Ghee has been consumed by mankind for thousands of years. Our ancestors always insisted on the importance of this food for ages. Not only ghee has been a medium for cooking and imparting the rich taste to food but also have several health benefits.
Being placed on the top of the must-have food list according to Ayurveda, Ghee (Ghrita- cow ghee) is beautiful & magical golden liquid, fragrant and healthy, made from the milk of grass-fed animals that grazed in a natural and unpolluted environment. Ayurveda boasts about cow ghee (Ghrita) as more than a food substance. Cow Ghee is known to be digested 96% which is highest as compared to all other vegetable or animal source fats.
Ghee is an ideal fat for deep frying because its smoke point (where its molecules begin to break down) is 250 °C (482 °F), which is well above typical cooking temperatures of around 200 °C (392 °F) and above that of most vegetable oils. The main flavour components of ghee are carbonyls, free fatty acids, lactones, and alcohols. Along with the flavour of milk fat, the ripening of the butter and temperature at which it is clarified also affect the flavour. For example, ghee produced by the clarification of butter at 100 °C (212 °F) or less results in a mild flavour, whereas batches produced at 120 °C (248 °F) produce a strong flavour.
As with all foods, ghee holds a certain energy. For example, Garlic and onions have a heavy, tamasic energy; coffee and chocolate have an active, “can do” or rajasic energy. Ghee, on the other hand, holds a pure or sattvic energy. Sattvic foods are thought to be abundant in prana, the universal life force. Sattvic foods a harmonious and peaceful nature. These foods also support physical strength, a strong and pure mind, good health, and longevity.
Because the sattvic energy is so pronounced in ghee, it is often an integral part of religious ceremonies in ancient Vedic customs. It is said that Prajapati, the Lord of Creatures in Hindu mythology, rubbed his hands together and created ghee. He then poured the ghee into the fire, creating his offspring. While performing hindu rituals, ghee is offered to Agni, the God of Fire. In sanskrit language Ghee is known as “ghrta”. It is derived from the base, “ghr”, which means “to shine.” It allows the body and mind to burn with a radiant aura and a refined brilliance, fueling “dhi” (intelligence), buddhi (intellect), and “smrti” (memory). Its unctuous quality makes all things soft and malleable, creating supple organs and an adjusting and harmonious mind.
Medicinal qualities of Ghee:
· An “anupāna” (Bio-enhancer) substance
· A “dīpana” (induces digestive fire – aids in assimilation) substance
· A “rasāyana” (immunomodulator) substance
These qualities are the most important for carrying the medicinal properties of the drugs (or even the nutrients in food) through the ‘Primary nutrition pathways’.
Rasa: Sweet
Virya: Cooling
Vipaka: Sweet
Qualities: Light, Subtle
Prapav: Kindles Agni
Actions on the doshas: Tridoshic – balances Vata, Pitta & Kapha (in moderation)
Action on the mind: Sattvic
Ayurveda reference:
The qualities of Ghee as per the materia medica text – “Bhavaprakasha Nighantu”
घृतं रसायनम् । स्वादुः । चक्षुष्यम् । वह्निदीपनम् । शीतवीर्यम् । विष-अलक्ष्मि-पाप-पित्त-अनिल-अपहम् । अल्प-अभिष्यन्दि । कान्ति-ओजस्-तेजस्-लावण्य-वृद्धिकृत् । स्वर-स्मृति-करम् । मेध्यम् । आयुष्यम् । बलकृत् ।… — (२-३, घृतवर्गः, भावप्रकाशनिघण्टुः)
[Ghee is “rasāyana” । tasty । improves eye sight । digestive fire inducer । cold in potency । removes toxins, bad qualities, excessive heat, flatulence । mild-laxative । improves – radiance, life energy, luster and beauty । improves voice and memory faculties । improves intellect । enhances life-force । improves body strength । etc. etc…]
Today, we are scared of eating ghee even though only a few years ago it was regularly consumed in our country not with guilt, but with joy. If consumed correctly, it has immense health benefits. The detoxifying properties of Ghee make it a notable element in cleansing rituals. In fact, ingestion of ghee is a fundamental protocol for cleansing treatments and panchakarma in Ayurveda. It has been found that many toxins have a lipophilic (fat-like) structure, allowing them to easily mix in with the ghee and move out of the tissues and body. In one striking study, it was found that panchakarma reduced mean levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, a common environmental toxin that is lipophilic, by an alarming 46%
Traditionally, there are two methods to prepare ghee.
