Gulkand is a sweet preserve of Rose petals and is popular for its unique taste and fragrance. Gulkand health benefits make it a prime ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines and treatments. Many of you may have tasted Gulkand in our traditional paan or mouth fresheners. By using gulkand in our daily life we can reap the benefits.
It is believed to be from ancient Indo-Persia, claimed to have originated around 900 B.C. Its original etymology claims to be the same in both Persian and Urdu; Gul, which means ‘flower’ in both languages, and Kand, which means ‘sweet’ in Arabic.
Health Benefits Of Gulkand

Gulkand health benefits 1.Rich in Nutrients
Rose petals contain 80 to 95% water content. The values provided below are based on Gulkand prepared using 100 grams of sugar and 200 grams of fresh rose petals. Rose petals are an excellent source of Vitamin C. It is also a good source of Vitamin B, Vitamin E, and vitamin K.Rose petals are also a good source of Carotene, Calcium, Magnesium, and Copper. Rose petals are rich in antioxidants like phenols and flavonoids. ( 2 ,3, 4 )
Nutritive value of Gulkand –
Total Calories ( per 10 grams) | 12 to 15 |
Total Carbohydrates (per 10 grams) | 4.13 grams to 5.3 grams |
Dietary Fiber (per 10 grams) | 0.85 grams to 1.7 grams |
Sugar (per 10 grams) | 3.3 grams |
Water (per 10 grams) | 4.3 grams to 5.8 grams |
Total fat (per 10 grams) | 0 |
Total Cholesterol | 0 |
Sodium | 0 |
The exact data for nutrition analysis is not available for Gulkand. Data provided here is just an estimate and calculation based on sugar content nutrition data and available data for nutrition facts of rose petals.
Gulkand health benefits 2. Natural Coolant
Gulkand has cooling properties that help in treating ailments that are caused due to excess heat in the body. Heat-related problems like tiredness, lethargy, itching, aches and pains can be cured by Gulkand. It also helps in reducing burning sensations in the soles and palms.
Gulkand can also be used in summers to keep the body cool inside out. When the sun is roaring high outside in summers it is essential to keep the body cool to prevent dehydration and related ailments.
The regular intake of Gulkand prevents sunburn or sun poisoning that commonly occurs in the summer season. It reduces the impact of excess heat on the body.
Nosebleed in summer is a common issue in kids. Gulkand is a natural remedy that helps get rid of nosebleeds. Give 1 teaspoon of gulkand to your children to prevent and treat nosebleeds.
Gulkand health benefits 3. Best Rejuvenator
Gulkand is a rich source of antioxidants and helps to detoxify the body. Consuming Gulkand will help in maintaining healthy and glowing skin. It rejuvenates the skin and protects it from pollution, dust, and regular wear and tear. Due to excess heat in the body pimples and acne may arise, Gulkand removes the excess heat and removes pimples and old blemishes.
Gulkand health benefits 4. Cures Constipation
Gulkand softens the stool and its sugar content helps drawing liquids in the intestines, which ultimately helps to get rid of constipation in the pregnancy. Including Gulkand and fiber-rich food like fruits and vegetables in a regular diet cures constipation completely. It is safe for pregnant women and kids as well. Half a teaspoon of gulkand in one glass of warm milk before bed is beneficial in curing constipation.
Gulkand also helps in treating acidity and heartburn. In Ayurveda, it is prescribed to take half a teaspoon of gulkand in between meals to overcome severe acidity problems in patients.
It is effective in treating mild first-degree hemorrhoids and bleeding piles. But if the case is severe it will need other medical interventions.
Gulkand health benefits 5. Treats Mouth Ulcers
Due to excess heat in the body, many people will suffer from mouth ulcers frequently. Gulkand helps in treating the ulcers effectively. It removes excess heat from the body and gives a soothing effect during burning sensation and pain due to mouth ulcers.
Gulkand health benefits 6. Relieves from menstrual problems
It has been proven that gulkand relives from heavy menstrual bleeding, white discharge, and other menstrual disorders in women. It relaxes the muscles of the reproductive organs in women and helps in overcoming menstrual pain during periods. (5)
Gulkand health benefits 7. Rose petal as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Phytochemicals in Rose petals exhibit strong antioxidant properties that have various medicinal uses. Quercetin and kaempferol are known potent antioxidants found in rose petals. It helps in the removal of free radicals and protects body cells from damage. Rose petals and other rose extracts offer anti-inflammatory effects. It helps reduce inflammation of the skin, treat edema, and helps relieve arthritis.
Gulkand health benefits 8. Antimicrobial properties of Rose
Rose petals have shown a wide range of antimicrobial properties. Its essential oil and rose petal extract shows prevent the growth of bacteria. In vitro studies have confirmed the antibacterial properties of Rose essential oil on a wide spectrum of bacteria. Rose has been traditionally used in the treatment of gastrointestinal troubles and infections. Citronellol, geraniol, and nerol in rose essential oil are believed to offer antibacterial properties. Rose oil or Rose petal extract is used in antiseptic lotion to prevent infections. (6, 7)

