Gond Katira (Tragacanth Gum): Health Benefits, Nutrition & Easy Recipes

Whether you are living in a hot or cold climates, today I am sharing a secret to keep your body cool from within. Throughout history, gond katira benefits have been there in traditional medicine, for treating urinary infections and sore throat, but are mainly popular for their cooling properties. 

Often, we are looking for food options to keep our body temperature and mind cool, especially during summers, aren’t we? Gond katira or “Tragacanth Gum” is soaked in water overnight to make a cooling drink to keep the body cool and provide relief from high body temperatures.

In this blog, let’s discuss gond katira, its uses, benefits, and nutritional profile in detail.

What Is Gond Katira?

Gond katira, or shiraz gum, or dragon gum, or tragacanth gum, is a natural gum extracted from the dried sap of certain species of leguminous plants.

• The gum, or resin, is extracted from these plants by cutting the stems or roots.
• As per NCBI, this process involves collecting the sap that oozes out and allowing it to dry into crystalline or flaky gum resin, which is then collected and processed into the form known as gond katira.
• Gond katira is mainly available in the Middle East, Iran, and Afghanistan.
• These white or pale-yellow solid crystals readily dissolve in water and have a jelly-like consistency without any taste or odor.
• Due to its gel-like formation when combined with water, it offers a cooling and soothing effect, particularly in traditional medicine and cooking.

Origins And Botanical Background

• Gond katira, also known as Tragacanth gum, is derived from the dried sap of the Astragalus plant.
• This plant is primarily found in the Middle East, Iran, and parts of India, especially in the Himalayan region.
• The gum is obtained by making incisions in the plant’s stem, allowing the sap to dry into crystal-like flakes.
• It is naturally odorless and tasteless, turning jelly-like when soaked in water, making it ideal for cooling uses.

Traditional Uses In Indian Culture

• Gond katira has been used in traditional Indian summer drinks like sharbat due to its natural cooling properties.
• It is a key ingredient in refreshing desserts such as falooda and kulfi, enhancing texture and providing hydration.
• In Ayurveda, it is valued for balancing body heat, treating constipation, and boosting strength during recovery.
• Often recommended for pregnant women and children to support health and vitality naturally.

Nutritional Profile Of Gond Katira

Gond katira is rich in soluble fibers and polysaccharides, offering minimal calories despite its high carbohydrate content. The nutrients in gond katira per 100g highlight these components without contributing significant macronutrients like proteins or fats.

Note: The nutritional values and gond katira calories are approximations and can vary based on several factors such as type, quality, and processing methods. Actual values may differ accordingly.

Top 11 Health Benefits Of Gond Katira

Here are 11 amazing katira gond uses, if you haven’t used this natural remedy for your health:

1. Good For Pregnant Women And Lactating Mothers

Gond Katira helps the female body regain post-pregnancy strength and helps the new mother cope with the challenges of motherhood.

• Also, during pregnancy, gond katira is extremely beneficial to both the mother and the child.
• Gond katira is very nourishing, and gond laddoo is one of the healthy recipes for pregnant women because it is high in calcium and protein.
• Women become extremely weak after giving birth. Thus, gond katira also helps in the development of strong bones and prevents back pain.
• Additionally, it provides a mental and physical feeling of relaxation and helps control heavy blood flow during menstruation after pregnancy.

2.  Gond Katira Benefits For Skin

Gond Katria gel-like substance has moisture-retaining and antioxidant properties that help in hydrating and delaying wrinkles.

• Gond Katria also possesses anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties and thus helps in delaying wrinkles and reducing fine lines.

• This crystalline herb also supports the treatment of acne, skin pigmentation, breakouts, and burns.
• If you are thinking about how to use gond katira for skin, for best results, combine this gum with face masks or face packs.
• Some traditional beliefs suggest that gond katira protein helps in cleansing the blood vessels, which could remove toxins from the body, thus giving clearer skin.

3. Gond Katira For Weight Loss

Gond Katira’s energy-rich composition helps assist in supplying the body with a burst of energy, which is good for intense workouts or activities that can aid in weight loss.

