Gulkand: The Sweet and Therapeutic Jam

As an Ayurvedic doctor, I have seen numerous patients seeking advice on how to combat the intense heat during summer. One of the most common remedies I recommend is Gulkand. This medicine, made from rose petals and sugar, has been used for centuries to alleviate heat-related problems and promote overall well-being. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience with Gulkand and explore its health benefits, disadvantages, and the reasons why diabetics should not use it. I will also delve into the history of Gulkand, provide a recipe for making it at home, and discuss its use during summer.

The modern-day popularity of gulkand

Gulkand, a sweet and fragrant rose petal preserve, has been a part of Indian culture for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the Mughal era when they introduced Persian culinary practices to India. The word “gul” means rose flower in Persian and Urdu, while “kand” means sweet. Thus, gulkand translates to a sweet rose. During this time, gulkand was considered a delicacy and was enjoyed by the royals and nobles. It was also used for its medicinal properties, as it possesses cooling effects on the body and helps in digestion.Gulkand, a sweet preserve made from rose petals, originated in the Middle East as an Unani medicine.  Over time, Ayurvedic practitioners in India began incorporating gulkand into their clinical practice, as they recognized its potential health benefits. As a result, gulkand became an integral part of Indian medicine and is still widely used today in the treatment of various ailments.

As time passed, gulkand became a popular Ayurvedic remedy. It was prescribed to people suffering from heat-related problems such as tiredness, aches and pains, and a burning sensation in the soles and palms. Gulkand was also used to alleviate eye inflammation, and redness, and to strengthen teeth and gums.

Gulkand was not just limited to Ayurvedic medicine, it also became an important ingredient in the culinary arts. It was used in desserts and drinks, adding a unique flavor and aroma. It was also used as a filling for paan, a popular Indian mouth freshener. Today, gulkand is still widely used in Ayurvedic medicine and is enjoyed as a sweet treat by people of all ages. The traditional method of preparing gulkand has been passed down from generation to generation, and many families continue to make it at home.

Story Time: My First Encounter with Gulkand in Bangalore

When I came to Bangalore for my studies in the late 90s,  my friend Raveendra Nayak, who was well-versed in the city, introduced me to Sri Bhagyalakshmi Butter and Gulkand Store in Malleshwaram, where I first tried Gulkand.I was pleasantly surprised to see how this Ayurvedic medicine had transformed into a delectable dish blended with butter and served on petite leafy plates. The store owner even enlightened us about the medicinal advantages of Gulkand, which piqued our interest. It’s hardly a wonder that the store continues to be a well-liked destination today.

How to Make Gulkand at Home

Making Gulkand at home is an easy and straightforward process. Here is a recipe for making Gulkand at home:

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh rose petals( damask rose)
• 1 cup crystal sugar

Instructions

1. Wash the rose petals thoroughly and dry them using a clean cloth.
2. Take a wide-mouthed glass jar and place a layer of rose petals at the bottom.
3. Add a layer of crystal sugar on top of the rose petals.
4. Repeat the process of layering rose petals and crystal sugar until the jar is full.
5. Close the jar tightly and keep it in the sun for 6 hours a day for around 3 to 4 weeks.
6. Stir the contents of the jar with a wooden stick every alternate day.
7. When the Gulkand is ready, store it in an airtight container.

One misconception about gulkand is that it is only used as a dessert or sweet treat. While it is true that gulkand can be enjoyed as a tasty snack, it is also a powerful Ayurvedic remedy with many health benefits. It is important to recognize the medicinal properties of gulkand and use it as a remedy rather than simply as a dessert.

Health Benefits of Gulkand

Gulkand has been used in Ayurveda for centuries and is known for its cooling properties. It is made using rose petals and sugar, which are both natural ingredients that have numerous health benefits. 

Some of the health benefits of gulkand are:

Cools the body

 Gulkand is an excellent coolant and is beneficial during the summer months. It helps in reducing body heat, preventing dehydration, and providing relief from heat-related illnesses such as sunstroke.

