Ghee
Ghee
Ghee, also known as Ghrta in Ayurveda, is an excellent Anupana (therapeutic vehicle) for transporting the properties of herbs to the deep tissues of the body. There are two types of Ghee; one made from dairy milk and other from vegetable oil known as vanaspati Ghee or vegetable Ghee. Dairy Ghee is pure, nutritious and is considered healthier as it is a rich source of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). It provides strengthening to the bones and gives nourishment and strength to the body.
Ghee is the most widely used milk product in the Indian diet that promotes proper digestion and absorption of food which reduces the accumulation of toxins in the body. It also helps in weight loss by controlling the appetite and reducing the urge to overeat.
According to Ayurveda, regular use of Ghee in your daily diet helps to fight against recurrent infections to increase immunity. Ghee also helps to provide relief from constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property. Ghee is also considered to be good for the brain as it improves the overall brain functioning due to its Vata and Balya properties.
Topical application of Ghee also helps in quick wound healing and decreases swelling due to its anti-inflammatory property. It also provides relief from burning sensation due to its Sita (cold) property. Ghee helps in controlling wrinkles and increases the moisture content of the skin.
It is advisable to avoid Ghee in large amounts in case of cold and cough due to its cold potency. Excessive intake may also cause vomiting and loose motions[2][3][7].
Ghee is the most widely used milk product in the Indian diet that promotes proper digestion and absorption of food which reduces the accumulation of toxins in the body. It also helps in weight loss by controlling the appetite and reducing the urge to overeat.
According to Ayurveda, regular use of Ghee in your daily diet helps to fight against recurrent infections to increase immunity. Ghee also helps to provide relief from constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property. Ghee is also considered to be good for the brain as it improves the overall brain functioning due to its Vata and Balya properties.
Topical application of Ghee also helps in quick wound healing and decreases swelling due to its anti-inflammatory property. It also provides relief from burning sensation due to its Sita (cold) property. Ghee helps in controlling wrinkles and increases the moisture content of the skin.
It is advisable to avoid Ghee in large amounts in case of cold and cough due to its cold potency. Excessive intake may also cause vomiting and loose motions[2][3][7].
What are the synonyms of Ghee?
Gava Ghee, Gava Ghrit, Clarified butter, Gaya Ghee, Tuppa, Pasu, Ney, Pasu Nei, Toop, Gai Ghia, Nei, Neyyi, Nei, Gaya ka ghee[1].
What is the source of Ghee?
Plant Based
Benefits of Ghee
1. Malnutrition
Malnutrition can be correlated to Karshya disease in Ayurveda. This is due to lack of nutrients and improper digestion. Regular use of Ghee helps to manage malnutrition. This is due to its Kapha increasing property which gives strength to the body. Ghee provides instant energy and fulfills the calorie requirement of the body.
2. Weak memory
Sleeplessness and stress are the main causes of a weak memory or memory disorder. Ghee is used as a brain tonic to improve concentration and enhance the memory. This is due to its Vata balancing and Balya (strength provider) properties.
3. Loss of appetite
Ghee helps to improve appetite when it is made a part of the daily diet. In Ayurveda, loss of appetite is due to Agnimandya (weak digestion). It is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas leading to incomplete digestion of food. This causes insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach resulting in a loss of appetite. Taking Ghee on a daily basis stimulates the digestive fire and improves appetite.
4. Recurrent infection
Ghee helps to control recurrent infections like cough and cold, allergic rhinitis due to change in weather. Ghee is one of the best Ayurvedic remedies for such conditions. Regular use of Ghee in the diet helps to increase immunity to fight against recurrent infections. This is due to its Ojas (immunity) enhancing the property.
Malnutrition can be correlated to Karshya disease in Ayurveda. This is due to lack of nutrients and improper digestion. Regular use of Ghee helps to manage malnutrition. This is due to its Kapha increasing property which gives strength to the body. Ghee provides instant energy and fulfills the calorie requirement of the body.