- The traditional method of making ghee (bilona) is quite elaborate. Cow’s milk is boiled and cooled. Then curd is made out of the milk. The curd is then churned to extract butter from it. This butter is then boiled so that the water evaporates leaving behind pure ghee.
- In the second method, milk cream or malai is cultured/ fermented with a spoon of curd. Then it is churned to extract butter, the butter is then washed and boiled so that the water evaporates leaving behind pure ghee.
Ghee prepared by fermentation process or by yogurt produces lesser kapha. Hence contributes less to cholesterol. It is easier to digest as well as compared to ghee made out of cream directly.
Today most commercial butter is made by pushing the cream and protein of milk through a fine mesh screen versus churning the milk. This does create a considerable difference, in that the traditional churning process with which ghee was often made added a stronger quality of digestive fire (agni), which balances the ghee and increases its sattvic energy.
With the milk solids removed, most of the calcium is also removed. On the other hand, ghee contains a whopping 108 micrograms of vitamin A (a natural antioxidant) in just one tablespoon! It also contains a considerable amount of butyric acid, a short chain fatty acid, which acts like a natural probiotic (the intestinal bacteria feed off this for energy), supporting digestion and the immune system.
Ghee is the “kapha” food. As the ancient tradition of Ayurveda says, it is important to make sure you consume only as much as your agni can handle. It is when we eat beyond the capacity of our agni that we run into various health issues, such as heart challenges or weight gain.
Ghee balances pitta Dosha well! Pitta is the fire element in the body. So when we divide the day into three parts, at the afternoon time when the heat in the environment is at the peak, pitta is also aggravated. Hence, consumption of ghee during afternoon is the best practice.
Taking ghee in the afternoon is ideal especially during summer and in autumn season. During summer, ghee is good to calm the excess afternoon heat. During autumn, pitta is naturally aggravated.
During evenings, vata is aggravated and ghee is even good to relieve Vata Dosha symptoms such as anxiety, excess thoughts, sleep disturbances etc. So, if you suffer from excessive stress, lack of sleep etc. then consume ghee in afternoon and evening as well
Reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes
Ghee is rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that protects against plaque, cancer and diabetes.
Ghee doesn’t have a direct role in combating diabetes. But being fat, ghee is a source of energy that helps you to reduce the amount of carbohydrate intake. For example, including 10-15 ml ghee in your meal will help you to cut down 30-40 gms of rice or chapati, thus helping you to cut down glucose intake and control blood sugar.
It also helps to satiate hunger fast. Hence it makes one to stay away from food for longer period of time with making you hungry or tired.
Lowers cholesterol
Ghee is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which lower cholesterol and improve heart health.
Ghee for Digestion
Pitta and fire are inter-related. Usually substances, that balance pitta dosha also depletes the digestion fire. But ghee doesn’t do so. It balances pitta dosa but increases the digestion strength (Bhava Prakasha).
Does not break down into free radicals
Many oils have a low smoke point, at which they break down and form free radicals. Free radicals are harmful agents that cause all sorts of diseases and deterioration in the body, right from ageing to cancer. Ghee has a high smoke point (250 °C), so it doesn’t break down into free radicals while cooking.
Psychological Benefits
Cow ghee is best suited for those desiring intellect, memory and intelligence. Ghee mixed with mustard and neem leaves is used for fumigation. This helps to ward off evil energies.
Application of ghee over scalp area helps to calm the mind down, relieves anxiety and gives better sleep.
Ghee for Immunity
Ghee is immunity booster. The term ojas used in ayurveda represents immunity. Ghee is one of the essential ingredients to improve Ojas. Substances that are anti-aging naturally improve the immunity. Loaded with vitamin A and antioxidants, ghee is rich in antiaging properties. According to Charak Sutrasthana 25/40. Ghee along with milk is considered as best anti-aging dietary combination.
Ghee for weight Gain
Since ghee is fat, and hence takes time to burn and get deposits in the body. So people seeking weight gain are recommended to have ghee in a recommended quantity.
Ghee for Shukra Dhatu
Ghee is useful to improve the quality of Shukra Dhatu (male and female reproduction system).
With immense nourishing health benefits, it is indicated for who are sexually active. Ayurveda suggests to consume medications related to infertility to be consumed with cow ghee.
Ghee for Dryness
People suffering from extreme skin dryness, dry voice or throat and or overall dryness of body. In winters, consumption of ghee along with milk helps to relieve dryness and induce unctuousness, very quickly (Ashtanga. Hr. Su 16/41). Ghee was also used as dietary ingredient in post-surgical care.
