Here's why Instagram can't get enough of Gond Katira this summer

This summer, gond katira, also known as tragacanth gum, has become a trending topic on Instagram. The social media platform is flooded with reels showcasing this ‘summer superfood,’ with influencers extolling its health benefits. From glowing skin to joint pain relief and constipation solutions, gond katira’s reputation is growing rapidly.

Health Experts Weigh In
Gond katira’s benefits are not just social media hype. Clinical nutritionist Lovneet Batra highlights its cooling properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for reducing body heat during hot weather. “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, a gastroenterologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, supports this view, noting that it helps control nosebleeds, a common summer issue. He also emphasizes its role in hydration. “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,” Dr. Jindal explains.


Skin Health and Anti-Aging
Gond katira is also praised for its skin benefits. Delhi-based dermatologist Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj notes, “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.” The gum’s hydrating properties help maintain skin elasticity and promote a healthy glow, adds Lovneet Batra.

Supporting Joint Health
Health experts also recognize gond katira’s potential in reducing joint pain and inflammation. Dr. Santosh Shetty, head of orthopaedics and robotic joint replacement surgery at Surana Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, states, “It contains calcium, which is essential for maintaining bone health and strength. Calcium is a key mineral that contributes to bone density. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially help in reducing inflammation in bones and joints.”

Consumption Guidelines
While gond katira offers numerous benefits, experts advise caution in its consumption. Nutritionist Lovneet Batra recommends soaking the crystals in water for 6-8 hours before use and mixing the gel with cool fluids. She warns that it should be avoided by pregnant women, children under five, and those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).


Traditional Uses and Modern Revival
Gond katira, derived from the sap of the Astragalus tree, has long been a trusted remedy in Indian households and Ayurvedic medicine. Its resurgence is partly due to increased health consciousness and social media influence. Chaitanya Jaggi, owner of a spice shop in Khari Baoli market, notes a rise in demand during summer months. “We are seeing an increase in the demand for gond katira because people are learning about it through social media,” he says.

Gond katira is also a part of street food across India. In Punjab, it’s included in shikanji (lemonade) sold by street vendors. In Madurai, Tamil Nadu, it’s called badam pisin and used in jigarthanda, a popular beverage. In Andhra Pradesh, it’s known as katora and included in sugandhi katora drinks.

A Revival Rooted in History
Tragacanth gum is derived from over 2,000 plant species of the Astragalus genus, primarily found in Greece, southwest Asia, Iran, and Turkey. The gum oozes from incisions made on the roots and bark, hardening into crystals. Its main component, tragacanthin, forms a gel-like structure in water, making it useful in the food industry as a thickener and emulsifier.

Historically, gond katira has been used in Unani medicine for centuries, noted in the Canon of Medicine by Persian physician Avicenna. It is mentioned in India’s National Formulary of Unani Medicines for its cooling properties and ability to improve skin texture, liver enzymes, and boost immunity.

As temperatures continue to rise each summer in India, gond katira offers an easy, affordable way to stay cool and healthy. This traditional remedy, now popular on social media, bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern wellness trends, making it a staple in contemporary summer diets.