Ghee

Ghee is a deeply nourishing, ojas-building substance revered in traditional medicine for its ability to strengthen digestion, calm the nervous system, lubricate tissues, and carry herbs deep into the body.

MONOGRAPH OF GHEE

• Origin

  Animal-based (clarified butter from cow’s milk)

• Qualities

  Heavy - Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.

  Oily - Oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.

  Cooling -

• Suitability

  Strongly Balances:

  CATABOLIC TYPE - This body type is prone to dryness, feeling cold and light. It's not easy for this body type to gain weight.

  Moderately Balances:

  METABOLIC TYPE - This body type usually has a strong digestion but is prone to overheating. They usually have good muscle tone and healthy weight.

  Can aggravate:

  ANABOLIC TYPE - This body type is prone to feeling heaviness, slow digestion and lethargy. A slow metabolism is common.

• Indicated Tissue States

  Dry/Atrophy

  Heat/Excitation

  Wind/Tension

• Taste

  Sweet - Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

• Season

  Fall and winter (for Catabolic types)

  Early summer (for Metabolic types)

  Best avoided in late winter or spring for Anabolic-types unless digestion is strong

• Chemical Constituents

  • Butyric acid

  • Short- and medium-chain fatty acids (easily digestible)

  • Vitamins A, D, E, and K (fat-soluble)

  • Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

  • Beta-carotene (in grass-fed ghee)

  • Cholesterol (naturally present but balanced by nutrient content)

• Nutritional Value

  (per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: ~120

  • Fat: ~14g (9g saturated)

  • Zero carbs or protein

  • Rich in vitamin A and supportive fats for hormones and cellular health

• Preparation Methods

  • Made by slowly simmering unsalted butter to remove water and milk solids, leaving pure fat

  • Used in cooking, spreading, herbal formulations (as an anupan), or consumed by the spoonful

  • Can be medicated with herbs for enhanced therapeutic actions (e.g., Brahmi ghee, Triphala ghee)

MEDICINAL ACTIONS OF GHEE

• Nervous system

  Nervine (moderate): Deeply nourishes and stabilizes the nervous system; ideal for Vata-related anxiety, overstimulation, or depletion.

  Nerve relaxant grounding (moderate): Oily, heavy, and sweet qualities bring mental stillness and calm scattered thoughts.

  Brain tonic (mild): Enhances cognitive function when used with herbs like Brahmi; supplies healthy fats to support brain tissue.

  Neuroprotective (mild): Butyric acid and fat-soluble antioxidants protect nerve cells from inflammation and degeneration.

  Builds stamina (mild): Replenishes ojas and strengthens mental resilience.

• Circulatory System

  Blood tonic (mild): Supports building and nourishing healthy blood when digestion is strong.

  Vessel tonic (mild): Lubricates and strengthens tissues, including vessel walls, through deep nourishment.

  Antioxidant (mild): Contains vitamin E and other fat-soluble antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress.

  Hypotensive (mild, indirect): Reduces systemic stress and inflammation that can elevate blood pressure.

• Digestive System

  Digestive (moderate): Enhances agni (digestive fire) when taken in proper quantity; helps kindle sluggish digestion.

  Digestive tonic (moderate): Soothes and strengthens the mucosal lining of the GI tract.

  Demulcent (moderate): Coats and protects the gut lining; helpful in gastritis, ulcers, and inflammation.

  Stool softener (mild): Lubricates the colon, gently easing hard or dry stools.

  Nutritive (strong): Deeply nourishing and anabolic; supports recovery from depletion.

  Relieves burning (mild): Calms heat and irritation in the GI tract.

  Sialogogue (mild): Mildly stimulates saliva and digestive secretions.

  Stomachic (mild): Promotes overall digestive strength, especially when used with warming spices.

• Immune/Lymphatic

  Antioxidant (moderate): Fat-soluble vitamins (A & E) protect immune tissues from oxidative damage.

  Immune modulating (mild): Supports healthy immune tone by nourishing the lymph and gut tissues.

  Repairs membrane (moderate): Mucosal healing effects benefit the gut lining, lungs, and urinary tract.

• Respiratory

  Soothes throat (mild): Lubricates and calms dryness or irritation in the throat.

  Lung tonic (mild): Helps nourish lung tissues when dryness or depletion is present.

  Demulcent (mild): Moistens and coats respiratory linings, easing dry coughs.

• Liver & Detoxification System

  Liver tonic (mild): Supports liver health by improving bile flow when used in small amounts with digestion-enhancing herbs.

  Burns toxins (mild): When digested properly, enhances agni and helps metabolize ama (toxins).

  Anupan (herbal carrier): Deepens the absorption and tissue penetration of herbs in detox formulas.

• Skin and Integumentary System

  Skin tonic (moderate): Replenishes skin from within; supports elasticity and glow.

  Emollient (moderate): Moistens and softens skin when taken internally or applied externally.

  Topically soothing (moderate): Cools, nourishes, and soothes inflamed, dry, or burned skin when applied directly.

• Urinary System

  Rebuilds fluids (mild): Moistening and nourishing for the kidneys and bladder when dryness is present.

  Soothes burning (mild): When used with cooling herbs, can reduce irritation in the urinary tract.

• Reproductive system

  Builds semen (moderate): Classic aphrodisiac and reproductive tonic; deeply nourishes shukra dhatu.

  Uterine tonic (mild): Nourishes reproductive tissues and supports hormonal balance when used long term.

  Aphrodisiac (mild): Restorative, especially in cases of fatigue or dryness-related reproductive depletion.

• Muscuskeletal System

  Bone tonic (mild): Supplies fat-soluble vitamins needed for calcium absorption and bone strength.

  Arthritis relieving (mild): Lubricates joints and reduces dryness-based stiffness and pain.

  Muscle tonic (mild): Nourishes and restores depleted muscle tissue.

• Endocrine & Energy System

  Nutritive (strong): Deep ojas-building; feeds core vitality and strengthens the body long-term.

  Adrenal tonic (moderate): Restores resilience during chronic stress and depletion.

  Stimulates energy (mild): Provides sustainable energy when digestion is strong.

  Supports hormone balance (mild): Fat content aids in hormone synthesis and fat-soluble vitamin absorption.

• References

  • Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda Vol. 1–3

  • Frawley, David. Ayurvedic Healing

  • Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice

  • Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India