Is Sharkara Safe for Kids? Ayurvedic Benefits & Clinical Advice by Dr. Rajshree (BAMS)

What is Sharkara?

Sharkara is normally made from sugarcane juice. It goes through a process called recrystallization. Any other bleached white sugar goes through industrial processing, but Sharkara is not subjected to it. For making Sharkara, sugarcane sap is dried in heat and it matures with beneficial Ayurvedic qualities.

This purification process also increases its cooling and soothing effects.

In Ayurveda, Sharkara is also known by names like

• Sita
  
• Khanda
  
• Matsyandika

These names just show variations in preparation and texture. They all are traditionally processed sugar crystals with medicinal qualities.

Why Doctors Recommend Sharkara?

The Dosha Factor

As per Ayurveda:

• Refined white sugar’s nature is considered Ushna (heating) and it aggravates Pitta dosha.
  
• Sharkara is Pitta-Shamaka (cooling) and Vata-Anulomana (supports healthy digestion).
  

Sharkara is still a carbohydrate and should be consumed in right amount. This traditionally processed sugar offers steadier energy release and reduces sudden spikes. These sudden spikes are what parents call "sugar rush".

Benefits of Sharkara for Children

Hridya & Balya

Sharkara is known as Hridya which means it is good for the heart and Balya meaning it improves strength. It also helps with digestion and intense thirst.

Fever or Sore Throat

I would suggest you to mix Sharkara with herbs like Sitopaladi to help with fever, soothe throat and respiratory tract. It is commonly used in formulations to reduce cough.

Urinary or Heat Conditions

Due to its cooling nature, Sharkara helps when heat causes irritability or mild burning sensations.

How to Give Sharkara?

Here are some easy ways to give it:

Sharkara + Amla

Add a pinch of Sharkara with Amla powder. It helps with antioxidant absorption.

Sharkara + Warm Milk at Night

Add a pinch in warm milk and give at night. It helps kids sleep better.

With Herbal Formulations

It is also used as a carrier for powders like Sitopaladi or churnas to improve taste for children.

Age-Wise Dosage

Keep in mind that you have to give it based on your child’s digestion, acidity level, and medical condition. You should not give any kind of added sugars to kids under 12 months.

Quality Check

I have seen many cases of fake brown sugar in market which is sold in the name of Sharkara. You can always check that Sharkara you buy:

• Has off-white crystals
  
• Is not artificially colored
  
• Dissolves easily in water
  
• Does not have a chemical-like aftertaste

Sharkara vs. Mishri

I believe both are better compared to refined sugar. But classical texts say Sharkara has cooling effects, and it is very purified.
Mishri also has cooling properties but it has a different preparation and crystalline structure. That’s why Sharkara is the first choice in herbal formulations.

Avoid Sharkara If

Your child has:

• Diabetes
  
• Obesity
  
• Any Fungal infections
  
• High Kapha imbalance
  

You can always consult your pediatrician if in doubt.

Dr. Rajshree’s Clinical Tip: Many parents mistake brown sugar for Sharkara. But authentic Sharkara is off-white. While working as a sweetener, it's also a 'Bheshaja' that balances Pitta without giving the sugar crash.

Conclusion

Children naturally love sweet taste and it also plays an important role in a child’s development. So you can’t avoid sugar completely. Ayurveda also focuses on giving sweet foods with purity and moderation in mind.

Sharkara is a Satvik sweetener, cooling, nourishing, and supportive. I suggest parents to choose better forms of sugar in right amounts instead of avoiding completely.

FAQs about Sharkara

1. Can Sharkara be given to kids under 12 months?

I would not recommend any sugar, including Sharkara. At this stage, the digestive system of a baby is still developing, and the baby’s mother’s milk or formula contains all the sweetness a baby needs.

2. Can Sharkara cause dental cavities?

I believe any kind of sugar like refined sugar, jaggery, Mishri, or Sharkara, can cause cavities in teeth if your kid’s teeth hygiene is not good. 

3. My child gets cough and cold again & again. Can Sharkara help?

You can give it for dry, irritating cough. But for cough with thick mucus, I would suggest to avoid it.

4. Is Sharkara & Hyperactiveness related?

It normally happens because of rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Sharkara, when consumed in right amount, is less likely to cause it.

5. How to know if Sharkara I have is real or not?

Real Sharkara should have clean crystals that are off-white in color. It should also dissolve easily in water without leaving color. 

6. Can I give Sharkara during summer?
Yes, Sharkara is cooling in nature and good to consume in summer. It is good for children who get heat rashes.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Every child’s constitution (Prakriti) is unique; please consult your pediatrician or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before making changes to your child's diet.