“Gond Katira- A Gum as a Hydrator”

Disclaimer: Drink it in an adequate amount and only during the summers. For better understanding, one can ask an Ayurvedic specialist.

(Scientific name: Astragalus gummifer)

“Gond” or “Gum” is a crystalline herb, obtained from the saps of Astragalus gummifer. Sap is the life’s blood of a plant as per a study. These are found in dry mountainous areas.

The sap is extracted by making incisions in the stems and roots of the plants, and it solidifies into small, brittle crystals when it comes in contact with air.

Further, it naturally emanates in the form of twisted crystals which swells up when mixed with water.

It is important to soak the gum in water overnight so that it swells up and becomes easier to digest. Mixing it with milk and a concentrated squash is a good way to add flavour to the Gond Katira. There are many other recipes so try them out!!

Benefits of Gond Katira:

• It has cooling properties and helps to alleviate symptoms of heat stroke and dehydration during summer. Helps to reduce body heat and provide relief from heat-related discomfort.
• It is said to be a natural laxative and can help to relieve constipation.
• It is believed to be good for the skin.
• It helps to strengthen the immune system.
• It is rich in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and protein.

Things to remember:

• It is important to consume plenty of oral fluids while consuming Gond Katira to avoid any choking or intestine blockage.
• Start with a small quantity and gradually increase the intake to avoid any allergic reactions.
• Mix Gond Katira evenly as it tends to clump together.
• Do not consume in large quantities, if intake is excessive it may lead to constipation and stomach discomfort.
• Pregnant women should consume this only after consulting their doctor as there is not enough scientific evidence on its safety.
• Gond katira should be kept away from children as it can be a choking hazard if not consumed properly.

References:

https://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/landscape/sapfeed/ent-6004/#:~:text=Sap%20is%20the%20life's%20blood,as%20the%20stem%20and%20roots.

https://bebodywise.com/blog/gond-katira-benefits/

https://healthymaster.in/blogs/blog/gond-katira-benefits

https://www.epainassist.com/diet-and-nutrition/amazing-health-benefits-of-tragacanth-gum-herb

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/benefits-of-wonder-herb-gond-katira-and-how-to-have-it-recipes-inside/photostory/91377410.cms

Gond Katira Benefits for Liver,Male & Female (Receipe & FAQ’s)

https://manmatters.com/blog/gond-katira-benefits/

https://www.marham.pk/healthblog/gond-katira-uses-benefits-side-effects/

https://www.lybrate.com/topic/gond-katira-tragacanth-gum-benefits

Image credits:

https://www.biolib.cz/IMG/GAL/76775.jpg

https://i1.wp.com/www.differencebetween.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Acacia-pycnantha.jpg

https://assets.lybrate.com/q_auto:eco,f_auto,w_1200,h_720,c_fill,g_auto/imgs/product/health-wiki/bpages/Benefits-Of-Gond-Katira-(Tragacanth-Gum).jpg

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1610/6897/files/gk_jelly_large.jpg?v=1595629586

TLDR:

Gond Katira is a crystalline herb obtained from the saps of Astragalus gummifer, a plant found in dry mountainous areas. It has various benefits, including cooling properties that help reduce body heat, providing relief from heat-related discomfort, being a natural laxative, and being good for the skin and the immune system. It should be used cautiously, as excessive intake may lead problems.