The Impact of Sleep on Health

We still probably don’t fully understand all the reasons why we sleep, as well as the benefits of good sleep. However, if you have ever suffered from insomnia or various forms of disturbed or disrupted sleep, you may be aware of how detrimental the effects of a lack of good sleep can be.

The effects of adequate, good-quality sleep are profound. Sleep scientists suggest 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Also, those who get 6 or fewer hours per night may be at increased risk for stroke, cognitive decline, diabetes, and heart disease (1). Also, here are some of the perks of good sleep (2):

• Sleep has a positive impact on appetite regulation and weight
• Improved cognitive function—those who get adequate, good sleep tend to do better on cognitive tasks and tests.
• Sleep helps with memory, and helps us prune out information that we don’t need.
• Sleep allows our bodies to repair from wear, tear, and damage.
• Sleep disturbances can contribute to emotional imbalances and a higher likelihood of mishaps and accidents.

Practical Steps: Ayurvedic Tips for Good Sleep

Now that you are convinced of the value of good sleep, let’s look at some practical Ayurvedic tips for good sleep. Here are a handful to get you started.

1. Dim the lights. Bright lights, particularly the blue light emitted from phones, computers, and televisions, inhibit melatonin production. Dim the lights before bedtime and avoid the use of electronics close to bedtime.
2. Avoid eating before bedtime. This is an important Ayurvedic tip for good sleep. This tip for good sleep impacts sleep quality and liver function. You want your body to be able to focus on rejuvenation and waste cleanup at night, not digestion. Try to eat your last meal of the day 3-4 hours before you go to bed.
3. Incorporate grounding, and soothing routines. It may take time for your nervous system to wind down so that you can sink into sleep. Practices such as taking a warm bath, practicing some calming yoga postures, or reading a book (an actual book, not on a screen!) may help you slowly ease into dreamland. Also, try this Ayurvedic tip for good sleep: massage your feet with gently warmed oil, such as ghee or sesame oil. You can even add a drop of a calming essential oil such as lavender.
4. Lastly, we tend to sleep better in slightly cooler temperatures. Many experts suggest a room temperature of 60-67 F for ideal sleep (3). So, you may want to adjust your climate controls accordingly.

Sleep is Foundational

In conclusion, good sleep is foundational. It is one of the three pillars of life. We hope that these Ayurvedic tips for good sleep help you get a better night’s rest for a better day!

References

Harvard Health. (2020). In search of sleep. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/in-search-of-sleep

(2) Rao, R. Good living practices. KaivalyaWellness.com

(3) Sleep Foundation. The best temperature for sleep: Advice & Tips. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/best-temperature-for-sleep

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

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Agni: Digestive Fire, and How to Tend It

To understand the foods, fluids, and practices that support healthy digestive fire, it is helpful to return to the principles of agni. Agni is your digestive fire. Like a well-tended campfire, you want to keep your agni burning steady and bright, but not too hot. If you think about food as fuel and your agni as your digestive fire, you want your agni to cleanly burn the fuel that you provide it.

In general, substances that are warming and light assist agni. Also, you need just the right about of liquid and oils for strong agni. Drinking large amounts of water, especially cold or ice water, dampens agni. It’s like putting out the fire. On the other hand, sipping on small amounts of warm or hot water helps stimulate agni. So, what about additions to your warm water, like ghee with your warm water in the morning?

Ghee: Agni Booster

A teaspoon of ghee added to your warm water or tea is a nice way to boost digestive fire and also add some lubrication to your entire system. Just the right amount of good quality oils boost agni, and ghee or Ghruta in particular is known for its ability to bolster digestion.

Also, perhaps unknowingly, many of us experience dryness and dehydration on some level. If you experience dry skin, eyes, hair, or brittle nails, it may be that your fluids are a little low. Increasing water intake helps. However, your cells like fat! Sometimes the ticket may be increasing the intake of good quality oils, such as ghee and ghruta.

Lastly, Ayurveda teaches that when ghee is taken in warm water on an empty stomach, it helps pull toxins from the deeper tissues back into the digestive tract. When the ama, or toxins, return to the digestive tract, they can then be effectively eliminated.

