Gond katira: A perfect mid-morning drink to beat the summer heat

Gond katira, also known as Tragacanth gum, is a natural gum that is obtained from the saps of locoweed plants. It naturally is found in the form of twisted crystals, which end up swelling when dissolved in water. However, most of us are unaware of the numerous benefits of this crystalline herb.

With the summer season at its peak, gond katira can be used as a coolant for the body and can be used to make several drinks. In an Instagram video, nutritionist Nidhi Gupta shared an easy recipe to make a perfect mid-morning drink using gond katira to beat the summer heat.

She advised to soak 1 teaspoon of gond katira in a bowl of water. It takes 2-3 hours to swell up and once it absorbs the water, add it into a glass with 1 tablespoon of overnight soaked basil seeds and 1 teaspoon of gulkand. Finally, add the required amount of water and enjoy the drink.

Watch the video here:

We might have all heard the name of gond katira from our grandmothers. And guess what? This gum does not only keep you cool in summer but also keeps you warm in winter. Hence, it has been in use for ages. In Ayurveda too, this tasteless and odorless gum that changes its appearance on being dissolved with water/milk, holds a special place.

Here are a few benefits of gond katira, as suggested by Gupta:

1. It has anti-ageing and anti- inflammatory properties

Gond Katira works wonderfully on fine lines and wrinkles. You can use it on the skin for pimples, wound healing and spot reduction. It can also help in getting rid of breakouts, skin pigmentation, and burns, if used in face masks or face packs.

2. It is rich in calcium and magnesium, so it is great for bone health

If you have broken or weak bones, having gond katira will help in regaining your strength as it lubricates the joints and helps develop strong bones.

3. Since it is a laxative, it aids in digestion and promotes gut health

It is ideal for your gut health and digestion as its laxative effects help in preventing constipation. The enzymes present in gond katira promote digestion and regularize bowel movements.

4. It also acts an immunity booster

If you are down with cough, cold, and flu, having gond katira will make you well as it stimulates the immune system, and aids in fighting foreign pathogen invaders in the body.

5. It provides relief against dehydration and heat strokes

With its medicinal properties, gond katira is known to control nose-bleeding caused in summers due to excessive heat as it lowers the overall temperature of the body.

Nowadays, gond katira is also used to make a variety of dishes, like kulfi falooda, shakes and kheer. However, it should not be consumed in excess as it can lead to choking or blockage of your intestines if not taken with adequate water.