Improves digestion 

Gulkand helps in improving digestion and preventing digestive disorders such as constipation, bloating, and hyperacidity. It also helps in reducing the burning sensation in the stomach.

Reduces inflammation 

Gulkand has anti-inflammatory properties and is useful in reducing inflammation and redness in the eyes.

Relieves stress and anxiety 

Gulkand has a calming effect on the mind and helps in reducing stress and anxiety. It is also useful in improving sleep quality.

Improves skin health

Gulkand is rich in antioxidants and has anti-aging properties. It helps in improving skin health and preventing skin problems such as acne and wrinkles.

My Experiences with Gulkand with Pravala Bhasma

As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I have witnessed firsthand the advantages of gulkand in treating various health conditions. However, I typically recommend Gulkand with pravala bhasma instead of plain gulkand. In the 17th century, Ayurvedic vaidyas began combining pravala bhasma with gulkand to enhance its cooling effect. Since the 18th century, several Ayurvedic vaidyas with manufacturing companies have produced gulkand with pravala bhasma. Nowadays, when an Ayurvedic doctor prescribes gulkand, it generally implies Gulkand with pravala bhasma.

As an Ayurvedic doctor, I’ve had the opportunity to witness the wonders of gulkand with pravala bhasma on numerous occasions. The cooling properties of this traditional Ayurvedic remedy make it a versatile and effective solution for a variety of conditions.

For patients who struggle with mouth ulcers, gulkand with pravala bhasma can provide soothing relief. Its anti-inflammatory and pittahara properties help to calm inflamed tissues in the mouth, reducing pain and discomfort.

In the summer months, patients who experience epistaxis or nosebleeds can benefit from incorporating gulkand with pravala bhasma into their regimen. This potent blend can help to prevent this condition, offering much-needed relief.

For individuals who suffer from excessive sweating, gulkand with pravala bhasma can help to regulate their body temperature and reduce sweat production. This is also true for non-diabetic patients who complain of burning feet during the summer months.

One of the most impressive benefits of gulkand with pravala bhasma is its ability to alleviate burning sensations in the anus and stop bleeding in patients with piles. Its cooling effect helps to reduce discomfort and promote healing.

Patients who experience redness in their eyes can also benefit from this Ayurvedic remedy. The rose petals in gulkand have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the eyes. This is particularly beneficial for patients with pitta prakruti during the summer months.

One of my patients, who was undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, was experiencing severe side effects such as fatigue, mouth sores, tiny pustules over the scalp, mouth ulcers, and changes in taste. As part of her treatment plan, I suggested that she consume two teaspoons of gulkand with pravala bhasma daily. The patient’s feedback was remarkable – she reported a significant reduction in her symptoms and felt more energized and comfortable. Gulkand with pravala bhasma proved to be an effective remedy to help alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and improve the patient’s overall well-being.

Overall, gulkand with pravala bhasma is a potent and versatile remedy with a wide range of benefits. 

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with new health fads and trends, it is comforting to know that traditional remedies like gulkand have stood the test of time. 

Why Diabetics Should Not Use Gulkand?

It’s important to note that gulkand is not recommended for diabetic patients. Diabetics should avoid eating gulkand due to its high sugar content. Gulkand is made by mixing rose petals with sugar, and the prolonged storage and fermentation process can further increase its sugar content. This can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, which can have negative health consequences.

Gulkand: Research

There are several studies that have been conducted on gulkand and its potential health benefits. Here are a few examples:

1. In a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology in 2014, researchers found that gulkand had significant anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may help to reduce inflammation in the body and protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

2. A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine in 2016 found that gulkand had a cooling effect on the body, which may help to alleviate symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

3. A study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology in 2012 found that gulkand had anti-ulcer activity in rats. The researchers concluded that gulkand may be useful in the treatment of gastric ulcers.