Resins are natural products and they are secondary metabolites that have therapeutic actions in human beings. Human beings have been using plant resins for many decades. A resin is a viscous compound that hardens over time. However, it softens on melting. This makes resins a unique choice in preparing many medicines in the pharmaceutical dosage.
Also known as Crude resin, Gond siyan is obtained from the bark of certain trees. It is used as herbal medicine in the Middle East and South Asia. It is known by various names such as Elwa herb, Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller and Kala gond. Owing to its therapeutic properties, it is used in modern as well as traditional healing properties.
What is the nutritional composition of Kala Gond?
Owing to its wonderful health benefits and uniqueness, Kala Gond has the following nutritional composition-
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Polysaccharides
Kala gond is rich in Polysaccharides that support gut health and provide a rich source of dietary fiber. They are made up of numerous sugar units linked together. Polysaccharides in the drug contribute to a feeling of fullness. These compounds are also important for energy and digestive functions.
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Nutrients
The nutrients in Kala gond aid in joint health, overall wellness and skin hydration.
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Antioxidants
Kala gond contains minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium. All these minerals contribute to the overall nutrient profile of Kala gond. It is rich in soluble dietary fiber which is not digested in the stomach. However, it is fermented in the large intestine. The antioxidants present in the herb also combats oxidative stress and promotes cellular health.
The drug encapsulates the power of three ayurvedic ingredients- Rumi Mastagi, Jatamansi and Kala Gond Janglee. Black Frankincense or Kala Gond Junglee is known for its rejuvenating properties. It is also traditionally used to promote overall wellness and vitality. Mastic Gum or ‘Rumi Mastagi’ is known for its calming and soothing effects on the body and mind. The ingredients help alleviate anxiety, stress and tension. Nard, also called ‘Jatamansi’ is known for its balancing and grounding properties. It helps calm the mind and improve one’s sleep quality.
Following are some of the benefits of Kala Gond-
1. Strengthens joints and bones
The herb is rich in magnesium and calcium and it is essential for maintaining and building bone density. These minerals reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
The herb stimulates collagen production which is a key structural protein in joints, ligaments and connective tissues.
The strong collagen reduces joint stiffness and improves mobility. When consumed with warm milk or ghee, it helps lubricate joints and also relieves inflammation to a great extent. The herb also helps rebuild weakened tissues.
2. Supports heart health
The drug supports heart health owing to its high soluble fiber content. It is also known for its ability to help regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is also rich in soluble dietary fiber. This fiber binds to bile acids and cholesterol in the intestines. Kala gond promotes cholesterol excretion and promotes better fat digestion. The magnesium and potassium content in the drug maintains electrolyte balance that is essential for healthy blood pressure. The prebiotic fiber in the herb reduces systemic inflammation and lowers heart disease risk. The stable blood sugar levels in the herb reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome.
Its fiber slows the glucose absorption and prevents blood sugar spikes.
3. Supports blood pressure regulation
The herb is rich in soluble dietary fiber and this fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. The gel is also instrumental in slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream after meals. It also prevents sudden sugar spikes. Kala gond reduces stress on the pancreas by promoting stable blood sugar levels. It helps insulin sensitivity in individuals with insulin resistance. This is one of the most astounding benefits of Kala Gond. Thus, a healthier gut influences blood sugar regulation through the gut-brain axis. The fiber content in the herb reduces overeating and also avoids carb-heavy snacking.
4. Anti-inflammatory properties
Kala gond has anti-inflammatory properties that promote the production of short-chain fatty acids. The daily intake of Kala gond decreases the levels of C-reactive protein. The herb is also instrumental in enhancing the body’s antioxidant capacity. This automatically helps mitigate oxidative stress.
5. Helps control appetite
Owing to its gut balancing properties and slow digestion rate, Kala gond reduces unnecessary good craving and also promotes satiety. It also contains soluble fiber that absorbs water and swells in the stomach. The gel produced by the herb slows gastric emptying. This means that the food stays in the stomach longer. Stable blood sugar levels means fewer hunger spikes and by slowing down the absorption of glucose, Kala gond prevents the rapid highs and lows that trigger cravings. The herb acts as a prebiotic that feeds healthy gut bacteria.
As the digestion is slowed and sugar is released gradually, the overall energy is sustained over time.
6. Improves skin health
Owing to the presence of antioxidants that help protect the skin from oxidative stress, kala gond can slow down the signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and dullness. Due to improving gut health, Kala gond supports collagen synthesis. It is essential for maintaining firmness, smooth texture and skin elasticity.
When used in skincare preparations, edible gums like Gond help retain skin moisture. It is used in traditional remedies for dryness and wrinkles.
7. Postpartum recovery.
Postpartum recovery allows a woman’s body and mind to adjust and heal after the hormonal and emotional changes of childbirth and pregnancy. After delivery, hormones such as progesterone and estrogen can affect energy levels, hair and skin changes etc. Kala gond helps in postpartum recovery. This tonic helps mothers regain vitality and strength. It helps rebuild connective tissue and reduces body ache and stiffness. Postpartum fatigue is common and kala gund provides sustained energy owing to its slow-digestive nature. We all are no strangers to the fact that post-delivery digestion can be sluggish and Kala gond soothes the digestive tract and combats constipation and bloating.
Research References & Links
Below are some peer-reviewed and credible sources to support claims:
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Kala Gond & Resin Composition
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Resins and their pharmaceutical applications: NCBI
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Gut Health and Polysaccharides
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Prebiotic effects of dietary polysaccharides: ScienceDirect
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Mastic Gum (Rumi Mastagi) and Stress Relief
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Clinical study on anxiety reduction: PubMed
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Jatamansi and Nervous System Benefits
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Nardostachys jatamansi review: ResearchGate
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Black Frankincense (Kala Gond Junglee)
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Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities: SpringerLink
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