Sugarcane and Date varieties

(Sugarcane)
Sanskrit: इक्षु • Botanical: Saccharum officinarum Linn.

Properties of Sugarcane and its products (Gur/Jaggery, Khand, Sharkara/Sugar, Misri/Crystal sugar) are described. Sugarcane juice is sweet, cooling and nutritive. Jaggery (Gur) is heating and increases blood. Sugar (Sharkara) is cooling and used in Pitta disorders. Misri (rock candy) is the best form - it is cooling, Tridoshahara and used in medicinal preparations. The text describes the progressive purification from cane juice to Misri as increasingly beneficial. Referenced in end notes of the Varga.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Sucrose (15-20%), Glucose, Fructose, Minerals, Vitamins
Also Known As
English: Sugarcane
Sanskrit: इक्षु, गुड, शर्करा
Hindi: गन्ना, ईख

What is Sugarcane and Date varieties (Ikshu Bheda / इक्षु भेद)?

Properties of Sugarcane and its products (Gur/Jaggery, Khand, Sharkara/Sugar, Misri/Crystal sugar) are described. Sugarcane juice is sweet, cooling and nutritive. Jaggery (Gur) is heating and increases blood. Sugar (Sharkara) is cooling and used in Pitta disorders. Misri (rock candy) is the best form - it is cooling, Tridoshahara and used in medicinal preparations. The text describes the progressive purification from cane juice to Misri as increasingly beneficial. Referenced in end notes of the Varga.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Brinhana (nourishing)
  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Mutrakara (diuretic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Sugarcane and Date varieties by Condition

Explore how Sugarcane and Date varieties is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Sugarcane and Date varieties for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.