If you’re preparing to embark on an ayurvedic cleanse, then you may have heard about the benefits of cleansing with ghee (or, better yet, Ghruta ghee). Here’s what you should know about cleansing with ayurveda’s favorite detox substance.

Cleansing with Ghee = Deeper Cleansing

Put simply, ghee can amplify the cleansing process. Ghee and other oils help to liquify ama deep in the bodily tissues. This loosened ama is then directed to the digestive tract for elimination. Therefore, ghee can help dislodge ama and aid elimination (and prevent constipation).

How to Cleanse With Ghee

In general, during an ayurvedic cleanse with ghee, the patient starts by taking one teaspoon of melted ghee first thing in the morning. One teaspoon is added per day, but the process should not last longer than 4-7 days. In fact, some Ayurvedic practitioners recommend doing a ghee cleanse for no more than 4 days. To give a sense of what this would look like, on day 4 of the cleanse, the client would take 4 teaspoons of melted ghee first thing in the morning. The day would be followed by a strict kitchari mono diet or eating only a thin rice gruel. 

Other Ayurvedic therapies, such as oil massage, may also be included in the program. The patient is also given ample time to rest; electronics and stimulants are typically removed from the environment.

If you are doing an at-home cleanse, stick to 1-2 teaspoons of ghee first thing in the morning, followed by warm water for each day of your cleanse. Be sure to use high-quality ghee, like Ghruta, to ensure a pure, safe, and effective experience. Ghruta is ayurvedic ghee that has been handcrafted from free-range, grass-fed A2 Indian Gir cows. Ghruta is also a cultured ghee which offers more health benefits than conventional ghee. 

Herbal Ghee

For additional detoxification benefits, Ayurvedic herbs may be added to ghee. Herbs and herbal blends such as Triphala, trikatu, and bitter herbs like neem or kutki may be used. 

In general, Triphala ghee would be selected for aiding digestion particularly if someone has dominant Vata dosha. Trikatu or chitrak would be chosen for Kapha dosha. A bitter ghee, called tikta ghrita is often the herbal ghee of choice for Pitta dosha. Tikta ghrita may contain herbs such as neem, gaduchi, and kutki. 

A practitioner can determine the specific types of herbs best for you based on your Prakriti and Vikruti. However, herbal ghees such as Triphala ghee can be taken in small amounts (1-2 teaspoons per day) on a regular basis to maintain healthy digestion and elimination.

Is a Ghee Cleanse for Me?

Nearly everyone can benefit from a gentle at-home ayurveda cleanse that incorporates ghee into kichirii and meals and includes 1-2 teaspoons at the start of each day. However, for deeper cleansing, it's best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner. Remember, Ayurveda is not one-size-fits-all, so know thyself, understand the nature of the therapies, and seek support when you are unsure.

Greta Kent-Stoll is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (NAMA) and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT), as well as a writer and editor. Her Ayurveda practice is based in Asheville, North Carolina and she is the co-owner of Iyengar Yoga Asheville.