If you grew up in North India, you might remember drinking Shikanji or a milkshake with Gond Katira in the summers. You might also remember your grandmother saying that it is good for health and keeps you cool.

The summer of 2024 is dominated by Gond Katira (also known as Tragacanth Gum) – at least that’s the case on Instagram. The social media platform is suddenly flooded with reels about this ‘summer superfood’, with influencers swearing by its long list of health benefits. Some videos suggest that eating it gives glowing skin, while some say it helps relieve joint pain. Many promoted it as a solution to constipation.

Check out some reels here:

The odorless, transparent crystals turn into a dense gel after soaking in water for a few hours. This gel is then added to lemonade, milkshakes or smoothies.

Instagram may have just discovered this gum, but it has long been a trusted herbal remedy used in Indian households during the summer season. Gond Katira, derived from the sap of the Astragalus tree, holds a revered place in Ayurvedic medicine due to its natural properties.

But is it really as healthy as people claim? Health experts say yes.

Cooling Properties

Clinical nutritionist Lavneet Batra recommends consuming it for its cooling properties.

“Gond Katira is known for its cooling properties, making it an excellent natural remedy to reduce body heat during the hot season,” she explains. india today,

It also helps control nose bleeding (a common problem in summers) due to its cooling properties, says Dr Vikas Jindal, consultant, department of gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.

Effects on digestion

Gond Katira has a positive effect on the digestive system. It is rich in fiber and helps in relieving constipation.

Nutritionist Batra agrees and adds that “it acts as a prebiotic and supports digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria”.

Meanwhile, Dr Jindal says it maintains moisture in our body. “It is used in both constipation and diarrhoea. If it is taken mixed with yoghurt, it relieves diarrhoea. If you drink it mixed with milk, it helps in constipation,” he says.

Healthy Skin

Experts say that Gond Katira is also a boon for the skin. Although it is being claimed on social media that it can completely eliminate acne, its hydrating properties help in maintaining the elasticity of the skin.

It is rich in antioxidant properties and hence, is good for the skin, says Delhi-based dermatologist Dr Deepali Bhardwaj.

“Because it contains antioxidants, it helps combat issues like wrinkles and ageing. Plus, it is not just summer-friendly but can be consumed during winters as well,” she explains. india today,

Nutritionist Lovneet agrees and says it can help treat acne, reduce wrinkles and promote a healthy glow due to its moisturising and healing properties.

joint health

Health experts say that due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce joint pain and swelling, making it beneficial for people suffering from arthritis by relieving pain.

Dr. Santosh Shetty, Head of the Department of Orthopedics and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery, Surana Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, says that Gond Katira is beneficial for bones as it is rich in calcium and has anti-inflammatory properties.

“It contains calcium, which is essential for maintaining bone health and strength. Calcium is an important mineral that contributes to bone density,” says Dr Shetty.

He further added, “It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in bones and joints.”

Keep an eye on the quantity

However, one should be careful about its quantity while consuming it. Apart from this, experts recommend mixing Gond Katira gel with water or milk instead of consuming it directly.

Lavneet says that firstly, Gond Katira (in crystal form) should be soaked in water for 6-8 hours. “Add one teaspoon of the gel to the cold liquid and consume it,” she says.

Who should not consume Gond Katira

According to experts, Gond Katira should be kept away from pregnant women, children below 5 years of age and patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

However, women can consume it even after pregnancy.

“Eating Gond Katira increases physical strength and stamina. It is often used in traditional remedies to increase energy levels and improve overall vitality, especially in postpartum women,” says Lavneet.

Best ways to taste Gond Katira

There are many ways to incorporate the goodness of Gond Katira into your diet. It has no taste, so you can mix it with delicious drinks and desserts.

Simply mix one teaspoon of soaked gum into a glass of:

• lemonade
• Milkshake
• Mango Pana
• Rose milk sherbet

You can also include it in desserts like kheer.