Gulkand: Benefits and Uses
What comes to your mind on thinking about some trusted natural cooling agents for the body that is pleasingly aromatic as well? The first name that comes across is, Gulkand or rose petal jam! It is one of the most delicious ayurvedic preparations ever known. At the same time, its health benefits are undeniable. The word gulkand is derived from gul, which means ‘flower’ in Persian, and ‘qand’ which means ‘sweet’ in Arabic.
Gulkand is sun-cooked in glass jars. Layers of an equal amount of rose petals and sugar or honey are put in the jar and each layer is dried in the sun with the lid tight. It takes almost 10 days in the final preparation after putting the last layer. Having Gulkand in the summer is a blessing.
Benefits of Gulkand
Here are some of the benefits of gulkand–
- Gulkand is believed to have natural cooling properties, hence is quite useful in reducing all heat-related problems like fatigue, mental stress, lethargy, aches, muscle pain, and reduces acidity and stomach heat.
- Gulkand has many health benefits, especially for digestion. Gulkand is regarded as the health tonic that keeps your metabolism healthy and fit.
- One spoon of gulkand at bedtime with a cup of milk may help relieve milder forms of constipation
- Gulkand helps in reducing dermal issues like acne.
- Gulkand is rich in antioxidants thus acts as an energy booster
- During summers, gulkand is advisable because it protects you from sunstrokes
- Useful to treat body odor and excessive perspiration. It detoxifies your body from inside and its cooling effect prevents internal heat during summers.
- It enhances the sensory experience of eating.
In Ayurveda, roses are best known for their therapeutic uses and cooling effect. You must have seen that rose petals are used to garnish many dessert items like thandai, puddings, cakes, and many others. Likewise, when the fresh rose petals are prepared into gulkand, we can preserve and relish it all year round!
Uses of Gulkand
Gulkand is used in many ways like,
- It is used to prepare desserts, ice-creams, garnishing, rose pie, etc.
- When mixed with water, it serves as a coolant.
- Gulkand is eaten as a sweetener or a mouth freshener.
- It is used to make flavored drinks, or even added in milk, rose milk, lassi, thandai, smoothies or juices.
- Gulkand is an important ingredient in the preparation of Pan.
Gulkand is available at many confectionery stores and Ayurvedic markets but most of them are adulterated or made with inferior quality ingredients. It is important to choose wisely and take care of the sugar content as well. Having learned about a bundle of health benefits, we are sure you will make your family eat a teaspoon of gulkand before going out in the heat this coming summer!
Relish the unique taste and aromatic experience of roses in a jar, all year round!
References
- Website of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences
- Rajasthan agricultural competitiveness project report.