Ghee for Fever
Intake of ghee helps in relieving burning sensation from fever. It is to be noted that clarified butter is not indicated while the person is having fever. It is only used in patients, after fever is completely cured, to regain the strength and immunity.
Ghee for Eyes
Cow Ghee is used in Tarpana protocol of Ayurveda to deal with many eye disorders. A well is created around eye orbits with the help of thick floor dough and the herbal compound of ghee is poured. The person is asked to open and close the eyes during this process… Ayurveda suggests that this procedure improves and strengthens your eyes power. Cow Ghee processed with triphala is used specifically during this process. Ghee along with honey and triphala is tolad as a remedy to improve eye health. Ghee is also used to wash eyes for soothing effect. Kajal made by burning ghee bud also gives cooling and soothing effect to eyes and also strengthens the eye sight.
Ghee for Gargling
Cow ghee is used to heal oral ulcers and relieve burning sensation by oil pulling method. It is indicated in pitta imbalance oral disorders.
Ghee for skin issues
As the name suggests, It is a special procedure in which cow ghee is washed with water for 100 times. In pregnant woman, this special processed ghee is used to apply around the umbilical area. Shata Dhauta Grita is also used over wounds and burns to reduce the heat and calm pitta. Shata Dhauta Grita due to its cooling properties is used as a topical medicine to treat skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema etc.
Ghee is also applied over lips to heal seasonal cracked lips or heal cracks.
Ghee Enema
Herbal rectal suppositories are smeared with ghee before insertion in anal canal. In Ayurveda protocol, enema of ghee is used to strengthen bones (Astangahrdayam11/34)
As per Ayurveda, bone gets nourishment from fat and gets depleted by aggravated vata dosha by administering ghee through enema, Vata gets balanced, leading to proper nourishment of bone tissue. Hence, Ghee enema is useful in cases like arthritis.
While administering it for enema, usually it is administered alone in dose of 60 ml, yet the decision of best combination and its dose can be best prescribed by the Ayurveda physician.
Ghee for Wound, Bleeding and Burning Sensation
According to the book Astangahrdayam- Jatyadi grita- a herbal ghee is used to treat external wounds as topical application. In leech therapy, ghee is applied on concerned area to reduce burning senations. Ghee is advised to be applied over bledding wounds for cooling and quick wound healing effect. In earlier times, ghee was used to apply over the surgical suture for quick healing. While treating fistula and piles using a special preparation called “kshara”, ghee is applied after the procedure to relieve burning sensation and irritation.
Ghee for Hemorroids
Ghee eases constipation and makes the fecel matter smooth and unctuous. This helps easy in easy elimination of stool. A spoon of ghee especially at night is very good to use for people with piles. Charak Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 14/223 suggests tha, where there are bleeding haemorroids with severe pain and burning, ghee can be applied locally to reduce the bleeding and relieving burning sensation. For this purpose ghee in room tempratute should be used.
Ghee during Pregnancy
Ghee is ideal for improving intelligence, memory, digestion strength, longevity and also improving quality of semen and ovum. Loaded with Vitamin K2, ghee plays an important role in the development of the baby’s facial features and teeth
- During first 12 days of pregnancy, ghee obtained from milk should be consumed by pregnant woman.
- In first trimester, milk, ghee and honey are to be administered to the pregnant (Charaka Samhita Sarirasthana 8/32)
- In the fifth month of pregnancy, ghee and milk should be administered to pregnant Charaka Samhita Sarirasthana 8/32)
- In Sixth month, milk and ghee processed with sweet herbs as prescribed to be administered.
- In seventh month, ghee can be processed with wild yam etc herbs and administered. (Charaka Samhita Sarirasthana 10/4)
- In eighth month, milk and ghee should be given to drink. Rice gueil processed with ghee should be given.
External Application during pregnancy
In case of bleeding during pregnancy, one should apply shata dhauta (100 times washed) or sahasra dhauta (1000 times washed) ghee to all the area below the level of umbilicus to stabilize pregnancy.
Ghee with turmeric is excellent remedy for cracked heals during pregnancy.
Ghee is traditionally anointed over palm and feet to relieve burning sensation.
Ghee applied over abdomen, flanks, lower parts of breasts and buttocks to prevent stretch marks.
Ghee for New born
2-5 drops of Ghee are advised to be given to new born. Ghee and milk are congenial to children by birth. Ghee is also advised to lactating mothers. It is believed to add nourishing qualities to the breast milk and fortify milk with nourishing qualities.
