Ghee Benefits, Usage, Side Effects, Contra Indications
If you ever have heard anything bad about cow ghee, please forget that for a moment and read the following. Ghee is probably the most sacred, spiritual and physically health benefiting substances that is ever known to human beings. A person who is allergic to dairy products or gluten, need not be allergic to ghee. If you fail to consume ghee, there are so many ways it can be used for skin, nasal drops, enema etc.
Here, ghee means cow ghee. Ghee is also referred to clarified butter in USA.
Table of Contents
Right time to take ghee
Ghee balances Pitta Dosha very well. Consider Pitta as fire element in the body. If we divide the day into three parts, afternoon is the time in which Pitta is highly aggravated, because, temperature hits the maximum in the afternoon. Hence, ghee with lunch is the best time to take.
Taking ghee in the afternoon is ideal especially during summer and in autumn seasons. During summer, ghee is good to calm the excess afternoon heat. During autumn, Pitta is naturally highly aggravated.
If someone has excessive stress, lack of sleep etc symptoms, then it is best to take ghee both in the afternoon and evening.
Evening is vata time and ghee is also good to relieve Vata Dosha symptoms such as anxiety, excess thoughts, sleep disturbances etc.
Taking ghee early in the morning
In many circumstances, ghee can be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach.
1. If you are fasting but you need some extra calorie storage ahead of your full day of fasting, taking a tablespoon of ghee can help you achieve your goal.
Read: How To Do Fasting? A Step By Step Guide For you
2. If you have heartburn, acid peptic disorders or GERD, ghee on empty stomach in the morning can be very useful to relieve symptoms
Read: Gastritis Causes, Types, Symptoms, Prevention, Home Remedies
3. If you are diabetic and lean, then ghee in the morning, on empty stomach helps you as a mini energy booster and would also help to put on healthy weight in the long run.
Buy: A course on comprehensive treatment of Diabetes
4. If you go to gym / Yoga, then it can be the quick energy booster, early in the morning. Excessive exercise can increase Vata dosha and dryness in the body. Ghee can nullify that.
Read: Gym, Exercise, Fitness And Ayurvedic Bodybuilding Herbal Supplements
5. Winter is here! Ghee can counter the dryness of the skin with a soothing moisturising effect, even if taken orally.
6. If your office work is stressful, ghee, early in the morning can be the calming factor that you’ve been seeking for years! Stress and anxiety are related with increased Vata dosha and decreased Kapha dosha. Ghee balances Vata dosha and promotes Kapha.
Read: 24 Stress Management Tips: Pranayama, Meditation, Lifestyle Changes
7. Ghee is explained as Medhya. It improves memory and intelligence. For students, ghee early in the morning and studying can help with good memory and concentration.
How to take?
Take a teaspoon (or two, if you want)of ghee and swallow it, followed by drinking half a cup of lukewarm water, on an empty stomach.
Ghee for diabetes
Ghee does not have direct role in diabetes. But a fat, it is a source of healthy energy. Including ghee in diet helps you to reduce the amount of carbohydrates that you take. For example, including 10-15ml of ghee in a meal will help you to cut down about 30 grams of rice or a Chapati (bread). This way, ghee helps to reduce glucose intake and thus helps to control blood sugar.
Ghee, being a fat helps to satiate hunger fast. This way, the person, once after taking ghee in diet will stay away from food for a longer period of time, without feeling hunger or tired.
Ghee for digestion
Effect of ghee on digestion strength: Pitta and fire are inter-related. Usually, the substances that balance Pitta, also cause depletion of digestion fire. But ghee is an exception. It balances Pitta Dosha but it increases digestion strength.
However, it does not help in Ama (altered digestion and metabolism condition). In a normal person, if digestion strength is a bit low, then ghee is useful in improving his digestive capacity.
Ghee is quite similar to milk in qualities, but unlike milk, ghee improves digestion. (Bhava Prakasha)
Read related: Ghee home remedy for dry cough
Ghee health benefits
Versatile health benefits of ghee:
Herbal rectal suppositories are smeared with ghee before insertion into anal canal. 5/288
It is conducive to Rasadhatu (essence part of digested food), Sukradhatu (semen) and Ojas. It has cooling and softening effect on the body. It adds to the clarity of the voice and complexion – Charaka Sutrasthana 13th chapter
As per Bhojana Kutuhala ghee which is freshly formed and of bovine origin improves complexion, imparts wisdom, memory, strength, luster and nourishes the body. It helps in removing excess kapha and vata dosha, fatigue and clears the channels of the body, acts as aphrodisiac and stimulates the digestive fire. That which is obtained from buffalo’s milk is cardio tonic, improves perception, helps in treating hemorrhoids and grahani, stimulates digestive fire and is considered superior to the fresh ghee prepared from cow’s milk.
Ghee made out of goat’s milk is good for eyes, stimulates the digestive fire, is strengthening and is helpful in cough, dyspnoea, rajayakshma and disorders caused due to vitiation of kapha. It is light for digestion and is slightly inferior in quality when compared to ghee made of buffalo’s milk.
Indications
Indications for the administration of Ghee:
Intake of herbal ghee is prescribed for those with
Chakshu Kama – those desiring good eye sight,
Kshata Ksheena – with chest injured,
For the old, children and weak,
Those desirous of longevity, of strength, good complexion, voice, nourishment, progeny, tenderness, luster, immunity, memory, intelligence, power of digestion, wisdom, proper functioning of sense organs and those afflicted with injuries due to burns, by weapons, poisons and fire.
