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. 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.
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.