Ghee in Your Morning Warm Water

So, how to do it? Simply boil a cup (8-12 ounces) of water first thing in the morning, stir in a teaspoon of ghee or ghruta, and sip while warm. You can also add a pinch of ginger for a little flavor and an extra agni boost.

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Vata Dosha and the Ears

In Ayurveda, the ears are closely linked to ether and Vata dosha (1). All cavities are ruled by Vata dosha as Vata consists of ether and air. Hypersensitivity to sound, earaches, jaw tension, and hearing loss are typically caused by aggravated Vata dosha.

Also, remember that Vata dosha is characterized by coolness, lightness, roughness, and dryness. Therefore, oil in general is very beneficial for Vata dosha. It makes sense then to apply special oils, such as ghee in ears, to help pacify Vata dosha and Vata issues. This is especially important as we age and enter the Vata time of life.

Applying ghee in ears is also beneficial during the windier, colder months to protect us against the outdoor elements.

Ghee in Ears: How It’s Done

You may be wondering how to apply ghee in ears. If you have ever used oil in your nasal passages, the principle is quite similar. Like applying nasya oil, just a couple of drops of ear oil or ghee in ears is all that is needed for daily self-care.

Karna pratisaranam is the simple daily practice of oiling the ears (2). To do this, all you need to do is gently warm the ghee or oil so that it is slightly warm yet comfortable to the touch. Then, using a clean finger or a cotton swab, gently massage a drop or two of ghee or oil into the outer ear passages. This practice should feel pleasant. You can then massage your outer ears and jawline. The use of ear oil and ghee in ears can soothe jaw issues and jaw tension as well as ear issues.

Ghee For Daily Self-Care: Practical Tips

Ghee is ghee and the same ghee that you cook with is that which you use to oil your ears. However, since you will want to keep your ear oil clean, you may want to set some aside in a sterilized glass dropper bottle. This will make it easier to warm the oil you want to apply to your ears. Also, it will make the application process easier.

Ear Oiling: Daily Care and Therapeutic Usages

In this post we have described a simple practice of daily application of ghee in ears or ear oiling. In addition, there are deeper therapeutic practices of applying larger amounts of ghee or oil to the ears for specific reasons. However, it is a good idea to seek out the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner for this purpose. Here’s to your ears and the many usages of ghee!

References

(1) Frawley, D. (2000). Ayurvedic healing: A comprehensive guide. Lotus Press.

(2) Banyan Botanicals. (2021). Why you want to put oil in your ears every day. Retrieved from https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/blog-the-banyan-insight/details/ear-oil-feature/

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Benefits Of Ghee Massage

The benefits of applying cow ghee on feet you say? Yes, this may sound curious, especially to those who are new to Ayurveda. You may have tried sesame oil for massage, so why not ghee? Ghee is a high-quality, easily digested oil and it is tridoshic. As Ayurvedic practitioner, Selina Van Orden explains, “The benefits of ghee massage include nourishment of skin, cells, joints, muscles, nervous system and mind.”  When you rub and massage beneficial oils like ghee on your body, your skin, joints, and even nervous system receive the benefits.

Oil Massage For Vata Balance

All doshas can benefit from massage of some type. However, ghee oil massage is especially balancing for Vata dosha. Remember, Vata dosha is light, dry, and cool by nature. Therefore, oil (both internally and externally) is particularly helpful because oil adds moisture and heaviness. Some types of oil, such as sesame, are warming. Ghee, on the other hand, has a slightly cool nature, so it may be used for cooking and massage even during warmer months. However, don’t be mistaken, this wonderful oil is only mildly cool and good to use all year round.

Benefits Of Ghee Foot Massage

You may be convinced of the benefits of ghee and ghruta but still wonder about putting it on your feet. Self-massage is a wonderful way to show self-love, calm your nervous system, and ground Vata dosha in particular. You can also receive special abhyanga, or massage, treatments at Ayurvedic spas and clinics. However, self-massage with oil is something that you can treat yourself to daily.

