The use of ghee in Ayurvedic medicine dates back thousands of years. Ghee is considered one of the most important and versatile substances in all of Ayurveda. It nourishes ojas, helps to balance all three doshas, promotes the absorption of nutrients and adds a soothing and nutty flavor to anything cooked with it.
Read on to learn the importance of ghee in Ayurvedic medicine.
What Is Ghee?
Ghee is made by heating up butter and eliminating the milk solids. The result is a smooth, golden liquid that is lactose-free and rich in valuable nutrients.
One of the main differences between ghee and butter is its ability to withstand higher temperatures. Ghee has a much higher smoke point than butter, which means that you can cook with it at higher temperatures before it begins to smoke. This is important because when oils or fats begin to smoke, they also undergo chemical transformations that can make them carcinogenic.
Ghee is unique because it can be readily used in the kitchen while also remaining a powerful medicinal substance. The ease with which ghee can be utilized make it one of the most versatile and accommodating Ayurvedic substances.
Ghee in Ayurvedic Medicine
Ghee has a number of qualities that have led it to becoming one of the most revered and respected substances in Ayurvedic medicine.
- Ghee can directly boost your ojas, which is associated with your overall health and vitality. In fact, and is said to embody and reflect the qualities of ojas: soothing, golden, and sweet
- Ghee is tridoshic and useful for balancing all three doshas at any time of year. It is especially useful for bringing balance to Vata and is a great substance during the fall and early winter months.
- Ghee is a fantastic anupan, or carrier substance. Anupans are useful because they help to draw the medicinal qualities of herbs or foods deeper into the dhatus, or tissues, of the body.
Ghee, the Gir Cow and Good Health
It’s important to know that the ghee traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine is different than many other forms of ghee found in the Western world. Ayurvedic ghee – also known as Ghruta – is sourced from the Indian Gir cow, which is a powerful spiritual symbol in Hinduism and Ayurveda. The hump on the back of the Gir cow is said to absorb energy directly from the sun. This energy is then used in the production of the cow’s milk. Thus, ghee that is produced from the milk of a Gir cow is believed to contain powerful spiritual and energetic properties.
In addition, Ayurvedic ghee is made according to traditional hand-crafted methods that begins with cultured milk. This multi-step process is said to improve the overall health benefits of the substance. Thus, if you’re looking to use ghee with maximum potency, be sure to purchase Ghruta.
Reviewed by Dr. Jayant Lokhande, MD (Botanical Drugs), MBA (Biotechnology)
