Gond Katira: Best for Cooling and Health in Ayurveda
Gond Katira: Best for Cooling and Health in Ayurveda, Natural Cooling and Strengthening of Bones with over 40 Benefits.
Introduction
In today's fast-paced lifestyle, people are getting a newfound interest in natural remedies and Ayurvedic medicine. One such precious item is Gond Katira, which is considered a Sanjivani herb in Ayurveda to reduce heat and maintain the body. This natural substance can be found for just ₹50 and it leaves behind even products costing thousands of rupees.
What is Gond Katira?
Gond Katira, also known as tragacanth cum, is a type of natural resin that is a sticky substance that comes out when the trunk of a tree is cut. This substance then dries and turns into crystals. It is different from gond because gond is hot in temperature and is obtained from the acacia tree, while gond katira has a cooling effect and is obtained from a different type of plant.
Biotechnical properties of gond katira
When gond katira is placed in water, it swells up a lot and forms a gel-like structure, which helps in reducing the temperature by creating a cooling layer in the body. This gel-forming property makes it unique from other cooling fruits and juices.
Health benefits of gond katira
1. Reduces body heat
Increased heat in the body, such as burning sensation in the hands and feet, increased sweating, nervousness and blisters in the mouth, all indicate an increase in temperature. Gond katira effectively reduces this temperature. Taking one to two teaspoons of gond katira daily can reduce these symptoms of heat.
2. Relief from heat stroke and heatstroke
Heatstroke is a common problem during the Gormoas. Consuming Gond Katira reduces the risk of heatstroke and also reduces headaches caused by exposure to sunlight.
3. Beneficial for the skin
Gond Katira keeps the skin hydrated and helps in cleansing. A face mask made with Gond Katira and rose water provides cooling effect on the skin, which helps in reducing sunburn, rashes, pimples and dark spots. It can also be used as an eye mask, which reduces eye fatigue and dark circles.
4. Beneficial for bones and joints
100 grams of Gond Katira contains approximately
800 mg
of calcium, which is six times more than milk. This is excellent for strengthening bones and increasing joint lubrication.
5. Blood purifier and body strength booster
In Ayurveda, Gond Katira is considered 'Bal' and 'Vrishya'. It is beneficial in blood deficiency, night fall, premature ejaculation and other physical weaknesses.
6. Beneficial for the liver
The liver is the main organ of detoxification in the body. Gond Katira reduces liver heat and prevents the formation of fatty liver. According to a 2023 study, the use of Gond Katira is effective in keeping the liver healthy.
7. Use in urinary and physical problems
Gond Katira is given as a medicine in Ayurveda for problems like urinary infection, pain in urination or obstruction.
8. Excellent for the gastrointestinal tract
100 grams of Gond Katira contains 30 grams of dietary fiber, which helps in filling the stomach and bringing satiety after meals. This fiber keeps the gastrointestinal tract healthy and relieves constipation.
9. As a prebiotic food
This fiber provides food for microorganisms (good bacteria) in the gastrointestinal tract, which is very important for immunity and digestion.
10. For acidity and ulcers
Gond Katira has a cooling effect and provides relief from acidity and ulcers by forming a gel-like coating in the gastrointestinal tract.
11. Resistance against bacteria and infections
Nanocapsules made with Gond Katira and Aloe Vera have reduced bacteria such as UTI, skin infections and vaginal itching by 80-90%.
12. Stops Bleeding
In Ayurveda, Gond Katira is known as 'Rakta Spandan', which helps in stopping internal and external bleeding.
13. Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Control
According to a 2023 study, Gond Katira jelly is helpful in controlling blood cholesterol and blood pressure.
How to use Gond Katira?
Basic rule: Do not eat Gond Katira crystals directly. It should be soaked in water overnight so that it turns into jelly.
- For best results for medicine, take a maximum of two tablespoons of Gond Katira jelly a day.
- It can be mixed in neem water, sherbet, milk, juice or smoothie.
- Time of use according to body type:
- People with pitta prakriti can take it in the morning or evening.
- People with vata and kapha rich should take it in the morning only.
- It is also advisable to take it with milk and other Ayurvedic medicines.
Use of Gond Katira in cooking
Gond Katira is known as E413 in the food industry and is used as a natural thickener and stabilizer.
5 Cooking Tips
1. To make Kulfi:
Making Kulfi with Gond Katira Jelly prevents it from crystallizing and makes the texture creamy.
2. In Smoothies and Shakes:
A spoonful of Gond Katira Jelly can be mixed to make a delicious and creamy shake, which is also beneficial for digestion.
3. In Soups and Gravies:
Thin soups and gravies can be thickened with Gond Katira Jelly, which is a healthier alternative to processed mawa.
4. In Desserts and Puddings:
Adding Gond Katira Jelly instead of custard powder or other artificial thickeners makes the dessert more natural and healthy.
5. In Chutneys and Dips:
Adding a little Gond Katira to the chutney prevents water from separating and gives a smooth texture.
Conclusion
Gond Katira is not just a home Ayurvedic remedy, but it is also a powerful food approved by science for healthy living. It reduces body heat, is beneficial for the skin, strengthens bones and improves the digestive system. With proper use according to age and body type, Gond Katira is an affordable and effective remedy that proves to be very useful for maintaining health in today's life.
FAQ
Question: How long should Gond Katira be taken daily?
Answer: Generally, 1-2 teaspoons daily for 1-3 months is advisable, but for long-term use, it is necessary to consult an Ayurvedic doctor.
Question: Who should not take Gond Katira?
Answer: People with very cold effects, especially those with cold speech, should take it with caution or only on the advice of a doctor. Up to 1 teaspoon can be taken safely during pregnancy.
Question: Is Gond Katira safe for children?
Answer: Yes, but only as per the doctor's advice.
Question: What color is Gond Katira available in?
Answer: Normal Gond is dark and shiny, while Gond Katira is dull and whitish in color.
Final Word
Gond Katira is an affordable, natural and scientifically proven remedy for today's healthy life. Its regular and proper use will take your health to new heights. You too should keep this natural cooling engine in your home and stay healthy!