• Having gond katira with water before or after exercise could help individuals feel fuller, providing energy.
• More energy means effective calorie burning during physical activities, which means losing more weight.

4. Natural Body Coolant

• Regulates Body Temperature. Acts as a natural coolant, especially beneficial during peak summer months.
• Helps avoid heatstroke, excessive sweating, and dehydration.
• Reduces internal heat and inflammation, promoting overall well-being.
• Excellent for people living in tropical or arid regions to maintain body balance.

5. Gond Katira Prevents Heat Strokes

Gond Katira has amazing dual properties of cooling and warming. You can prepare a drink with gond katira that helps to cool down the body heat during the scorching summer days.

• Also, due to its dual properties, it acts as a cooling agent by lowering body temperature, especially in summer.
• This, in turn, helps in preventing heat strokes and helps your body from dehydrating in hot weather.
• One of the beneficial uses of gond katira is that it is extremely effective in controlling nose bleeding, which is common in children during the hot summer months. So, you can definitely include gond katira in your summer diet.

6. Gond Katira Improves Digestion And Metabolism

Gond Katira is an amazing natural home remedy for weight loss, digestion, and gut health due to the enzymes present in this jelly-like substance. 

•  Its rich fiber content is thought to promote better digestion by aiding in regular bowel movements and supporting a healthy gut. 
• The fiber can act as a natural laxative, which helps in improving overall digestion health.

7. Cure Cirrhosis Of The Liver

Cirrhosis is a serious condition where healthy liver tissues are replaced by scar tissue, often due to chronic liver disease or long-term damage. 

• Some studies suggest that consuming a natural herb like gond katira may benefit liver health due to its cooling properties.
• Gond katira might help to clear out all the toxins from the blood, contributing to overall health.

8. Gond Katira  Enhances Urinary Function

In cases of urinary blockage, due to inflammation, the anti-inflammatory properties of gond katira might help to reduce the discomfort related to the urinary tract.

• It is thought to have a calming and soothing effect on the muscles, including those in the urinary tract.
• This relaxation of muscles might help in easy urine flow, reducing spasms or contractions that could contribute to blockage. 

9. Gond Katira Enhances Immunity

Gond Katria is an excellent immunity booster that increases the secretion of immune cells, thereby strengthening our immune system to fight diseases.

• As per the Unani Journal, due to the replenishing antioxidant properties of gond katira, it helps to get rid of any infection like cold, flu, or sore throat.
• Above all, it helps keep blood pressure and blood sugar levels in control.
• As a result, all of these properties help boost the natural defense mechanism of the human body.

10. Good For Bone And Joint Health

It contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential for bone health. Calcium is the most important for bone strength.

• Some traditional beliefs suggest that they have a lubricating effect on joints. This helps in reducing friction and supporting joint health.
• Also, the anti-inflammatory properties of gond katira can help reduce inflammation around joints and ease discomfort.

11. Gond Katira For Hair

It might help with promoting hair growth due to its potential to nourish the scalp and improve overall scalp health. 

• Some studies suggest that its jelly-like formation acts as a natural conditioner for the hair. It may help in improving the hair texture and also add shine to the hair.
• It also strengthens and hydrates the overall scalp and hair, thus it is one of the best hair care tips for tackling issues like dandruff and hair breakage.

Incorporating Gond Katira Into Your Diet

Gond Katira is more than a thickening agent when used creatively, it enhances both taste and texture while offering cooling properties and gut support. Here’s how to add it to your meals in practical, flavorful ways:

Refreshing Summer Drinks

• Gond Katira helps naturally cool the body and prevent dehydration during hot weather.
• Its high soluble fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing unnecessary snacking.

1. Gond Katira Lemonade

Ingredients: Soaked gond katira (2 tbsp), lemon juice (1 tbsp), honey (1 tbsp), cold water (1 glass), mint leaves.

Steps:

• Soak gond katira overnight; it swells into a jelly-like texture.
• Mix lemon juice, sweetener, and mint in cold water.
• Add 1-2 tbsp of the soaked gond katira. Stir well and serve chilled.