2. Weak memory
Sleeplessness and stress are the main causes of a weak memory or memory disorder. Ghee is used as a brain tonic to improve concentration and enhance the memory. This is due to its Vata balancing and Balya (strength provider) properties.
3. Loss of appetite
Ghee helps to improve appetite when it is made a part of the daily diet. In Ayurveda, loss of appetite is due to Agnimandya (weak digestion). It is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas leading to incomplete digestion of food. This causes insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach resulting in a loss of appetite. Taking Ghee on a daily basis stimulates the digestive fire and improves appetite.
4. Recurrent infection
Ghee helps to control recurrent infections like cough and cold, allergic rhinitis due to change in weather. Ghee is one of the best Ayurvedic remedies for such conditions. Regular use of Ghee in the diet helps to increase immunity to fight against recurrent infections. This is due to its Ojas (immunity) enhancing the property.
Precautions when using Ghee
Advice from Experts
Important
Ayurvedic View
1. Take Ghee in the recommended dose and duration when used as a medicine, a high dose can lead vomiting and loose motion.
2. Avoid Ghee in case of liver problems like jaundice and fatty liver.
3. Take Ghee in a small amount if you have an excess cough and cold. This is because ghee has cold potency.
4. Take Buttermilk or warm water if you face indigestion after taking Ghee.
2. Avoid Ghee in case of liver problems like jaundice and fatty liver.
3. Take Ghee in a small amount if you have an excess cough and cold. This is because ghee has cold potency.
4. Take Buttermilk or warm water if you face indigestion after taking Ghee.
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Ghee can be taken in food amount during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Always add Ghee in the diet during pregnancy. You can start consuming Ghee in the first trimester. But if an increase in weight is a concern or you are already overweight, then it is recommended to include Ghee in your diet after consulting your doctor.
How to use Ghee
A. For constipation
Take 1-2 teaspoon of Ghee with warm milk at night before sleeping for managing constipation.
B. For headache
Put 2-3 drops of Ghee in each nostril for relieving headache once or twice a day.
C. To remove dryness
Take 1-2 teaspoon of Ghee on an empty stomach for reducing dryness in the body.
Take it once a day for three months for better results.
D. Daily cooking
Take 1-2 teaspoon of Ghee for cooking your daily food.
Take 1-2 teaspoon of Ghee with warm milk at night before sleeping for managing constipation.
B. For headache
Put 2-3 drops of Ghee in each nostril for relieving headache once or twice a day.
C. To remove dryness
Take 1-2 teaspoon of Ghee on an empty stomach for reducing dryness in the body.
Take it once a day for three months for better results.
D. Daily cooking
Take 1-2 teaspoon of Ghee for cooking your daily food.
Benefits of Ghee
1. Wound healing
Ghee helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin because of its Ropan (healing) nature. It also reduces the inflammation and burning sensation by giving cooling effect due to Sita (cold) property.
2. Anti-Wrinkle
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Ghee helps in controlling wrinkles and increases moisture content in the skin because of its Snigdha (oily) nature and Vata balancing nature.
3. Hair loss
Ghee helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Ghee acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha. It also promotes hair growth and removes excess dryness. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
4. Joint Pain
Ghee helps to reduce bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. A massage with Ghee helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.
Ghee helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin because of its Ropan (healing) nature. It also reduces the inflammation and burning sensation by giving cooling effect due to Sita (cold) property.
2. Anti-Wrinkle
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Ghee helps in controlling wrinkles and increases moisture content in the skin because of its Snigdha (oily) nature and Vata balancing nature.
3. Hair loss
Ghee helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Ghee acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha. It also promotes hair growth and removes excess dryness. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
4. Joint Pain
Ghee helps to reduce bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. A massage with Ghee helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.
Precautions when using Ghee
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
1. Use Ghee in small quantity or on alternative days if your skin is too oily.
2. Use Ghee after diluting with coconut oil before applying to hair.
2. Use Ghee after diluting with coconut oil before applying to hair.
How to use Ghee
A. For dry skin
Use Ghee directly on the skin once a day or thrice a week to prevent dryness and inflammation.
