Ghee In Ayurvedic
Ayurvedic Ghee: The Essence of Health and Wellness
Ayurvedic Ghee is a revered substance in Ayurveda, known for its numerous health benefits and healing properties. In Ayurveda, cow’s milk is considered to possess the essence or sap of all plants, and Ghee is the essence of that milk. Ghee has been highly regarded in India for centuries for its ability to nourish the body, mind, and soul. At GheeStore, we offer the finest quality Ayurvedic Ghee, crafted using traditional methods to preserve its natural goodness.
The Power of Ghee in Ayurveda
Ingesting Ghee is akin to offering the finest of fuels into the fires of digestion—Agni. According to Ayurvedic principles, Ghee builds the aura, makes all the organs soft, and enhances the internal juices of the body—Rasa, which are otherwise depleted by aging. It increases the most refined element of digestion—Shukra or Ojas, the essence of all bodily tissues and the foundation of immunity. Maya Tiwari, an esteemed Ayurvedic practitioner, refers to Ghee as the “single most ojas-producing food on earth.”
Ghee is known to enhance intelligence—Dhi, refine intellect—Buddhi, and improve memory—Smrti. Despite its ability to kindle the digestive fire—Agni, Ghee does so without aggravating Pitta, the elemental force of fire within the body. In fact, Ghee cools the body, making it an essential ingredient in today’s world where many suffer from overheating due to various factors.
The Healing Qualities of Ayurvedic Ghee
Ghee is known to liquefy and dissolve wastes within the dhatus (bodily tissues), allowing the doshas (functional intelligences of the body) to carry away toxins—ama. In Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments, Ghee is specifically used to first penetrate and then dissolve ama in the dhatus, enabling the wastes to be transported to the intestinal tract and expelled.
It is traditionally believed that the older the Ghee, the better its healing qualities. Ghee that has been aged for 100 years is highly valued in India and often fetches a high price. Families often pass down aged Ghee through generations to be used as medicine.
Qualities of Ayurvedic Ghee
- Ghee promotes longevity by balancing Vata dosha, which is associated with aging.
- Ghee is known for its unctuous, smooth, and lubricating qualities—snigda.
- It has the quality of Guru, making it heavy and thus increasing Kapha while decreasing Pitta and Vata.
- Ghee is soft—mrdu, making it an excellent oil for Panchakarma treatments such as Netra Basti, where it soothes and nourishes the eyes.
Healing Properties of Ayurvedic Ghee
In ancient India, wells full of Ghee were reserved for those suffering from wounds. Ghee is known for its ropana (healing) quality and is highly effective in facilitating recovery from wounds. In Ayurveda, Ghee is used to treat peptic ulcers and gastritis by healing ulcers within the intestinal tract. It works wonders on bedsores for the elderly and can be applied to broken bones, bruises, and skin rashes. Ghee is also used to soothe burns from fire and chemicals.
For example, a yoga instructor friend of mine had a pressure cooker explode in his face, causing second and third-degree burns. He immediately applied Ghee to his face and went to the emergency room, where he was told he would be scarred for life. He declined the steroids prescribed and continued applying Ghee twice daily. Within six days, his burns were completely healed without scarring.
It is important to note that those with obesity should use Ghee sparingly, and those with high ama should avoid it altogether.
Many Uses of Ayurvedic Ghee
- For Body Massage (Abhyanga): Apply Ghee all over the body, massaging it into the head, chest, limbs, joints, and orifices. This bypasses the digestive system and allows the qualities of Ghee to penetrate directly into the deeper tissues.
- Purvakarma (Early Panchakarma): A small amount of Ghee is taken first thing in the morning to oleate the internal organs and dissolve ama, allowing it to be carried to the digestive tract for elimination.
- Carrier for Herbs: Ghee is used as a “yogavahi” to carry herbs and bhasmas deep into the dhatus (tissues).
- Morning Routine: One or two teaspoons of Ghee taken in the morning, followed by hot water, will produce a bowel movement and warm the body.
- Cooking: Ghee is excellent for cooking, sautéing, and stir-frying. It has one of the highest flash points of all oils, making it difficult to burn.
- Gargle (Gandush): Ghee can be used as a gargle to improve the health of teeth and gums.
- Bath Oil: Mix two tablespoons of Ghee with essential oils of your choice for a nourishing bath oil.
- Skin Treatment: Ghee is excellent for treating scrapes, burns, and tired eyes. It can also be used as a facial moisturizer.
- Nasal Treatment: A few drops of Ghee placed in the nostrils can check nosebleeds and relieve headaches.
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