The Benefits of Gum Tragacanth (Katira)

Farzollah Gholizadeh and Fariba Bayrami

Gum tragacanth (kitre in Turkish, katira in Persian) is a natural gum obtained from plants of the genus Astragalus (milkvetch). In traditional medicine it is used mainly as a lubricating, softening (mildly laxative) and mucosa-protecting substance.

What gum tragacanth is

Tragacanth is the main product of the milkvetch plant: the dried gum that seeps out when the stem is scored. After the stem is cut, the central ray cells and parenchyma cells absorb water and gradually turn into gum, and the pressure that builds up pushes the gum out through the cracks. In the air, the water evaporates and the gum hardens. The shape of the dried gum depends on the shape of the cut: it can form flakes, ribbons, pieces or threads.

The best tragacanth comes from scoring the main stem and older branches. The faster the gum dries, the whiter and more translucent it is; second and third grades are duller in colour.

Tragacanth can absorb water and turn into a gel or paste. This comes from two key components: tragacanthin, the most important colloid in the gum, which dissolves easily in water and forms a gel, and bassorin, which dissolves less but helps the process.

Because it emulsifies, thickens and stabilises, tragacanth is used in some herbal medicines and in mayonnaise, sauces, puddings, ice cream, gels, syrups, ointments and creams. It is also widely used in the paper, cosmetics, hygiene and textile industries.

Traditional uses

In traditional medicine, tragacanth has been used against coughs and cold symptoms, to regulate blood sugar, as a denture adhesive, for burns, diarrhoea and constipation, to strengthen the immune system, for mouth sores, to steady the heart rhythm and to lower body heat. Some traditional sources also mention it for “suppressing tumours”; this has not been shown in clinical research and it is not a cancer treatment.

Temperament

Tragacanth is slightly cold and moist. It is mainly used to balance excess heat and dryness in the body.

Main components

1. Polysaccharides (mainly galactose, arabinose and glucuronic acid). These complex sugars make up most of the gum. They are not digested in the gut but form a gel and act as fibre, which helps relieve constipation and regulate digestion.
2. Soluble fibre. Soluble fibre is the best food for the helpful microbes in the gut and acts as a prebiotic. It also helps lower cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar, and is used in traditional practice to support a fatty liver.
3. Minerals. Depending on the species and where it was collected, it can contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, sodium and iron.
4. Vitamins. Tragacanth itself contains few vitamins; small amounts of some B vitamins may be present.
5. Mild antioxidants. Some phenolic compounds and saponins, found especially in certain Astragalus species, have antioxidant and strengthening properties.

Properties and benefits

1. For constipation

Tragacanth is a natural, effective remedy for constipation: it makes digestion easier and supports the health of the digestive system.

2. For dry cough and the digestive tract

It moistens and softens the respiratory and digestive systems:

• protects and soothes the lining of the stomach and intestines
• helps with heartburn, stomach ulcers and constipation
• reduces inflammation in the gut and supports digestion, especially in people with a hot temperament
• has a mild laxative effect, adds bulk to the stool and helps inflamed tissue heal

It is also very effective for hot, dry coughs, especially in people with a bilious (Safravi) temperament. It helps with hoarseness and a dry throat and calms a dry cough.

3. For sexual strength

Tragacanth is known as a natural tonic for men and women whose low desire is caused by excess heat. By strengthening the body, it supports sexual performance. It is also used as a brain tonic for hot and dry temperaments.

4. For urinary incontinence

It is used as a natural remedy for incontinence: it relaxes the urinary muscles and helps prevent urinary tract inflammation.

5. A mild calmer

Because it is moist, tragacanth calms strong emotional reactions caused by dryness of the brain and nerves. It suits anxious people with a hot and dry temperament. It also protects against heatstroke, lowers body heat, and eases dry, itchy skin.

6. For skin and hair

With its anti-ageing effect, tragacanth helps reduce wrinkles and keep the skin youthful. Tragacanth-based products such as shampoos strengthen the hair and make it easier to style, and it is widely used in cosmetics to give volume to hair and skin. Traditional sources also claim it enlarges the breasts when eaten or applied, especially with collagen; there is no scientific evidence for this.

7. For bleeding

Traditionally it is used to help control heavy menstrual bleeding and to strengthen the bone marrow. Any internal bleeding needs urgent medical care.

8. Against hot weather

Tragacanth balances body heat naturally and protects against excessive heat. Drinks made with tragacanth are especially refreshing in summer.

9. After childbirth

After giving birth, women go through physical strain. Tragacanth helps them recover by increasing strength and reducing heavy bleeding. Breastfeeding mothers must consult their doctor before using it.

Cautions

• Phlegmatic (cold and moist) people: too much can increase phlegm and cause heaviness, drowsiness or wind.
• People with a cold temperament should take it with warming foods such as honey, ginger or cinnamon.
• Overweight people: frequent, careless use can lead to weight gain.
• Always drink plenty of water with tragacanth taken by mouth. Without enough water it can swell and stick in the gut or throat and cause choking or blockage.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women must consult a doctor before using it.

Simple recipes with tragacanth and other herbs

In all recipes, “soaked tragacanth” means tragacanth left in water until it swells into a gel.

