Jaggery — Properties
गुडः
Old jaggery is medicine, new jaggery is trouble. Purana Guda (over a year old) lightens, purifies blood, and pacifies Vata; fresh Guda piles on Kapha and Ama.
What is Jaggery — Properties (Guda / गुड)?
Jaggery (Guda) is the solidified product of concentrated sugarcane juice. It is sweet, heavy, unctuous, and nourishing. It increases blood and fat tissues, is aphrodisiac and diuretic. However, new jaggery (Nava Guda) is heavier and harder to digest compared to old jaggery (Purana Guda). New jaggery increases Kapha, may promote worm infestation, and is difficult to digest. Old jaggery (more than one year old) is considered superior — it is lighter, better for digestion, purifies blood, and does not have the adverse effects of new jaggery. Jaggery alleviates Vata. The text lists various processing stages and types of Guda including Vikara (variations) prepared through different methods of boiling and processing. Verses 6-10.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 22
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Brumhana (nourishing)
- Vrushya (aphrodisiac)
- Mutrala (diuretic)
- Raktavardhaka (increases blood tissue)
- Medavardhaka (increases fat tissue)
- Krimikara (may promote worm infestation — if impure)
- Bala-kara (strength-promoting)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 22
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.