How to use Gond for cooling body? A natural approach

A small quantity of gond katira can swell significantly—up to 50 times its size—when soaked in water. This incredible property makes it a powerful and traditional ingredient for how to use gond for cooling body, providing natural relief during hot weather.

Quick Summary

Gond katira, a natural gum from the Astragalus plant, absorbs water to form a gel that cools the body from within. It can be easily incorporated into summer drinks and desserts to combat heat, aid digestion, and boost hydration, helping prevent heat-related ailments.

Key Points

• Gond Katira is a potent natural coolant: This natural gum from the Astragalus plant forms a hydrating gel that helps regulate body temperature from within.

• Proper soaking is crucial: Soak gond katira crystals in water overnight to ensure they fully expand into a soft, safe-to-consume gel.

• Versatile for refreshing summer recipes: Add the prepared gel to milkshakes, lemonades (sharbat), falooda, or smoothies for a cooling and hydrating boost.

• Offers health benefits beyond cooling: Gond katira also aids digestion, supports skin health, and can assist with weight management due to its high fiber content.

• Consume in moderation: Excessive intake can cause bloating or other digestive issues. Always ensure the gum is properly soaked to avoid choking hazards.

• Gond Katira is different from acacia gum: It is important not to confuse gond katira (cooling) with acacia gum (warming), which is used in winter preparations.

• Store prepared gel for convenience: Soaked gond katira can be refrigerated for several days, making it easy to add to various dishes.

What is Gond Katira and How Does it Cool the Body?

Gond, or more specifically, gond katira (Tragacanth gum), is a natural, edible resin that is highly valued in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani for its potent cooling properties. It is important to distinguish this from acacia gum (gond), which has warming properties and is used in winter. Gond katira is sourced from the dried sap of the Astragalus plant, native to the Middle East and Asia. When this tasteless, odorless crystal-like gum is soaked in water, it absorbs moisture and swells dramatically, forming a translucent, jelly-like gel.

The primary mechanism behind its cooling effect is its exceptional ability to hydrate the body from the inside out. By retaining moisture within the gastrointestinal tract, the gel ensures a sustained release of water, which helps regulate core body temperature and combat dehydration. This internal hydration is crucial for preventing heat-related issues like heatstroke and exhaustion. Additionally, the soothing, demulcent properties of the mucilage help calm the digestive tract, further contributing to a subjective sensation of reduced body heat.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Gond Katira

Proper preparation is key to harnessing the cooling power of gond katira. The process is simple but requires patience, as the crystals need several hours to fully bloom.

The Soaking Process

1. Rinse the crystals: Start by rinsing 1-2 teaspoons of gond katira crystals under running water to remove any dust or impurities.
2. Soak overnight: Place the rinsed crystals in a large bowl and add at least 1-2 cups of water. The crystals will expand significantly, so ensure there is enough space. Cover the bowl and let it soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
3. Check consistency: By morning, the gond katira will have transformed into a soft, jelly-like substance. If it still has hard, crystalline parts, add more water and continue soaking.
4. Strain and store: Strain any excess water using a fine-mesh strainer. The resulting gel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ready for use.

Refreshing Gond Katira Recipes for Summer

Once prepared, the tasteless gel can be added to a variety of beverages and desserts for a cooling, hydrating boost. Here are some popular options:

• Gond Ka Sharbat: A classic Indian cooler. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of the soaked gond katira gel with chilled water, rose syrup (or Rooh Afza), and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add a pinch of black salt and some mint leaves for extra refreshment.
• Gond Katira Milkshake: For a creamy and nutritious option, blend 2-3 tablespoons of gond katira gel with cold milk and your favorite fruit, such as mango or banana. You can sweeten with honey or dates.
• Falooda: This layered dessert is a summer favorite. Layer soaked gond katira, soaked basil seeds (sabja), chilled milk, rose syrup, and falooda vermicelli. Top with a scoop of ice cream for a truly decadent treat.
• Healthy Smoothie Addition: For a modern twist, add a spoonful of the gel to your daily fruit or vegetable smoothie. It acts as a natural thickener and fiber booster.

Gond Katira vs. Gond (Acacia Gum): What's the Difference?

It is vital to distinguish between these two gums, as their properties and uses are opposite. Consuming the wrong one in summer can exacerbate heat-related discomfort.

Feature	Gond Katira (Tragacanth Gum)	Gond (Acacia Gum)
Botanical Source	Astragalus species	Acacia species
Effect on Body	Cooling in nature	Warming in nature
Typical Usage	Summers, in cooling beverages	Winters, in energy-boosting sweets like ladoos
Appearance	Translucent to white, crystal-like flakes	Darker, brownish, more resin-like lumps
Preparation	Soaked in water to form a jelly-like gel	Fried or roasted to puff up before use

Beyond Cooling: Other Health Benefits

While its cooling effect is the most popular reason for consumption in summer, gond katira offers a range of additional health benefits.

• Aids Digestion: Its high soluble fiber content acts as a mild, bulk-forming laxative, helping to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation, which can be common in warmer weather. It also soothes the digestive tract lining.
• Promotes Skin Health: The hydrating properties of gond katira benefit the skin internally and externally. Its moisture-retaining mucilage helps maintain skin moisture, elasticity, and can soothe heat rashes and irritation. It can even be used in face masks.
• Boosts Energy: By helping to retain hydration and providing a slow-release source of energy, it helps fight off summer heat-induced fatigue and sluggishness.
• Supports Weight Management: The high fiber content creates a feeling of fullness, which can help reduce appetite and calorie intake, aiding in natural weight management efforts.
• Soothes Respiratory Issues: Traditionally, its demulcent properties have been used to soothe coughs and irritated throats, often combined with honey and water.