Consider all that your feet do for you and how sensitive they are! Sciences such as reflexology exist for good reason—and footwear matters. I was once told by a physiology of dance teacher that everything that happens in the feet translates from a horizontal plane to a vertical plane in our bodies. Feet are significant! Your feet are remarkably dense when it comes to nerve endings, so massaging your feet, especially rubbing ghee on your feet, is a great way to soothe your nervous system.

In Ayurveda, there’s even a name for foot massage and it’s padabhyanga!

When To Massage Your Feet

In my humble opinion, there is no bad time of day to massage your feet! Classically, whole body abhyanga (self-massage with oil) is done in the morning. You can include your feet in your morning oil massage. Or, consider treating your hard-working feet to an oil massage in the evening for better sleep. Wash them well with a gentle soap, pat dry, and experience for yourself the benefits of applying cow ghee to your feet!

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Ghee for Skin and Healthy Rasa

Ayurveda organizes human physiology into seven dhatus, or layers of tissue. The most external layer is the rasa dhatu, or fluids of the body. Though this layer is superficial, it is important and all-pervasive. Fluids such as lymph, plasma, and mucus protect, encase, and nourish the various other organs and tissues. Therefore, keeping adequate and healthy rasa has an effect on all the other deeper layers of physiology.

In addition, when the rasa is adequate, the other layers will be nourished. If the rasa is inadequate or excessive, the deeper tissue layers will be negatively impacted.

Ghee is Moisturizing

Ayurveda teaches that one of the ways in which to build and maintain healthy rasa, or fluids, is the intake of good quality fats. Ghee and ghruta are prime examples. Ghee is tridoshic, meaning it is suitable for all three doshas, it is easy to digest, and it supports healthy moisture levels in the skin and other tissues. This is especially important for those who run dry, such as Vata types. In addition, if you live in a dry climate or experience dry, chapped skin and lips in the winter, ghee is a friend to your skin and your whole body.

Ghee is Nourishing

In addition to nourishing your skin by providing moisture, ghee and ghruta offer other nutritional benefits. PIOR Living’s ghruta offers digestible, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, including Omega 3s, as well as trace minerals. Furthermore, Ayurveda considers ghee to be a brain tonic and a key food for building ojas (vitality). When the body is well nourished, your organs, including your skin can perform their best.

How To Enjoy Ghee for Skin

Cooking with ghee and eating ghee are great ways to put ghee to use for your skin. In addition, you can even use ghee externally on your skin as a massage oil for abhyanga—or apply it to especially dry skin patches as a spot moisturizer. You may discover that some Ayurvedic massage oils and moisturizers contain a blend of ghee and other oils, such as coconut, sesame, or shea butter. A dap of ghee on the lips can soothe chapped, dry lips, and no harm if you swallow some!

Consider ghee for skin, internally and externally. Eating ghee helps build healthy fluids, moisture, and necessary fat tissue. Applying ghee topically provides added external moisture and protection.

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

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As I mentioned above, the state of your hair is an indication of the state of your bones. The bone tissue is called asthi dhatu in Ayurveda. If you want to have healthy, shiny, strong hair, consider how you are caring for your bones. Is your diet nutritious and wholesome? Are you getting a variety of whole, organic foods and adequate supplies of minerals and vitamins such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, and vitamin D?

Also, what is the state of your digestion? You could have a perfect diet, but if your digestion is compromised you will not adequately absorb your nutrients. For tips on balancing digestion, you can read our post on ghee and digestion. Also, consider focusing on foods that balance your constitution. In addition, you may want to consider these tips on regulating agni.

Ghee for Hair

Along with digestive health, ample nourishment, and bone health, when it comes to hair health, moisture matters, both for internal consumption and topical application.