B. For dry lips
Apply Ghee with sugar on lips and scrub to remove dead cells.
C. For headache
Massage with Ghee on the forehead and feet for relieving headache once daily.
D. For hair fall
Apply Ghee with coconut oil on the scalp thrice a week for reducing hair fall.
E. For wound healing
Apply Ghee with turmeric powder on the wound for quick healing and reducing burning sensation.
Use Ghee directly on the skin once a day or thrice a week to prevent dryness and inflammation.
B. For dry lips
Apply Ghee with sugar on lips and scrub to remove dead cells.
C. For headache
Massage with Ghee on the forehead and feet for relieving headache once daily.
D. For hair fall
Apply Ghee with coconut oil on the scalp thrice a week for reducing hair fall.
E. For wound healing
Apply Ghee with turmeric powder on the wound for quick healing and reducing burning sensation.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Although Ghee is healthier and rich in vitamins but if we talk in terms of calories than butter has lesser calories than ghee.
Modern Science View
Ghee has a shelf life of 3 months at the room temperature when kept in a closed lid jar.
If stored in the refrigerator it can stay fresh even for 1 year. Refrigeration does not affect its softness and texture. It will again melt when kept at room temperature or heated.
If stored in the refrigerator it can stay fresh even for 1 year. Refrigeration does not affect its softness and texture. It will again melt when kept at room temperature or heated.
Modern Science View
There are approximately 50-60 calories in 1 teaspoon of Ghee.
Modern Science View
Yes, Ghee can be used on the hair. It will protect it from dryness and make it soft and shiny.
Tips:
1. Take 1 teaspoon of Ghee and add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to it.
2. Massage on the scalp and hair for 10-15 minutes.
3. Keep it for 2-3 hours.
4. Wash with any mild shampoo.
Tips:
1. Take 1 teaspoon of Ghee and add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to it.
2. Massage on the scalp and hair for 10-15 minutes.
3. Keep it for 2-3 hours.
4. Wash with any mild shampoo.
Modern Science View
Yes, Ghee helps to soften stools. It helps to lubricate the digestive tract for easy passage of stool. Due to its oily nature, it makes the stool soft. It also helps to control the symptoms of indigestion like flatulence and bloating[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Ghee has a role in weight loss. It helps in the faster digestion and absorption of food. It helps in acid secretion in the stomach that helps in digestion of food. It also helps to stimulate the satiety centre in the brain. This helps to control appetite, thus helps in weight loss[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Ghee is good for the brain. It helps to improve the overall mental functioning. It improves mental alertness and memory[7].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Ghee is good for health when it is taken on a daily basis. It helps to promote good digestive fire and boost your mental and physical health due to its Ojas (immunity) enhancing property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Ghee is good for the stomach because it protects the inner layer of the stomach from gastric juice. This is because of its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) property.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Ghee is good for managing the symptoms of inflammation because of its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Ayurvedic View
No, Ghee has Sita( cold) potency and does not heat the body.
Modern Science View
Yes, consumption of desi Ghee might be beneficial in reducing cholesterol. Desi Ghee contains certain constituents (linoleic acid) that help lower the bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein cholesterol-LDL) levels. It also inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis (natural process of cholesterol formation in body) and increases the excretion of cholesterol in the feces which significantly helps to lower cholesterol levels. It also prevents plaque formation in the arteries[6].
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol is a condition which occurs due to weak or poor digestion. This leads to the formation of toxins in the body in the form of excessive fat or Ama (toxin remains in the body due to incomplete digestion) which further blocks the blood vessels. Desi Ghee might help to manage this condition due to its Pachak (digestion) and Pitta balancing properties. This helps in proper digestion of food and reduces the formation and accumulation of toxins and helps manage cholesterol.
