Instagram is obsessing over gond katira, an ayurvedic gum India has known for ages

if you grew up in North India, you would remember gulping down glasses of shikanji or milkshakes with gond katira added to them during summer. You can even probably remember your grandmother telling you that it is healthy and keeps you cool.

Summer of 2024 is all about gond katira (also called tragacanth gum) - at least on Instagram. The social media platform is suddenly loaded with Reels about this ‘summer superfood’ with influencers swearing by its long list of health benefits. Some videos suggest consuming it can give glowing skin, others say it helps relieve joint pain. Many promoted it as a solution for constipation.

The odourless, translucent crystals turn into a dense gel after being soaked in water for a few hours. This gel is then added to lemon water, milkshakes or smoothies.

Instagram may just have discovered this gum now but it has been a trusted herbal summer remedy in Indian homes for the longest time. Derived from the sap of the Astragalus tree, gond katira holds a revered place in Ayurvedic medicine due to its natural properties.

Cooling properties

Clinical nutritionist Lovneet Batra suggests 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 hot weather,” she tells India Today.

Dr Vikas Jindal, consultant, department of gastroenterology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, says that it also helps control nose bleeding (a common occurrence during summer) owing to its cooling properties.

Impact on digestion

Gond katira positively impacts the digestive system. It is rich in fibre and helps relieve constipation.

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

Dr Jindal, meanwhile, says it maintains hydration in our body. “It is used in both constipation and diarrhoea. If it is mixed with curd, it helps relieve diarrhoea. If you mix it with milk and then consume, it helps in constipation,” he says.

Glowing skin

Experts say gond katira is a boon for skin as well. While claims on social media that say it can totally eradicate acne might be far stretched, its hydrating properties aid in maintaining skin elasticity.

Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, a Delhi-based dermatologist, says it is packed with antioxidant properties and is hence good for the skin.

“Because it contains antioxidants, it helps deal with issues like wrinkles and ageing. Also, it is not just summer-friendly but can also be consumed during winters,” she tells India Today.

Nutritionist Lovneet agrees and says that it can help in treating acne, reducing wrinkles, and promoting a healthy glow due to its moisturising and healing properties.

Joint health

Health experts say it may help in reducing joint pain and inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for individuals with arthritis by offering pain relief.

Dr Santosh Shetty, head department of orthopaedics and robotic joint replacement surgery, Surana Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, says that gond katira is beneficial for bones because it is rich in calcium and anti-inflammatory properties.

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

“It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially help in reducing inflammation in bones and joints,” he adds.

Be careful of the quantity

However, one should be careful about the quantity while consuming it. Additionally, experts suggest mixing the gond katira gel with water or milk instead of directly eating it.

Lovneet says one should first soak gond katira (in crystal form) In water for 6-8 hours. “Consume one tablespoon gel mixed in cool fluid,” she says.

Who should not consume gond katira

According to experts, one should keep gond katira away from pregnant women, kids below age 5 and patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Women can consume it after pregnancy though.

“Consuming gond katira is said to enhance physical strength and stamina. It is often used in traditional remedies to boost energy levels and improve overall vitality, especially in postpartum women,” says Lovneet.

Best ways to relish gond katira

There are ample ways to add the goodness of gond katira to your diet. It has no taste, so you can mix it with flavoursome drinks and desserts.

Just mix a spoonful of soaked gum into a glass of:

• Lemon water
• Milkshake
• Aam panna
• Rose milk sherbet

You can also add it to your bowl of dessert like kheer.