Eating Ghee

If you are experiencing dry, brittle, or thin hair, consider adding more healthy lipids to your diet. This will boost the rasa dhatu and will likely be reflected in the health of your hair. Ghruta and ghee are perfect examples of nourishing, ojas–building fat sources. Since Vata dosha is dry by nature, Vata-types may need to intentionally add extra fat to their diet. If you are thinking about ghee for hair, consider adding a spoonful of ghruta or ghee to your morning porridge, spreading it on your toast, or using it regularly as a cooking oil. Also, be sure you are drinking enough water. Broths and herbal teas may be helpful too for increasing hydration.

Topical Application

Perhaps you’ve seen avocado hair masks, honey hair masks—maybe even egg or mayonnaise hair masks! Ghee can be used as a hair mask too! This is another great usage of ghee for hair. To use as a hair mask, apply a couple of spoonfuls of melted ghee to your hair and scalp. Massage in well and let sit for an hour or two. You may want to use a shower cap to prevent getting ghee on clothing and upholstery. Rinse out with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. You can also experiment with mixing one part ghee and one part coconut oil.

Applying a small amount of oil to the scalp is part of Ayurvedic self-care. You can find special hair oils that contain herbs such as brahmi and bhringaraj. You can do similarly with plain ghee or ghruta. However, if you choose to apply ghee to your scalp before bed, use just a very small amount and focus on your scalp, not your hair. Also, you may not want to sleep on your most expensive pillowcases when testing this out!

Nourishment for Health

In closing, there are a number of ways to use ghee for hair—both topically and internally. If nothing else, the moisture, healthy fats, and vitamins contained in ghee will nourish your whole body from the inside out. And, a healthy body means healthy hair!

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

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Before we get into the specifics of cleaning and caring for the nasal passages, let’s step back for a moment and think about the big picture of seasonal allergies. When you have allergies, be they respiratory or digestive, essentially your body is saying “I can’t digest this!” There are many ways in which one can develop allergies—the etiology is beyond the scope of this article. However, as is with pretty much any imbalance, Ayurveda always looks at the state of digestion. So, if you experience respiratory discomfort and allergies, assessing what’s going on with your gut is always a great place to start.

Also, spring is Kapha season. So, your allergies particularly act up in spring, consider overall Kapha balancing diet and lifestyle practices. Similarly, if your allergies are worse in the fall, consider Vata-reducing foods and practices.

Rinsing with Water – Jal Neti

After taking into account the big picture of diet, lifestyle, and supportive herbs, you may be ready to try out some practices that target the nasal passages. Many people are familiar with nasal rinsing with a neti pot. This is called jal neti in Ayurveda, jal being water. This practice involves rinsing your nasal passages with warmed, purified saltwater. Just a touch of non-iodized salt is added to the water to match the salinity of your body.

Jal neti, or nasal rinsing, is a lovely practice that is beneficial for many. It helps rinse away allergens and excess mucous and can lead to feelings of greater ease and clarity—in your head as well as in your nose.

Ghee for the Nose: Sinus Support

However, sometimes our nasal passages also ask for lubrication and tonification. This is where applying special oils and ghee in the nose can have benefits.

It is important to distinguish between the pancha karma treatment nasya and the simple act of applying a drop or two of oil inside the nostrils. Naysa is a strong purification practice and should only be practiced or administered under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner. On the other hand, one can reap benefits from simply applying a couple of drops of sesame oil, special herbal nasya oil, or ghee inside the nostrils.

Why ghee in the nose you may ask?! Apply a touch of nourishing, ojas-building ghee inside the nostrils provides lubrication and helps prevent allergens, dust, and pollens from sticking to the nasal passages and then going further into the respiratory tract. Also, cleansing and lubricating the nasal passages has a direct effect on prana vayu. Some Ayurvedic companies make special herbally-infused oils and ghee meant for application to the nostrils. If you are curious about ghee in nose for sinus support, you can start with plain ghee or ghruta or check out a specially-made nasal oil with a ghee base.

How to Apply Ghee to Your Nose for Sinus

To apply ghee to your nose, gently warm the ghee so that it melts slightly and is neutral or slightly warm to the touch. Be sure the ghee is warmed in a clean vessel so as to avoid contamination. Then simply dab a bit on your finger and apply to each nasal passage. You can do this simple practice on its own or after jal neti. For more information on experiencing the practice of nasya, seek out your local Ayurvedic practitioner or Ayurvedic clinic.