Modern Science View
Yes, Ghee might be useful for a clogged nose. Clogged nose or nasal blockage can be cleared by administration of Ghee in the form of nasal drops as it lubricates the nasal passage and improves the self-clearing system of the nasal cavity (known as nasal muco-ciliary function). This function helps to expel foreign particles like dust through the mucus of the nose and thus helps in clearing the airways[7][8].
Ayurvedic View
Clogged nose occurs due to an aggravation of Kapha dosha which leads to the formation of mucus that blocks the nasal passages. Desi Ghee helps to manage this condition due to its Kapha balancing property. This helps to reduce the production of mucous which eases breathing.
Modern Science View
Yes, Ghee might help to improve and enhance your immune system. Ghee contains fatty acids that help improve the immune system (due to its immunostimulant property). Due to this, it protects the body from various diseases and increases longevity. Massaging the body with Ghee produces certain chemicals in the body (known as endorphins) that are responsible for regulating the immune response [10] [9].
Ayurvedic View
Immunity might get disturbed due to poor digestion if there is a nutrient deficiency in the body. Desi Ghee might improve immunity due to its Pachak (digestion) property which helps to improve your digestion and also provide proper nutrition to your body. It also helps enhance the strength of the body due to its Balya (strength provider) property. Proper nutrition along with strength helps boost your immune system.
Modern Science View
Ghee when taken along with milk helps promote bowel movement. It lubricates the intestines and eases the flow of stool through the gut.
Tip: Taking two spoonfuls of Ghee in warm milk before bedtime helps promote bowel movement[9].
Tip: Taking two spoonfuls of Ghee in warm milk before bedtime helps promote bowel movement[9].
Ayurvedic View
Taking Ghee with milk is beneficial to manage constipation because Ghee has Snigdha (oily) property and milk has Rechan (laxative) property due to which they help to clear the intestines and result in complete and clear bowel movements.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of cow Ghee for face. However, Ghee might help in managing certain skin problems like scaling, itching, skin rashes, erythema or inflammation[6].
Ayurvedic View
Skin problems like itching, irritation or pigmentation generally occur due to an imbalance of any of the three doshas. Cow ghee helps to manage these problems due to its Vata, Pitta and Kapha balancing properties. It nourishes the skin, improves the original complexion and helps to retain the natural glow and shine of your face.
References
- Gopinath KV. The ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of india. 1st Edition. Pharmacopoeia Commission For Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy; 2016.
- Sharma H, Chandola HM.Chapter 18 – Ayurvedic approach to food and dietary supplements for the brain and neurologic health.Bioactive Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements in Neurological and Brain Disease Prevention and Therapy.2015: 173–177.
- Prasad RBN, Yadav KD.17–Trans fats replacement solutions in india.Trans Fats Replacement Solutions.2014:365–383.
- Sastry JLN.Dudh Varga. Dravaguna Vijnana. DPB Publications.2016.
- Karandikar YS, Bansude AS, Angadi EA.Comparison between the Effect of Cow Ghee and Butter on Memory and Lipid Profile of Wistar Rats.J Clin Diagn Res. 2016;10(9): 11–15.
- Sharma H, Zhang X, Dwivedi C. The effect of ghee (clarified butter) on serum lipid levels and microsomal lipid peroxidation. Ayu.2010;31(2):134-40.
- Bhardwaj A. Comparative Therapeutic Effects Of Various Morphological Forms Of Nasya (Nasal Route Of Drug Delivery) In Pratishyaya (Rhinosinusitis) With Reference To Nasal Muco-ciliary Function. JPSI.2012; 1(5):58-64.
- Lokhande S, Patil S, Chogule A, et al. Probable mode of action of nasya- an overview.IAMJ.2016;4(3):359-365.
- Mahakalkar A, Kashyap P, Bawankar R, et.al.The Versatility of Cow Ghee- An Ayurveda Perspective. American Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics.2014;1(1):028-034.
- Biyani DM, Verma PRP, Dorle AK, et.al. A Case Report on Wound Healing Activity of Cow Ghee.IJAM. 2011;2(3):115-118.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.