Ghee
Ghee is probably the most sacred, spiritually and physically health benefitting substance that is ever known to human beings. According to Vedas, it is the first and most essential of all foods. The magical golden liquid, fragrant and healthy, was made from the milk of grass-fed cows that grazed in a natural and unpolluted environment. Ayurveda places it on the top of the must-have food list.There are various methods that can be utilised to make ghee or clarified butter. It is viewed as medicine in Ayurveda.
Ghee is a heavy, dense and soft liquid. These qualities help it build the body, unit by unit. It also helps to increase the sattvic qualities in us and in the environment. The health benefits extend to the body and mind; it helps them burn with a refined brilliance.
☆ Since the milk solids have been removed, ghee usually doesn’t bother people who are lactose intolerant.
Dosage –
Use about ½ teaspoon (tsp) per meal. On an average, consume less than 1.5 tsp on a daily basis.
Benefits –
• Improves the digestive fire
Ghee stimulates the secretion of acids in the stomach that help break down food. It also helps remove toxins and promotes elimination, thus improving digestive quality.
• For Clogged Nose
If you have difficulty in breathing; your taste sense is hampered, and let’s not forget the headache and exhaustion that follows. Ayurveda has an interesting nasal drop remedy that may help soothe clogged nose.
Ayurvedic experts call it the Nasya treatment for cold and it involves pouring a few drops of warm pure cow ghee into the nostrils, first thing in the morning. Doing so may provide quick relief as the it travels all the way down to the throat and soothes the infection. Make sure, the ghee is pure and warmed to lukewarm temperature.
• Promotes better absorption of nutrients
It increases the capability of the intestinal walls to absorb nutrients. This quality also enhances the healing power of the herbs you ingest.
• Source of fatty acids
It is the main source of Butyrate fatty acid. This is vital for the health of the intestinal walls, reducing chances of inflammation. It is ideal for conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This fatty acid also helps in reducing the risk of colon cancer.
• Lubricates the body
Whether applied externally or taken internally, ghee nourishes and lubricates tissues in the body. It reduces dry skin, dry colon, inflammation and stiff joints. It makes you more lustrous and flexible.
• Nourishes the brain and nervous system
It increases your memory and intellect. It is beneficial for mental and emotional imbalances.
• Dark Circles
Lack of sleep or stress or too much work may end up leaving dark circles around your eyes. Turn to ghee to reduce them in no time. You just need to apply it lightly around the eyes before bedtime.
• Possesses anti-inflammatory properties
It helps control allergies, arthritis, and auto-immune conditions, as it has anti-inflammatory agents.
• Ghee benefits the eyes
In Ayurveda, ghee, along with Triphala and honey, is used to improve eye health.
• Increases the effectiveness of medicinal herbs
It is a well-known catalyst (anupana) and has the unique ability to drive the healing properties of the medicinal herbs deep into the seven body tissues (sapta dhatus). This increases the effectiveness and healing potency of the herbs dispensed.
• Promotes flexibility
It’s no wonder that yogis cooked their food in ghee; it lubricates the joints and connective tissues and promotes flexibility.
Which ghee is better, cow ghee or buffalo ghee?
Cow milk and ghee are believed to be more sattvic – pure and purifying. On the other hand, buffalo milk and ghee are more tamasic – dulling the senses. Also, cow ghee has all the five elements – ether, air, fire, water, and earth. This is similar to ojas which is the subtle life force that is responsible for one’s energy, vitality and immunity.
Contraindications –
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important that you use ghee sparingly in your diet:
• Excessive toxins in the system
• High cholesterol
• Are overweight or obese
• Excessive kapha in the system
Ghee increases intelligence. It refines the buddhi or intellect and improves the smrti or memory. It also builds the aura, making all the organs soft. Basically, it increases rasa – the internal juices of the body.
Like all good things, use it judiciously and you can enjoy the health benefits of ghee.
For more informative articles on other health related issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also feel free to consult with our experienced team of doctors, get benefits and stay healthy.