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Ayurvedic Health Benefits, Qualities and Uses of Mishri / Khada Sharkara (Candy Sugar)

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The art of producing sugar is over 2000-year-old. Mishri or candy sugar is a naturally sweet substance produced by using the sugarcane plant. It is the purest form of sugar without any chemicals in it. Mishri or Khada Sharkara is very different from our regular sugar. For many centuries, Mishri has been used in Ayurvedic medicines. According to Ayurveda, Shadrasa Bhojana (a wholesome meal including all six tastes) is important and in which Madhuara rasa (Sweet taste) is one of the main Rasa (Taste). The traditional method of making Mishri gives it its medicinal value. Over the past few decades, sugar has been categorized as a very unhealthy substance. The reason why sugar becomes unhealthy for us is due to the further processing and bleaching of raw sugar with sulphuric acid to get the perfect white crystals which are appealing to our eyes but are almost poisonous. Pure Mishri or genuine ayurvedic sugar is not chemically processed in this way. This can be seen from its light yellow or grey color. It has an almost neutral pH-value. Read on to know more about the Ayurvedic Health Benefits, Qualities and Uses of Mishri / Khada Sharkara (Candy Sugar)

Ayurvedic Qualities Of Mishri/ Sharkara/ Khada Sharkara  (Candy Sugar):

  1. Netrya – Good for eyes
  2. Kshatakshinahara – Removes fatigue or tiredness
  3. Saraka – Laxative
  4. Shukravardhaka – Improves seminal fluid in males
  5. Balakaraka – Improves strength
  6. Rakta-pittahara – Balances acid levels in the blood
  7. Chardighna – Treats vomiting and nausea
  8. Vatanashaka – Balances Vata dosha

The process of making Mishri/ Sharkara/ Khada Sharkara (candy sugar) is unique and natural

You might know that cane sugar is manufactured by evaporating cane sugar juice and further crystalizing it to get sugar crystals. The raw sugar crystals which are formed after evaporation of the sugarcane juice, are used to prepare ayurvedic Mishri. These raw unrefined sugar crystals still contain natural impurities like molasses in it which gives yellowish color to them. These crystals are also called as a Bhura sugar or Khand in India. These raw crystals are then mixed with a water in big industrial containers and boiled for a long period of time until it reaches perfect consistency.  Milk is then added to this boiling mixture to make these crystals of Mishri a little white in color. No chemicals are used. After that, this mixture is transferred to cellars and covered so that no light or air should enter in it for 7 to 8 days. This leads to the formation of big crystals which are called as a Mishri or Khada Sharkara. The light greyish yellow crystals that are left after crystallization, are then dried in the hot summer sun.

Cooling Effect of Mishri on Our Body

The entire process of crystallization and recrystallization of Mishri makes it light, easily digestible and cooling for our body. Ayurvedic experts report that Mishri has a balancing effect on the human body. It is also described as mild Alkaline by some Vaidyas (Ayurvedic practitioners). Mishri also has a calming effect on the Vata and Pitta doshas. The ayurvedic literature describes it as benefitting vitality.

Ayurvedic Uses Of Mishri:

  1. Ingestion Of Medicines
  2. Boosts Fertility
  3. Ingestion Of Medicines
  4. Energy Booster
  5. As a Refreshing Drink
  6. Useful For Lactating Mothers
  7. Relieves Cough And Sour Throat
  8. Culinary Benefits

Ingestion Of Medicines

It allows ingestion of very bitter or strong medicines, which are difficult to consume by themselves. This is why many ayurvedic medicines like Churnas (Medicine in a powdered form) are suggested to be taken along with Mishri. Also, many Ayurvedic herbal formulas like Chyavanprash, Kadha (Syrups) and ayurvedic tablets contain Mishri in it. Whenever a medicine is taken with sugar or honey, its absorption is faster, as the body is interested in sugar.

Boosts Fertility

When mixed with healthy fats (Ghee) and proteins (milk or yogurt) sugar adds a property of fertility to this mixture. For example, Panchamrit is a fertility booster for both male and female which contains Milk, Sugar, Ghee, Yogurt, and Honey. When taken regularly this mixture can increase Ojas (an ayurvedic term for vitality) in the body.  A mixture of Mishri, Milk, and saffron, when taken regularly at the bedtime, can also boost fertility power in males.

To know more about Panchamrit and its ayurvedic benefits read my previous blog on this topic by clicking here.

Energy Booster

Rock sugar has a refreshing taste, which provides an energy boost when had after a meal. After a meal, we tend to become sluggish but Mishri helps to boost up our energy.  It is a common practice in India to give a mixture of Mishri and fennel seeds

after a meal. This mixture is digestive and also works as a mouth freshener after a meal or any time of the day.

As a Refreshing Drink

In major parts of India, Mishri is widely used as a refreshing drink during summers. It is prepared by mixing a spoonful of Mishri powder to a glass of water. It exerts a soothing effect on the mind and body and relaxes us from stress. This is because it provides energy in the form of glucose, and also has the ability to balance the Pitta Dosha which increases during hot days of summers thereby relaxing our senses.

Useful For Lactating Mothers

Mishri, or rock sugar, is known to be useful for lactating mothers. It is because it works as an anti-depressant and keeps lactating mothers in a happy mood and increases the production of breast milk.

Relieves Cough And Sour Throat

Cough can occur when your throat is attacked by germs or when you have a fever. Mishri contains medicinal properties that give relief from a cough instantly. Take Mishri and slowly dissolve it in your mouth, this will bring relief to your persistent cough.  Mishri is a quick-fix for curing a sore throat. Just mix Mishri with black pepper powder and ghee and consume it at night.

Traditionally, Singers also consume Mishri or a mixture of Ghee and Mishri after their Riyaz( singing practice) which helps them in their vocal agility.

Culinary benefits

As Mishri is an unrefined form of sugar, it is known to be healthy as compared to normal table sugar. It also has a uniquely delicious taste to it. This is why Mishri can go with almost all the sweet preparations, right from confectioneries including lollipops, chocolates and also some sweet drinks. Always buy Good Quality Natural Mishri

to get all the benefits out of it. You can identify genuine Mishi with its greyish color. It sometimes has a yellowish tint to it and it is not crystal clear.

In small amounts, Mishri is considered Sattvic in nature. Ayurveda considers it as medicine. As with everything in Ayurveda, Mishri should be consumed consciously and sparingly. If it is consumed as a medicine Mishri can be very healthy for your body.

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