2. Gond Milkshake

Ingredients: Soaked gond katira (2 tbsp), chilled milk (1 glass), rose syrup (1 tbsp), ice cubes.

Steps:

• Blend chilled milk with rose syrup.
• Add soaked gond katira and ice cubes.
• Mix lightly, avoid blending after adding the gond. Serve cold.

Traditional Desserts

• Gond Katira laddus provide sustained energy release, making them ideal for recovery and stamina building.
• The edible gum supports digestion and soothes the stomach, especially in colder seasons.

Savory Dishes

• Adding Gond Katira to salads enhances gut health by supplying prebiotic fibers.
• It improves hydration and adds a unique texture without extra calories, making meals more satisfying.

1. Salad Booster: Add a spoonful of soaked gond katira to chickpea or moong dal salads. It adds bulk and fiber without changing the taste.
   
2. Curd Mix: Stir into chilled curd with a pinch of rock salt and roasted cumin for a quick gut-friendly snack.

Tasty And Healthy Gond Katira Recipes

Gond katira has several health benefits and can be put into the making of many recipes. You can also include this natural gum in many recipes, such as

1. Gond Katira Milkshake:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons gond katira (soaked and drained)
• 2 cups chilled milk
• 1 ripe banana (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional)

How To Make:

Here are just 3 step-by-step recipes for this healthy and quick milkshake:

1. First, blend soaked and dried gond katira with a little milk to form a paste.
2. Next, in a blender combine the above paste with, milk, ice, and a ripe banana.
3. Pour the milkshake into a glass and serve fresh.

2. Gond Katira Ladoo

Here is another healthy and easy recipe for you to enjoy the health benefits of gond katira:

How To Make Sugar-Free Gond Ke Laddu At Home

3. Gond Katira Lemon Drink

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Gond Katira (soaked and drained)
• 1 glass of water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2-3 tablespoons honey or as per taste
• Ice cubes (optional)
• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

How To Make:
You can make this detox drink for digestion in just 5 minutes:

• Begin by soaking gond katira in water for a few hours until it expands and becomes jelly-like.
• In a blender, combine the soaked gond katira, water, lemon juice, and honey.
• Blend until you get a smooth and refreshing drink.
• If desired, add ice cubes for a chilled experience.
• Garnish with mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness and serve it.
• Lastly, enjoy gondh katira with lemon juice as a detox.

4. Gond Katira Kheer Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Gond Katira (soaked and drained)
• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1/2 cup sugar or as per taste
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Saffron strands (optional)
• Ghee for roasting nuts (optional)

How To Make?

Skip your regular Kheer option and try this amazing recipe:

• Soak gond katira in water until it expands and attains a jelly-like texture.
• Rinse the rice and cook it until it’s soft and mushy.
• Further, in a separate pan, bring milk to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
• Add the soaked gond katira to the simmering milk and stir well.
• Once the gond katira is well incorporated, add the cooked rice and continue stirring.
• Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands (if using). Mix thoroughly.
• In another small pan, roast the chopped nuts in ghee until they turn golden brown.
• Add the roasted nuts to the kheer mixture and simmer for a few more minutes.
• Garnish with additional nuts or saffron strands if desired. 
• Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delightful gond katira kheer!

Gond Katira In Skincare And Haircare

DIY Face Masks

• Mix 1 tablespoon of gond katira gum with rose water to create a gel-like base.
• Add a teaspoon of honey for natural hydration and antioxidant benefits.
• Apply evenly on the face and leave for 15–20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
• Use regularly to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines.

Gond katira’s natural polysaccharides form a moisturizing layer on the skin, locking in hydration without clogging pores. Combined with rose water and honey, it supports skin firmness and helps soothe irritation, making it effective for both dry and aging skin types.

Hair Treatments

• Soak gond katira in warm water until it forms a gel, then mix with aloe vera juice for scalp nourishment.
• Massage the mixture gently into the scalp and hair roots to promote circulation.
• Leave on for 30 minutes before washing with a mild shampoo.
• Repeat weekly to strengthen hair and reduce dryness.