1. For the brain and memory (for hot and dry temperaments)

• 1 dessert spoon of tragacanth soaked in warm water
• 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm
• 1 tablespoon of natural honey

Take on an empty stomach in the morning, or in the evening on a half-empty stomach, for 3 weeks. People with a cold temperament should add a little cinnamon and ginger as a corrective.

2. For stomach problems, dry cough and hoarseness (for hot temperaments)

• 1 dessert spoon of tragacanth, soaked in a glass of boiled water until it gels
• 1 tablespoon of dried mallow, or mallow distillate
• ½ teaspoon of liquorice root powder or distillate (optional)
• honey to taste

Take twice a day, morning and evening, for 7–10 days. People with high blood pressure should leave out the liquorice.

3. For healthy weight gain (for dry temperaments and thin bodies)

• 1 dessert spoon of soaked tragacanth
• 1 glass of warm coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of natural honey or date molasses
• 1 tablespoon of ground jujube or almond powder

Take every night before bed or between meals. Phlegmatic people should use it only in small amounts and with cinnamon.

4. For bowel cleansing and constipation (for dry or hot temperaments)

• 1 dessert spoon of tragacanth soaked in warm water
• 1 tablespoon of unrefined olive oil
• 1 sachet of Healthy Plus (Dr Kalan’s blend of healing seeds)
• honey, if you like

Take an hour before breakfast or before dinner.

5. Hair mask to strengthen and soften the hair

• 2 tablespoons of soaked tragacanth
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil
• enough warm boiled water to make a gel
• rose water or lime distillate (optional)

Mix and apply to the roots as a mask. Leave for 30–45 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Once a week is enough.

6. For children (growth, appetite and calm)

For children with a dry temperament who have a poor appetite, are irritable or sleep irregularly.

• 1 teaspoon of soaked tragacanth
• ½ small glass of pussy willow (bidmeshk) distillate
• 1 tablespoon of honey (only for children over one year old)
• ½ glass of warm coconut or almond milk

Before bed or on an empty stomach in the morning, 3–4 times a week. For phlegmatic (plump and inactive) children, mix the tragacanth with mint distillate instead.

7. For older people (dryness, memory and joints)

For people with a dry temperament, muscle loss, dry joints or a weak memory.

• 1 dessert spoon of soaked tragacanth
• 1 tablespoon of whole jujube or almond powder
• almond milk, coconut milk or hot water, flavoured with cinnamon
• 1 dessert spoon of natural honey

Once a day, one hour before dinner. People with a cold temperament can add a little ground ginger.

8. For athletes (energy, muscle and recovery)

For people with intense physical activity who need to build muscle and recover.

• 1 dessert spoon of soaked tragacanth
• 1 boiled egg white
• ½ glass of almond or coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of honey or grape molasses

Before or after training, 3–5 times a week.

Tragacanth is effective for boosting energy and overcoming weakness. In the morning, put 2 teaspoons of tragacanth in a glass of water, let it swell, then mix with almond or coconut milk and natural honey. This is very helpful after childbirth, serious illness or surgery, and for people going through depression or anxiety.

9. For women (hormonal balance and calm)

For women with anxiety, irregular periods, or dry skin and hair.

• 1 dessert spoon of tragacanth
• ½ small glass of fennel distillate
• 1 teaspoon of natural honey
• 1 tablespoon of rose water
• 1/20 g of pure saffron

Once a day between meals, for the 10 days before your period. Women with a hot temperament should use less fennel and add a little fumitory (shahtareh) distillate.

10. For detox and cleansing

For cleansing the digestive tract, clearing harmful phlegm and reducing inflammation in the body.

• 1 tablespoon of tragacanth soaked in warm water
• 1 sachet of Healthy Plus (blend of healing seeds)
• ½ small glass of sumac juice or sour pomegranate juice
• ½ small glass of chicory distillate

Half an hour before lunch or dinner, on a slightly empty stomach. People with a cold temperament should take it with a little honey or cinnamon.

Face masks with tragacanth

Tragacanth is a natural, effective skin-care ingredient and can be used in different face masks.

1. Mask for dark spots

• 1 teaspoon of tragacanth
• 1 tablespoon of milk

Soak the tragacanth until it swells, mix in the milk and apply to the face. Results vary from person to person, depending on how long the mask stays on and how stubborn the spots are.

2. Brightening mask

• chickpea flour, black-eyed bean flour, oats, starch, radish seed and tragacanth

Mix everything and leave on the face overnight. The next morning, wash with warm water infused with dried nettle and violet. Repeat for 10 nights.

3. Radiance mask

• 3 dessert spoons of tragacanth
• 3 dessert spoons of almond powder
• 3 dessert spoons of milk
• 1 egg white
• 10 dessert spoons of rose water

Mix into a smooth paste, apply to the face and neck, leave for 15–30 minutes, then wash off. It makes the skin bright and glowing.

4. Anti-ageing mask

• 2 tablespoons of almond powder
• 1 tablespoon of green vegetable powder
• tragacanth soaked in water

Mix into an even paste, apply to the face, neck and hands, leave for 20 minutes, then wash off. It gives the skin glow and freshness.

5. For gum inflammation and sores

Crush tragacanth into a paste and apply it to the gums. It helps gum sores heal faster and reduces inflammation, redness and pain.

Source

Gholizadeh F. The Temperament and Benefits of Healing Plants (Şifalı Bitkilerin Mizacı ve Faydaları).

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