Sharbat – Ayurvedic Method, Qualities, Benefits

Article by Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu), PhD.

Table of Contents

Introduction

In India, except during winters, in all other seasons, sharbat – juice is the favoured beverage offered to guests, especially in the afternoon.

Classical Ayurvedic text books explain Sharbat as Sharakoradaka.
Classical version of Sharabath as per Bhavaprakasha nighantu is explained here below –

Classical reference

Reference: Bhavaprakasha nighantu/Kritanna varga/148 – 150

Sharkarodaka

What is Sharkarodaka – as per classical version?
In a vessel water is taken and quantity sufficient sugar candy is added and dissolved. To this fine powder of cardamom, clove, camphor and pepper is added and mixed thoroughly. This is known as Sharkarodaka or Sharabath.
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Qualities

Sheetala (cold), Sara (motile), Madhura (sweet) and
balances Vata and Pitta Dosha.
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Actions, Applications

Action:
Shukrala (sexual vigor enhancer), Balya (tonic) and Ruchya (appetizer)

Application:
As it is a pacifier of Vatapitta doshas, coolant by nature it is indicated in burning sensation, thirst, fatigue, work exhaustion, syncope, nausea, vomiting, fever etc. It can be used in general debility and dehydration etc.
Read related: Amla Juice: How To Make? Benefits

It is a rejuvinative and tonic. Especially in summer season this is preferred so as to rehydrate the body. In the condition of diarrhea, fever, acid peptic disorders etc also this is of utmost use.

Sharkarodakam as per Bhojana Kutuhala

According to Bhojana Kutuhalam By Raghunathasuri sharkarodakam is a refreshing drink which can be easily prepared on any occasion. It is prepared by dissolving pure sugar in cold water along with cardamom, cloves, camphor and pepper.
Properties: It helps in increasing semen production, is a purgative, promotes strength, is light for digestion, sweet and tasty, cold in potency, improves taste perception, treats disorders caused by vitiation of vata, pitta and raktha and also mitigates fainting, vomiting,thirst, burning sensation and thirst.