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

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Eyes, Fire, and Vision

The eyes are most closely connected to Pitta dosha and vision relates to the fire element—the chief element that composes Pitta dosha. Therefore, with some exceptions, dry and irritated eyes tend to indicate a Pitta imbalance. Chronic dryness, especially during the fall and early winter (Vata time of year) may also point to a Vata disturbance. However, when it comes to many issues with the eyes, it is helpful to examine one’s vikruti (current constitutional state) to assess whether there may be a Pitta imbalance.

Signs of Pitta imbalance include but are not limited to:

• Intense anger, rage, and/or judgement
• Feeling hot
• Rashes
• Bloodshot, red, or irritated eyes
• Burning indigestion, loose stools
• Early graying of hair
• Inflammation, particularly with redness and heat

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is likely that your Pitta may be increased, causing an energetic and constitutional imbalance.

Furthermore, if your eyes are bothering you, in addition to considering an overall Pitta-pacifying food plan and lifestyle, you may also want to consider ghee for your eyes. There are a few different ways in which you can use ghee to benefit eye health.

Firstly, according to Ayurvedic scholar, author, and practitioner Dr. David Frawley, “Ghee itself is the most important food for the eyes, and by taking 1-2 teaspoons twice a day, vision can be improved.” (1) Dr. Frawley goes on to mention that Chyawanprash is also a wonderful tonic for the eyes, as its chief ingredient is amalaki, which is beneficial for the eyes and pacifies Pitta dosha.

Ghee For Eyes: Lesser Known Practices

In addition to taking ghee internally to build ojas, calm Pitta, and benefit the eyes, there are topical eye treatments that use ghee for eyes. Netra tarpana or netra basti is a treatment in which the eyes are literally given a ghee bath. This can be a very beneficial practice. However, due to safety and sterilization practices, it is best to do this practice under the guidance of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner. Or, enjoy this treatment at an Ayurvedic spa or clinic. You can read more about this practice here.

Ghee Gazing

Another Ayurvedic practice that uses ghee for the eyes is the practice of gazing at a ghee lamp. You can either purchase or make a ghee lamp (by placing a wick in a small glass jar filled with ghee) and then gazing at the flame for up to 20 minutes (1). Dr. Frawley comments that star-gazing is another wonderful way to cool and clear the visual field (1). Plus, lunar energy is extremely balancing for Pitta dosha!

Whether you eat ghee, gaze at a ghee lamp, or receive a special ghee bath for the eyes, it is clear that ghee nourishes more than just our bellies! But be sure to use a high quality ghee, like Ghruta for maximum benefits. PIOR Living Ghruta is authentically made according to Ayurveda traditions using free-range and grass-fed A2 Indian Gir cows.

References

(1) Frawley, D. (2000). Ayurvedic healing: A comprehensive guide. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.

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

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First of all, as a reminder, ghee is a deeply nourishing substance and is highly revered in Ayurveda. Beyond being a high quality cooking oil, ghee improves agni (digestive fire), nourishes all tissues in the body, and builds ojas (vitality and health).

Ghee and Vata Balance

One way to understand just how helpful ghee is for anti aging is to understand the connection between ghee and Vata dosha. Each phase of life is characterized by one of the three doshas. Childhood is considered the Kapha time of life, adolescence through middle age is the Pitta time of life. The winter years are the Vata time of life.

There are many gifts that come with the Vata time of life. For instance, in this phase, individuals are often able to step back from their career and family duties and there may be more of an emphasis on inward or spiritual pursuits.

At the same time, it is important to be aware of the potentially ill effects of Vata dosha, particularly in the aging process. Vata dosha is characterized as light, cool, and dry. It is also associated with autumn and the end of the life cycle. Dryness (as in dry skin and tissues) and lightness (as in muscle loss) are common attributes of the aging process. Our bodies and minds change and evolve with time without a doubt. However, by bringing opposite qualities such as oiliness, and nourishing, earthy foods, one can help mitigate the predominance of Vata dosha as one ages.

