Gond Katira / गोंद कतीरा / Indian Tragacanth / Cochlospermum gossypium

It is mostly found in the mountainous regions of the Middle East. Iran is the highest producer of this tree gum, which is also called Gond Katira in Hindi

How is the gum obtained?
The gum is derived from the roots and the stem of the plant by making an incision. The incision is generally made 5 cm below the ground level. The sap is then collected and dried as flakes or crystals

Health Benefits of Gond Katira
Several health benefits are associated with Tragacanth gum. The best part, however, is that this sap cools the body during summer and in winters, it heats up the body. Tragacanth gum is beneficial for:

Treating heat stroke as the gum acts as a cooling agent. During summers, a drink can be prepared by soaking the gum in water and then making a drink out of it after it has become fluffy.
It is effective for treating constipation due to its purgative properties.
Tragacanth gum is effective in increasing libido and also for treating sexual inadequacy or weakness in men
This sap has anti-aging properties, which is beneficial for your skin as it delays the development of wrinkles and fine lines.