HERBAL GARDEN
इक्षु
Classification
Synoyms
Ikshu (Sanskrit)
Gudaankura
Sharkara-moola
Trinaputrika
Vahuja (many-jointed)
Habit
Tall, perennial grass
Habitat
Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of India and other countries. Prefers warm climate, fertile loamy soil and plenty of sunlight. Major crop for sugar production across India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar.
Morphology
- Grows 2–5 meters tall
- Stems: Solid, jointed, thick, juicy, fibrous – stores sugary juice
- Leaves: Long, narrow, green with prominent midrib
- Flowers: Terminal panicles, feathery, rarely seen in cultivated varieties
- Roots: Fibrous, spreading laterally
Chemical Composition
Sucrose (main sugar content)
Glucose, Fructose
Minerals: Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potassium
Vitamins: A, B-complex, C
Flavonoids
Phenolic compounds
Guna-Karma
Rasa- Madhura
Guna- Guru, Snigdha
Virya- Sheeta
Vipaka- Madhura
Karma- Brimhana, Mutrala, Dahashamana, Raktapittahara, Trishnanigrahana, Balya, Rasayana
Doshakarma- Pitta-Vatahara
Medicinal uses
Fresh juice is used in urinary disorders, jaundice, and dehydration.
Acts as a coolant, useful in acid reflux, gastritis, and burning micturition.
Used in anemia, weakness, and liver diseases.
Strengthens heart, muscles, and reproductive system.
Treats nosebleeds, excessive menstruation, and bleeding piles.
Useful Part
Stem (juice), Root
Doses
Swarasa (juice): 50–100 ml (fresh)
Churna (powder from root): 3–6 g
Decoction (Kwath): 50–100 ml
Important Formulation
Phalatrikadi
Ikshu Rasa
Chyawanprash
Guduchi Swarasa with Ikshu Rasa – for liver support
Shloka
इक्षुः शीतो गुरु स्वादुः स्नेहशीलो बृहन्नपि।
बलवर्णकरः शुक्र्यः तृष्णादाहविनाशनः॥
रक्तपित्तप्रशमनो मूत्रदाहहरोऽपि च। (भावप्रकाश निघण्टु – गुडवर्ग)
Hindi Name
गन्ना / ईख
English Name
Sugarcane
Botanical Name
Saccharum officinarum Linn.
Family
Poaceae (Gramineae)