take it with caution.
- People who have low blood pressure should avoid regular use.
- Those who are already taking blood-thinning medicines should consult their doctor.
- If you are on a special diet or taking other herbs, check with your doctor first.
- Children below 5 years should not be given Gond Katira unless suggested by a doctor.
Conclusion
Gond Katira is a natural and simple home remedy that offers many health benefits. From cooling your body, helping with digestion, boosting energy, to supporting skin and bone health, this herb is a valuable addition to your kitchen. It is easy to use and has been trusted for generations in Indian households.
Remember, though, it should be eaten sparingly, and it must be thoroughly soaked before it can be eaten. Besides, your doctor should be consulted in case of any underlying health conditions.
With Gond Katira being a part of your day, you will be able to have a healthier day and particularly during the hot summer days. It is nature that is a gift and nurtures your body naturally and easily.
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