This is where ghee and anti aging is especially relevant. To nourish and moisten dry tissues, eating ghee on a daily basis can help tremendously. Ghee will help keep tissues moist and pleasantly plump from the inside out.

Also, our ojas, or vital life sap, naturally depletes with age. Ghee is one of the primary ojas-building foods.

Ghee for Keeping the Mind Sharp

As we age, we are often looking for ways to keep our minds and memories sharp. Ayurveda teaches that ghee nourishes the brain and is a medhya rasayana, meaning that it supports memory. Therefore, ghee, ghruta, and other high quality fats may be helpful with anti aging because they assist in brain health.

Ghee for Moisturizing the Skin

Also, as we age, we are often aware of changes with our skin. Since ghee provides moisture and builds rasa (plasma, bodily fluids), it can help:

• Hydrate the skin, reducing the onset of wrinkles
• Repair damage done by various skin conditions
• Speed up wound and scar healing

Ghee also improves digestion which has a direct impact on our skin, nails and hair. From aiding in the assimilation of nutrients to repairing the gut wall, ghee improves the overall functioning of the digestive system, resulting in healthier, brighter and clearer skin.

Ghee for Improving Eyesight

In addition, many people experience vision challenges as they age. Ghee may not mean you never need glasses, but Ayurveda teaches that ghee is highly beneficial for the eyes. Ayurvedic scholar Dr. David Frawley teaches that “Ghee itself is the most important food for the eyes, and by taking 1-2 teaspoons twice a day, vision can be improved” (1).

There are many factors to consider in anti aging, but by nourishing ojas and rasa, and supporting brain health and eye health, ghee and Ghruta just might be one of your key foods for longevity.

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

References

(1) Frawley, D. (2000). Ayurvedic healing: A comprehensive guide. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.

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The Benefits of Ghee for Your Brain

Ayurveda considers ghee to be a medhya rasayana, meaning it supports cognitive health and memory. Contemporary research confirms the value of omega 3 fatty acids in supporting brain health and further research indicates that ghruta made by the traditional method (as is done at PIOR Living!) has a higher omega 3 content than ghee produced via the industrial method.

Also, consider that the myelin sheath—the insulating layer around the nerves and spinal cord—is made of proteins and fat. Furthermore, your brain is 60% fat so you can see why good fats are so nourishing for your brain.

Vata Dosha and the Nervous System

Beyond diet, fatty acids, and building blocks, it is interesting to consider the link between Vata dosha, the nervous system, and the brain. The brain is part of the majja dhatu, or the nervous system and nerve tissue. Vata dosha has a special connection to the nervous system. Though the nerve tissue and brain is largely composed of fat which relates to Kapha dosha, Vata dosha is typically the culprit when there are issues with the nervous system(1).

Many issues of the nervous system are related to depletion, which tends to be a Vata issue. Therefore, to keep the nerve tissue and brain well-nourished and lubricated, ghee for the brain makes perfect sense!

How To Enjoy Ghee for Your Brain

So how do you enjoy ghee for your brain? There are many ways to reap the benefits of ghee. Simply cooking with ghee on a regular basis is a wonderful way to enjoy this nourishing, rejuvenating lipid. Also, you can take ghee or ghruta with special brain and nervous-system supportive herbs to amplify the effects of both the ghee and the herbs. Gotu kola, brahmi, shankhapushpi, ashwagandha, and turmeric are a few herbs that improve cognitive function and health. You can infuse these herbs into ghee or ghruta by a slow-heating process. Or, a simple way to combine the two is to add a teaspoon of ghee and a teaspoon of powdered herbs to hot water and sip as a tea.

Staying healthy means tending to more than our exterior. To stay vibrant from the inside out, we need to consider giving food to our deeper tissues, including our organic body and brain. Ghee and ghruta feed all our tissue layers, providing deep nourishment from the inside out.

REFERENCES

(1) Halpern, M. (2012). Principles of ayurvedic medicine. Nevada City, CA: California College of Ayruveda.

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

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