Precautions and Potential Side Effects

While generally safe, moderate consumption and proper preparation are essential to avoid side effects.

• Digestive Discomfort: Excessive intake, particularly if you are not used to high-fiber foods, can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
• Choking Hazard: Improperly soaked gond katira can swell and pose a choking hazard. Always ensure the crystals are fully bloomed into a soft gel before consuming.
• Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some individuals may be allergic to tragacanth gum. It is wise to start with a small amount to check for any adverse reactions.
• Caution for Specific Groups: Individuals who are pregnant or have existing health conditions like diabetes should consult a healthcare professional before regular consumption. It is generally not recommended for postpartum women in the initial recovery phase.

Conclusion

Gond katira is a time-tested, natural superfood that offers a simple yet powerful way to manage body heat during the summer. By correctly preparing and incorporating this versatile gum into refreshing drinks and desserts, you can harness its potent hydrating and cooling effects. Its additional benefits for digestion, skin, and energy make it an excellent addition to a wellness-focused routine. Remember to consume in moderation and ensure it is always properly soaked to avoid any potential side effects. Embrace this traditional remedy and beat the summer heat the natural way.

Learn more about this natural coolant from an authoritative source: Gond Katira: A natural way to cool down in India's scorching...

Keypoints

• Gond Katira is a potent natural coolant: The gum from the Astragalus plant absorbs water to form a hydrating, jelly-like gel that cools the body internally.
• Preparation is simple but requires soaking: Gond katira crystals must be soaked in water for several hours or overnight until they swell into a soft gel before consumption.
• Versatile for summer beverages: The prepared gel can be added to milkshakes, lemonades (sharbat), and falooda to enhance their cooling effects.
• Offers multiple health benefits: Beyond cooling, it aids digestion, boosts hydration, supports skin health, and can help with weight management.
• Moderate consumption is essential: Excessive intake can cause digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea, and proper soaking is necessary to prevent choking.

FAQs

Question: How much gond katira should I use at once? Answer: It is recommended to use about 1-2 teaspoons of the dried gond katira crystals, as they will expand substantially when soaked.

Question: How long does gond katira take to soak properly? Answer: It should be soaked in water overnight, or for a minimum of 8 hours, to ensure it becomes a soft, jelly-like gel and is safe to consume.

Question: Can pregnant women or children consume gond katira? Answer: Pregnant women and children should consult a doctor before consuming gond katira. It is important for them to consume it in very small quantities and with caution.

Question: What's the difference between gond katira and the gond used in ladoos? Answer: Gond katira is a cooling gum used in summers, whereas the other type of gond (acacia gum) is warming and used in winter sweets like ladoos.

Question: Is there any risk of side effects from gond katira? Answer: In moderation, it is generally safe. However, excessive consumption can lead to bloating or digestive issues. Improperly soaked crystals pose a choking risk.

Question: Can I add gond katira to warm drinks? Answer: For cooling purposes, it should be added to cold beverages. It can be used in some warm recipes, but its primary function as a coolant is best utilized in chilled preparations.

Question: Does gond katira help with weight loss? Answer: Yes, because of its high fiber content, it promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help control appetite and aid in weight management.

Question: Can I store soaked gond katira? Answer: Yes, the soaked gel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Citations

• RecipeResult: Gond Ka Sharbat | Gond Katira Recipe. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2025, from a recipe website.
• InstaCare. (2022, May 17). 8 Amazing Gond Katira Benefits You Must Know. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://instacare.pk/blog/amazing-gond-katira-benefits-you-must-know
• BBC. (2024, July 15). Gond Katira: A natural way to cool down in India's scorching. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240715-gond-katira-a-natural-way-to-cool-down-in-indias-scorching-summers
• ResearchGate. (2025, May 14). (PDF) Gond Katira: A Natural Remedy for Summer Heat and Hydration. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391708404_Gond_Katira_A_Natural_Remedy_for_Summer_Heat_and_Hydration
• ICICI Lombard. (2025, June 30). Side Effects of Gond Katira: When to Use with Caution. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://www.icicilombard.com/blogs/health-insurance/hi/side-effects-of-gond-katira

Frequently Asked Questions

How much gond katira should I use at once?

It is recommended to use about 1-2 teaspoons of the dried gond katira crystals, as they will expand substantially when soaked in water.

How long does gond katira need to be soaked?

Gond katira should be soaked in water overnight, or for a minimum of 8 hours, to ensure it becomes a soft, jelly-like gel and is safe to consume.

Is there a difference between gond katira and gond?

Yes, gond katira is a cooling gum used in summers, while another type of gond (acacia gum) is warming and is used in winter preparations like ladoos.

Can pregnant women or children consume gond katira?

Pregnant women and children should consult a doctor before consuming gond katira. It is important for them to consume it in very small quantities and with caution.

What are the potential side effects of consuming gond katira?

In moderation, it is generally safe. However, excessive consumption can lead to bloating or digestive issues. Improperly soaked crystals pose a choking risk.

How does gond katira help with weight loss?

Gond katira is high in fiber, which creates a feeling of fullness and can help control appetite, aiding in weight management efforts.

Can I use gond katira for my skin?

Yes, the hydrating properties of gond katira benefit the skin when consumed and can also be applied topically in face masks to soothe and moisturize the skin.

What happens if I don't soak gond katira enough?

If not soaked properly, the hard crystals can expand in your throat and digestive tract, posing a choking hazard. Always ensure they have fully swollen into a soft gel before consuming.