Gond Katira: The Natural Cooling Herb For Your Summer Diet

Gond katira is one of those versatile and beneficial herbs that can be a valuable addition to your summer diet.

Gond Katira

Source : Pinterest/ Sangeeta Khanna

Summer is here, and everyone has been looking for ways to beat the heat. Gond katira is one of those versatile and beneficial herbs that can be a valuable addition to your summer diet. Its cooling properties and numerous health benefits make it a natural remedy for many ailments.

What is Gond Katira:

Gond Katira is a crystalline herb derived from the sap of Locoweed (Astragalus gummifer shrubs) that has cooling and health-promoting properties.Also referred to as Tragacanth gum, this odourless, tasteless substance appears as white or pale-yellow crystals that dissolve in water to form a soft jelly. Primarily cultivated in the Middle East and Western Asia, gond katira has been a staple in Ayurvedic medicine, treating ailments like cough and dysentery.

Ways to Include Gond Katira in Your Diet

Gond Katira Lemon Drink: Beat the summer heat with a chilled Gond Katira drink. Soak 2 tablespoons of Gond Katira overnight. In a glass of cold water, mix the soaked herb with sugar, lemon juice, roasted cumin seed powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well, and garnish with mint leaves.

Gond Katira Kheer: Enjoy this sweet, healthful dessert by boiling milk with mishri and cardamom powder. Once reduced, let it cool and refrigerate. Add 1 tablespoon of fluffed Gond Katira and mix well. Garnish with chopped nuts before serving.

Gond Katira Pink Milkshake: For a refreshing drink, combine a glass of chilled milk with 2 tablespoons of fluffed Gond Katira and 1 tablespoon of rose syrup. Adjust the sugar to taste. For variety, you can also use khus syrup.

Health Benefits of Gond Katira

• Keeps the Body Cool/Prevents Heat Strokes: Gond Katira acts as a natural coolant, reducing the risk of heat strokes and controlling nosebleeds in children during hot summers.
• Promotes Liver Health: It detoxifies the blood, enhances liver function, and protects against damage caused by poor lifestyle habits.
• Supports Digestion: Rich in dietary fibre, Gond Katira aids digestion, treats constipation, and regulates bowel movements.
• Bolsters Immune System: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it strengthens immunity, helps in nerve cell recovery, and may slow cancer cell formation.
• Aids Weight Loss: As a natural supplement, it boosts metabolism, curbs hunger, and supports weight loss efforts.
• Improves Skin Health: Its anti-ageing properties cleanse blood vessels, regenerate skin cells, and make the skin radiant and blemish-free.

Side Effects of Gond Katira

Everything has benefits and side effects. It is important to consume anything in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking regular medication. Incorporating Gond Katira into your diet can help you stay cool, healthy, and refreshed during the sweltering summer months, but it can also have some side effects. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Digestive Issues: Overconsumption can cause bloating or diarrhoea due to its high fibre content.
• Allergic Reactions: Rarely, it may cause itching, rashes, or swelling.
• Choking Hazard: Ensure it is fully soaked before consumption to avoid choking.
• Interference with Medication: It may affect the absorption of certain medications.
• Blood Sugar Impact: It can influence blood sugar levels, so diabetics should consult a doctor before use.