Gulkand, an ayurvedic preparation from Indo-Persia, is made from fresh rose petals (any variety/ species) and sugar. It is rich in medicinal properties, useful in relieving or alleviating several health issues. Nutritionally, it is enriched with carbohydrates, a macronutrient requisite for energizing, and dietary fibre which helps relieve digestive problems.

BENEFITS

Gulkand, a potent medicine, has cooling properties and packs powerful antioxidants and flavonoids. Ayurveda explains it as a natural aphrodisiac, which adds to a slew of gulkand benefits. The rose petal jam packs vital nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin k, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, carotene and copper. There are a plethora of gulkand benefits and medicinal uses which could be useful in various health conditions.

The antioxidants in gulkand detoxify the body and rejuvenate the skin, protecting it against dust, pollution and other problems. It has cooling properties which help ward-off acne, pimples and old blemishes from the face.

One of the eminent gulkand benefits is relief from constipation. Gulkand infused milk helps relieve constipation in pregnant women naturally. It softens the stool, and the sugar aids flushing out liquids in the intestines.

A natural carminative, it is useful in overcoming digestive issues such as acidity and chest burning. It could be effective in calming bleeding piles and first-degree haemorrhoids.

The sweet rose preserve cures mouth ulcers by removing excess heat from the body.

Rose petals contain powerful antioxidants such as quercetin and kaempferol beneficial in clearing radicals from the body and preventing damage of cells.

The anti-inflammatory properties reduce skin inflammation and treat skin conditions such as arthritis and edema.

Rose petals are rich in citronellol, geraniol and nerol which have anti-microbial properties that inhibit bacterial growth in the body and prevent infections.

USES

Made of rose petals, there are innumerable benefits of gulkand. It packs vital nutrients and antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, cardiotonic and anti-tussive properties which enhance its therapeutic significance. The rose petal jam has a high culinary value in Indian and sub-continental cuisines.

Infused with coolant-like properties, one of the primary gulkand uses is to beat the summer heat.

The seasonal ingredient has a distinctive flavour and aroma which adds a unique taste to Indian deserts like gulkand rabri, kheer, icecream, peda and rolls. It is a vital component in paan, popular in the sub-continent, especially North-India and Pakistan.

It imparts a unique flavor and taste in teas, milkshakes, ice-creams and other thandai, smoothie, etc.