Ghee as nasal Drops
- The practice of Putting 2 drops of Cow ghee in both nostrils in morning, and atleast 30 minutes before food is called Nasya Karma. It is useful for treating white hair, hair fall, migraine, stress, Trigeminal neuralgia, Tinnitis, hearing problems, vision problems, Lack of memory and concentration.
- Before you go out of your house for work, try applying thin layer of ghee to inner walls of your nostrils. It helps in avoiding dust allergy.
- Putting 2 drop of cow ghee in nostril before you sleep, gives you sound sleep and also improves your memory and nourishes brain.
- The nasal drops therapy with ghee can be continued for 2-6 weeks time.
In case of specific diseases like Schizophrenia, epilepsy etc. herbal compounded ghee is recommended for such diseases such as Maha Klayanaka ghrita, Panchagavya Grita etc.
Precautions: Use of ghee for nasal drops is not recommended when the sky is full of clouds, i.e. winters and rainy seasons.
It is also not recommended if person has cold, sinusitis, cough or fever. Since these occur due to elevated vata and kapha, ghee being from kaphsa prakruti may worsen the condition.
Other Home Remedies
- Having a teaspoon of ghee before food in morning relieves pain in bladder region. (Astangahrdayam, 4/6)
- Haritaki Powder is consumed with ghee to relieve burning sensation
Triphala decoction added with ghee and sugar is useful in treating anemia
Regular A2 Gir Cow Ghee
Gir Cow A2 Cultured Ghee is gluten free, easy to digest and safe for most people with lactose or casein sensitivities our ghee is derived from the high breed Gir cow, known for producing the highly regarded A2 milk. Unlike regular milk, A2 milk contains only A2 protein which is healthier and safer than A1 protein.
We prepare Desi-Ghee by traditional bilona method. This Vedic method is the best process to prepare Desi-Ghee. In market ghee is produced from milk cream through machines and chemicals. The Ghee prepared with machines and chemicals does not have therapeutic properties. At our centre we take care that Ghee is made by Ayurvedic method which is recommended by Indian literature.
This ghee can be used in every day cooking.
Brahmi Ghrita
Brahmi is herb and Ghrit means cow’s ghee. Doon Brahmi is class apart and is sold as premium Brahmi –prices usually 3 times higher than all Brahmis. Brahmi herb is infused in cow ghee to make Brahmi Ghrita
Benefits of Brahmi Grita
- Memory enhancer
- Anti-stress
- Antioxidant
- Adaptogenic
- Anticancer
- Antidepressant
- Anticonvulsant
Therapeutic Indications:
- Brahmi Ghrita (Ghee) is helpful in following health conditions.
- Mental Fatigue
- Mental Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Unmanageable emotional excesses
- Convulsions
- Epilepsy
- Hyperuricemia or Gout
- Nervine Weakness
- Speech Disorders – Stuttering, Difficulties Pronouncing Sounds, articulation disorders
Dosage & Administration: The most appropriate dosage of Brahmi Ghrita is 10 ml once a day for adults with good digestive capacity. The maximum dosage of Brahmi Ghee should not exceed from 20 ml per day.
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- The general dosage of Brahmi Ghrita (Ghee) is as follows.
- Infants: 1 ml *, Children-2.5 ml*, Adults-10 ml*, Pregnant Woman-5 ml*, Lactating Mothers-5 ml*, Geriatric-5 ml*
- Maximum Possible Dosage 20 ml per day
- When to take: In morning empty stomach
Dosage: 3-6 gms twice a day with sugar candy or milk or as directed by physician.
Arjuna Grita
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- Arjun Ghrit is a medicated ghee prepared from cow’s ghee and a few extremely healthy herbs. Arjuna herb is famous for its impact on heart and various other vital organs of human body. Considering the rate at which heart problems are taking a toll on human life every second, it is important that you think of using something like arjun ghrit for heart problems. Arjun ghrit benefits in a variety of ways and ensures that you have a healthy and stress-free heart.
- Arjun ghrita is also an excellent solution to many bleeding disorders. If you suffer from any irregular bleeding from nose or vagina, try arjun ghrita benefits.
- It also used against a few abdominal problems. Arjun ghrita benefits in treating excessive abdominal gas and associated problems. The herb by improving digestive strength increases weight in a healthy manner.
- It gives strength to brain, nerves, eyes, rectum and other body organs. So, if you want to gift all these body parts with health, just use arjun ghrit.