The mucilaginous texture of gond katira acts as a natural conditioner, improving scalp moisture and reducing flakiness. Its gentle film-forming property supports hair shaft protection, resulting in stronger, shinier hair with consistent use.

Precautions And Side Effects

While there are various gond katira benefits for health and other industries. It’s also equally important to look at the precautions and side effects this natural gum has:

Recommended Dosage

• Consume gond katira in moderation, typically 5-10 grams per serving.
• Soak it properly before use to enhance digestion and reduce any chance of discomfort.

Sticking to a controlled amount ensures you benefit from its fiber content without overloading your digestive system. Proper preparation further helps in maximizing its gentle effects on digestion.

Potential Side Effects

• Excessive intake may cause bloating or mild stomach cramps due to high fiber concentration.
• Overconsumption might interfere with nutrient absorption if taken with heavy meals.

While gond katira supports digestion, too much at once can lead to discomfort or digestive sluggishness. Being mindful of quantity helps prevent these minor but possible issues.

Who Should Avoid?

• People with a known allergy to tree gums or plant polysaccharides should avoid it.
• Those with sensitive digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might experience flare-ups.

If you have allergies or chronic gut problems, gond katira might aggravate symptoms rather than soothe them. Consulting a healthcare provider before use is advised in such cases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gond katira benefits stand as a natural remedy for overall health. Add Gond katira for health as it has various aspects from skin and hair health to urinary health. 

What is Gond Katira?

• Natural gum from the dried sap of certain leguminous plants.
• Extracted by cutting stems or roots; sap dries into crystalline resin.
• Common in the Middle East, Iran, and Afghanistan.
• White or pale-yellow crystals that dissolve in water to form a tasteless, odorless jelly.
• Used traditionally for its cooling and soothing effects.

Nutritional Profile:

• Rich in soluble fiber and polysaccharides.
• Low in calories, with minimal proteins and fats.

Top Health Benefits:

• For Pregnant & Lactating Women: Boosts strength, calcium, and milk flow.
• Skin Care: Hydrates, delays wrinkles, reduces acne, and inflammation.
• Weight Loss: Provides energy, promotes fullness, aids digestion.
• Natural Body Coolant: It naturally cools the body and prevents heat-related issues.
• Prevents Heat Stroke: Cools the body, prevents dehydration, and nosebleeds.
• Improves Digestion: Acts as a natural laxative, supports gut health.
• Liver Health: May help in detox and cirrhosis recovery.
• Urinary Function: Reduces urinary inflammation and aids flow.
• Boosts Immunity: Antioxidant-rich, fights infections.
• Bone & Joint Health: Contains calcium, reduces inflammation, and lubricates joints.
• Hair Care: Nourishes scalp, promotes growth, reduces dandruff.

How to Use Gond Katira

• In summer drinks, laddoos, salads, milkshakes, and kheer.
• Soak before use for a jelly-like texture.

Precautions:

• Consume 5-10g soaked properly.
• Avoid if allergic or have digestive issues.

However, caution is advised, as with any natural remedy. Proper hydration while consuming gond katira is crucial to prevent complications, or specific health conditions should consult healthcare professionals before incorporating it into their routine.

Going back to our old ways, we can enjoy gond katira in drinks and dishes for health and overall well-being. Let’s get back to using natural resources and make our health better with every drink or meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Gond Katira Daily?

Yes, Gond Katira can be taken daily in moderate amounts. It helps cool the body, aids digestion, and boosts energy. Avoid overuse to prevent digestion issues.

What Are The Side Effects Of Katira Gond?

Excessive intake of Gond Katira may cause bloating, constipation, or gas. Pregnant women and individuals with allergies should consult a doctor before regular consumption.

Is Gond Used To Reduce Body Heat?

Yes, Gond Katira is a natural coolant. It’s widely used in summer drinks to lower body heat and prevent heatstroke by maintaining hydration and body temperature.

How To Use Gond Katira For Drinking?

Soak Gond Katira overnight in water. It will swell and form a jelly-like texture. Add this to a refreshing drink of cold milk, lemon juice, or sherbet.

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Disclaimer 

This blog post was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.