Introduction
Sugar is a well-known sweet substance obtained from sugarcane juice, dates, beetroot, and other sweet sources. In Pakistan and India, it is predominantly produced from sugarcane.
Sugar serves as a basic ingredient in the preparation of various foods and traditional medicines, including sweets, syrups (Sharbat), Khamiras, Itrifals, and other formulations.
It is available in several forms, including:
- Shakar Surkh — unrefined red sugar or jaggery
- Gur — jaggery
- Chini — refined sugar
- Bora — powdered sugar
Refined sugar or Bora is further processed to prepare products such as Tabasheer, Misri (rock sugar), and Kooza Misri.
Temperament (Mizaj)
White Sugar
Hot and moist, first degree.
Shakar Surkh
Shakar Surkh is traditionally considered hotter, and as it ages, it is believed to become increasingly dry.
Actions
Traditionally, sugar is described as:
- Antiseptic
- Laxative
- Heat-generating
- Body-strengthening
- Detergent (Jali) — cleansing
- Diuretic
- Mildly digestive
Traditional Uses
Preservation and Medicine Preparation
Because of its traditionally described preservative properties, sugar is used in the preparation and preservation of medicinal decoctions, fruits, syrups, Murabbas, Majoons, and Khamiras.
It is also added to decoctions and infusions to improve their taste and palatability.
Constipation
Traditionally, sugar is mixed with milk and used as a laxative to relieve constipation.
Urination
Because of its traditionally described diuretic action, sugar is consumed with milk and water as a type of Lassi to promote urination.
Digestion
A small quantity consumed after a meal is traditionally believed to support digestion. However, excessive consumption of sugar can contribute to weight gain, impaired metabolic health, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Wound Cleansing
Traditional sources describe sprinkling sugar on foul-smelling or septic wounds because of its cleansing and preservative properties.
However, this should not replace modern wound care, particularly for infected or open wounds.
Strength and Weight Gain
Traditionally, sugar is considered heat-generating and body-strengthening. It has therefore been used for individuals regarded as weak or undernourished to support weight gain.
Hot sugar syrup has also traditionally been administered to people whose bodies have become chilled due to cold weather.
Traditional literature further notes that wrestlers and physically active individuals were believed to have a greater capacity to digest sugar.
Specific Benefit
Traditionally regarded as antiseptic and preservative.
Dosage
For Laxative Effect
4–5 Tolas (approximately 47–58 g).
General Dosage
2–4 Tolas (approximately 23–47 g).
