With references such as Tongue of the Gods and Navel of Immortality it’s easy to see the importance of ghee in the Vedic literature. Long revered as a medicinal substance in Ayurveda, ghee has many uses beyond the kitchen. So whether you’re already a ghee devotee or you’re just getting to started, grab a cozy seat and learn about this important medicinal food.
“Ghee promotes memory, intelligence, agni, ojas, Kapha and medas.
It alleviates Vata, Pitta, poison, insanity, inauspiciousness and fever.
It is the best of all fats, is cold, madhura rasa, madhura vipaka, has 1000 potentialities and so, if used properly according to prescribed methods, exerts 1000 types of action”
- Charaka Samhita
Ghee is one of the most healing substances in Ayurveda when used appropriately. More than just clarified butter, ghee made from cow’s milk has a slightly nutty, golden flavor. It’s full of medium and short chain fatty acids including butyrates, which support a strong digestion, bile flow and a healthy microbiome. Research suggests it can even shut off gene expression for cancer and inflammation. Contrary to popular belief, ghee does not raise cholesterol, and is high in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), needed to build lean muscle mass and support weight loss. It is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins, including A, D, E, and K.
Ghee is taken with food for all who desire nourishment. It is best for those of Vata and Pitta constitution and especially those affected with fatigue, loss of strength, anaemia, jaundice and eye diseases. Young children, elderly and kapha individuals may enjoy ghee occasionally in small quantities. Adding ghee to the daily diet of women, especially those who are pregnant. It is said to fortify the bones and the immune system.
It’s high smoke point (482 F) makes it great for cooking. You’ll find it used in everything from traditional Indian recipes to bullet-proof coffee. Enjoy it on kitchari, sautéed vegetables or even popcorn.
In Panchakarma and Ayurvedic cleansing, we use ghee to because:
> It penetrates into and helps dissolve toxins in the tissues of the body. These wastes are then eliminated via the gut
> Ghee increases agni // digestion, without aggravating pitta dosha
> Ghee calms Pitta and Vata
> Ghee keeps all tissues of the body young and supple
Ghee can also be used in beauty and skin care.
> For dark circles: give your under-eye creams and serums a break and try ghee instead.
> For chapped and dark lips. Pour a drop of ghee on your fingertip and massage it gently over your lips.
> For dry skin: use ghee for abhyanga - apply it on your body before bath for soft and smooth skin.
If you’re interested in learning how to make ghee and how to cleanse with it at home, check out my Heal Your Gut Course.
Have you tried ghee? What's your favorite way to use it?