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Medicinal Use Of Gulkand
Gulkand is used with other ayurvedic medicines like Mukta Pishti, Parval Pishti, Yashad Bhasma, and Gandhak Rasayana to treat many ailments which are caused due to excessive heat generation in the body. (1)
What is Gulkand?
Gulkand is a delicious sweet preserve of rose petals. Traditionally Rose petals and sugar are sun-dried for few days to make gulkand. Gulkand is also known as Rose Jam or Rose marmalade. You can also replace sugar with Jaggery to make healthier version of Gulkand.
How to Prepare Gulkand?
Preparation time: 10-12 days or more depending on the weather
Cooking time: Nil
Serves: 1/2 cup Gulkand
Ingredients Needed:
- 35-40 fresh rose flowers yielding 2 cups tightly packed rose petals
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
Method:
1. Separate the rose petals and keep them in a bowl. Wash the petals thoroughly and drain them.
2. Dry the petals on a clean kitchen towel in shade.
3. Next, take a wide mouth clean and dry glass jar and arrange a layer of petals followed by the sugar layer. Sprinkle the crushed cardamom. Again spread a thin layer of petals, followed by sugar and so on, until all the petals and sugar are over.
4. Lastly, squeeze honey over the top layer and cover the jar with an airtight lid and place it in sunlight for 7-10 days. Every day mix gulkand with a clean and dry spoon. After 10 days, gulkand is ready to eat. Refrigerate the jar. Gulkand can stay good until 1 year if handled with care.
Points to remember –
You do not want pesticide and chemical sprayed flowers. So select the rose petals which are grown organically. If you have your rose plant it’s the best option!
Do not pluck the roses from roadside vendors or plants as they would have absorbed the pollution and fumes around them.
Any type of rose flower is fine for Gulkand Preparation. The rose petals should be firm, bright red, and free from blemishes and dark spots.

How can Gulkand be consumed?
You can use consumed gulkand as it is regularly or you can try them in your cuisines like Paan, desserts, milkshakes, and ice creams. You can also use rose-flavored teas and rose-infused drinks. Gulkand is added in many mouth freshness.
However, one can eat Gulkand without any adjuvant or with water, but cow’s milk is the best adjuvant for Gulkand in most diseases especially in constipation. Water is a good adjuvant for Gulkand in gastric problems.
How much Gulkand is safe for consumption?
One teaspoon a day is safe for consumption for everyone. You can consult a doctor, preferably an Ayurvedic practitioner if you are having any ailments like piles, constipation, etc. Dosage may be increased or decreased accordingly.
Are there any side effects of Gulkand?
As such no side effects of Gulkand have been proven. If anyone gets allergic symptoms after consuming Gulkand it is better to avoid it.
As it is high in sugar content people with Diabetes must use them cautiously and the doctor’s suggestions before consumption are suggested.
Does Gulkand help in weight loss?
Weight loss includes many factors including diet, exercise, sleep, and hydration. Gulkand alone cannot help with weight loss. People looking for weight loss may consume one teaspoon of it once a week. As it is high in sugar excessive consumption may hamper the weight loss process.

Also read – 12 Impressive Health Benefits of Nutmeg
Hot is healthy – 12 health benefits of black pepper
9 Health Benefits of Cardamom- The queen spice
Time to take turmeric benefits seriously
Bottom Line
Rich, sweet, and oozing with flavors Gulkand can make your deserts and regular milkshakes more interesting. Not only high on taste it is immensely rich in antioxidants and other nutrients. Try Gulkand to reap its health benefits. Gulkand is easy to prepare delicacy, which can be made at home without much hassle. All that is required are rose petals and sugar. Gulkand is an ideal ingredient to beat the summer heat since it possesses coolant-like properties. Gulkand is undoubtedly a general healthy herbal preparation that can be used year-round by everyone.
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