Properties of Ghee as a home and natural medicine
In Ayurveda, ghee or clarified/purified butter, it is a treatment made from butter without salt, from which a liquid is obtained that solidifies in winter and which does not need to be kept in the refrigerator.
Ghee is known as liquid gold and the reason is because it has many beneficial properties for the body and health in general. Among the therapeutic properties, ghee helps to stimulate the movement of body fluids through its channels (srotas). The free circulation of these bodi fluids is associated with the maintenance of health, both of the body and the mind.
Unlike butter, ghee helps to remove blockages allowing this free circulation and in turn, strengthening the vital energy (ojas) that is the root of well-being and immunity.
When we add ghee to our meals, besides making it more appetizing, we strengthen our digestive fire (agni), which is fundamental to be able to properly digest and discriminate nutrients from waste products.
Applied externally, for its cold power, it helps to calm the eyes, seat of Pitt, fire. It soothes skin wounds, is good for the throat, as it softens, nourishes and improves intellect as well as the nervous system and memory, seat of Vata.
It is good for the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, although the latter could be increased by the attributes they share, namely: sweet, cold, heavy and unctuous. In small doses, a dessert spoonful on each plate or less helps improve “good” cholesterol levels (HDL). It also stimulates the liver to improve absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins -A, D, E and K. People with obesity or high cholesterol levels should avoid taking it daily. Its daily consumption is highly recommended for people with predominant Vata and Pita constitutions.
Ghee serves as a vehicle for other medicines. That is why in many Ayurvedic preparations, it is the main ingredient to which countless herb sare added to enhance its effect. One of the most used in Ayurveda medicine is: Mahatikta ghee, Shatavari ghee and Triphala ghee among others.
Here is a very didactic video of how to make ghee at home. You can also buy it at any herbalist’s shop near you.
Bon appétit!!!