Dosage: 3-6 gms twice a day with sugar candy or milk or as directed by physician.
Ashwagandha Ghrita
- Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen and has a positive effect on the neuro system in managing stress.
- It Helps promote sound sleep at night and calming the mind
- Ashwagandha Ghee is an excellent revitalizing and rejuvenating tonic for adults and kids
- Helps support healthy lung function
- It helps in enhancing brain function and memory
- Ashwagandha grita enhances the endocrine system and thus helps regulating the thyroid and adrenal glands. These glands are responsible for maintaining the balance of the reproductive hormones and hence play a very important role in the treatment of infertility.
- Ashwagandha ghrita is also helps in improving iron.
Dosage: 3-6 gms twice a day with sugar candy or milk or as directed by physician.
Tikta Ghrita
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- Also known as “Bitter Ghee”,
- Tikta Ghrita is a typical panacea for cleansing therapies, especially when relating to the liver, spleen, gallbladder, blood, pancreas.
- Deeply cleans the GI tract while detoxifying all tissue of the body
- Assists in balancing hormones and improves skin health and complextion
- Improves arthritic symptoms as well as aids in healing of hemorrhoids, skin sores, and wounds
- This cooling ghee Balances for all doshas, especially Pitta and Kapha it reduces inflammation throughout the body and inflammation, acne, rash, hyper-metabolism, hot flashes, and liver disorders.
Dosage: 3-6 gms twice a day with sugar candy or milk or as directed by physician.
Triphala Ghrita
- Also known as Triphala Ghee, this traditional formula is used for both its cleansing and rejuvenation properties.
- Useful for all dosha body-types, Triphala Ghee cleanses the GI tract, blood and liver;
- balances the hormones, promotes healthy elimination, boosts the digestion and rejuvenates the body on a cellular level.
- Filled with Vitamin C and antioxidants, this anti-aging tonic is also beneficial for the immunity, skin and hair.
Shatavari Ghrita
Shatavari has a special affinity for nourishing and supporting the female reproductive system, and ghee is an excellent vehicle for carrying herbs to the deeper tissues of the body. The combination allows for a wonderful way to utilize the full potential of this rejuvenating herb.
Shatavari being a root medicine, it grounds us back to the earth (kapha) when we are trapped in our heads or feel anger rising. Shatavari contains the happy chemicals flavonoids, polyphenols, and saponins. These all aid in reducing the cortisol chemicals we experience during stressful experiences. In addition, this helps regulate hormones in women, which offer easier premenstrual and menstrual cycles. Pain, gas, bloating, irregular or scanty bleeding can all be soothed by this herb.
Shatavari Ghrita is beneficial in various ways:
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- Healthy levels of breast milk production*
- Supports already balanced female hormones or levels slightly hyperthyroid
- Morning sickness in pregnant women
- Soothing effect on the digestive tract in the event of excess heat
- Healthy peristalsis of bowels
- Moisturizing support of the respiratory tract
- Promotes healthy energy levels and strength
- Supports the immune system through its’ building, nourishing properties
- Natural antioxidant properties
- Antacid and Anticolic — used in hyperacidity, heartburn, gastritis, peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis
- Antispasmodic — spasms or abdominal cramps experienced during menstruation
- Uterine tonic — used in menorrhagia, uterine prolapse
- Binds stools — good for IBS, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, e.t.c.
- Heart and brain tonic — good for migraines, vision problems
Rasayana Ghrita
Rasayana Ghrita is translated as Rejuvenation Ghee. This potent mixture of Ayurvedic herbs carefully infused in ghee is a great anti-aging tonic for increasing strength, energy, vitality (Ojas), immunity, muscle mass and tissue regeneration. This formula is a great replacement for Ashwagandha Ghee, Bala Ghee, Licorice Ghee or Shatavari Ghee and is a much more powerful tonic due to the synergistic nature of this formula. Perfect complement to any rejuvenation therapy and is suitable for daily use.
Dosage: 3-6 gms twice a day with sugar candy or milk or as directed by physician.
Shata Dhauta Grita
As the name suggests, It is a special procedure in which cow ghee is washed with water for 100 times. In pregnant woman, this special processed ghee is used to appl around the umbilical area. Shata Dhauta Grita is also used over wounds and burns to reduce the heat and calm pitta. Shata Dhauta Grita due to its cooling properties is used as a topical medicine to treat skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema etc.
Ghee is also applied over lips to heal seasonal cracked lips or heal cracks.