Ghee is one of those dietary ingredients that can be consumed by all at all times. Ashtanga Hrudayam Su. 8/43.
It is one of the essential dietary ingredients for those debilitated due to treatments.
It helps in improving digestion power. (Ashtanga Hrudaya Su. 9/27)
It nourishes body tissues, suitable for people of all ages.
It strengthens sense organs, immunity,
It improves tone and strength of the voice.
It begets longevity. (Ashtanga Hrudaya Sutrasthana 10/22)
It is useful for those taking alcohol regularly, for women, who do regular exercise, for old and for young.
As per – Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 27
Cow ghee promotes memory, intellect, power of digestion, semen, Ojas,
Kapha and fat.
It alleviates Vata, Pitta
Visha – toxic conditions
Unmada – insanity,
Shosha – emaciation
Alakshmihara – it is auspicious.
It is the best of all the unctuous substances.
Cold in potency and sweet both in taste as well as Vipaka.
When administered according to the prescribed procedure, it increases, thousand times in potency and develops manifold utilities.
Read related: Ghee and saffron home remedy for migraine
Purana Grita uses
Purana Ghrita – One year old cow ghee is useful in
Mada – intoxication,
Apasmara – epilepsy,
Moorcha – fainting,
Shosha – emaciation
Unmada – schizophrenia, insanity
Gara – remnant poisons
Jwara – fever
Pain in the ear, head as well as female genital tract.
Properties of ghee of other animals viz, goat, sheep and buffalo are the same as those of their milk.
How to use ghee for skincare
Auspiciousness of ghee
Ghee is auspicious!
Ghee is considered very auspicious. In olden days, when the student was approaching a Guru, to learn Ayurveda, the student used to carry many auspicious things with him on the day of his initiation. Among many things such as fire, Palasha stick, sandal wood paste, earthen jar filled with water, etc, Ghee was also one among the things. This signifies the importance and auspiciousness of ghee. (reference: Charaka Samhita Vimana Sthana 8th chapter).
Ghee Vs coconut oil Video
Ghee for weight gain
Ghee for weight gain:
Regular consumption of ghee or inclusion of ghee as part of diet, is recommended for those seeking weight gain. Ghee is useful for people with emaciation, having lean body, having dryness of skin.
Ghee for Shukra Dhatu
Ghee for sex:
Ghee is useful to improve quality of Shukra Dhatu (male and female reproductive system). With its immense nourishing health benefits, it is indicated for people who indulge in daily sex. (Ashtanga Hrudayam 16/5)
Ghee for dryness
Oral consumption of Ghee to relieve dryness:
For people suffering from extreme dry skin, dry voice and overall dryness of body, in seasons like winter, ghee along with milk helps to relieve dryness and induce unctuousness, very quickly. (Ashtanga. Hr. Su. 16/41)
Ghee was also used as a dietary ingredient in post-surgical care. (A. Hr. Su 29/36)
Ghee for fever
Use of ghee in fever:
Ghee intake helps to relieve burning sensation after relief from fever. (A. Hr. Chi. 1/59). But note that clarified butter is not indicated while the person is having fever. It is only used in patients, after fever is completely cured, to regain strength and immunity.
Ghee for newborn
2 – 5 drops of Ghee is advised to be given to newborn. (A. Hr. U. 1/9)
Ghee and milk are congenial to children by birth. (A. Hr. U. 2/31)
Ghee is advised for a lactating mother. It is believed to add nourishing qualities to the breast milk and to fortify milk with nourishing qualities (A. Hr. U 2/10)
Ghee for eyes
In many of the eye disorders, ghee is used for a process called ‘Tarpana’. Here a compound around eye orbit is built with thick paste of floor and the compound is filled with herbal ghee. The person is asked to open and close the eyes. Ayurveda says that this procedure improves and strengthens the eye power. (Sharangdhara Samhita Uttarakhanda 13/1). Especially, Ghee processed with Triphala is used for this purpose.
Ghee along with Triphala and honey is told as a remedy to improve eye health. Read more
Ghee is used for application over eyes for strengthening of vision. (A Hr. Su. 24/16)
Ghee is used to wash eyes for soothing effect. (A. Hr. U 9/7)
Ghee for gargling
Ghee for gargling in place of oil-pulling:
In the method of oil pulling, in place of sesame oil, cow ghee is used. This is especially useful to heal oral ulcers and to relieve burning sensation. It is indicated in Pitta imbalance oral disorders. Read more about oil pulling
Ghee administered from different routes:
Shata dhauta grita
Ghee washed with water:
A special procedure is used to wash ghee with water, called as Shata Dhauta ghrita.
In pregnant woman, a special processed ghee is used to apply around the umbilical area.
Ghee is used for application over wounds and burns to reduce the heat and calm Pitta.
Ghee is applied over lips to heal the seasonal cracked lips.
It is also useful for local application for heel cracks.
Ghee is an excellent moisturizer and gives a soothing and coolant effect when used for whole body massage. It is applied allover the body and massage is done with gentle pressure.
Ghee enema
Herbal rectal suppositories are smeared with ghee before insertion into anal canal. 5/288
In Ayurveda practice, Enema of ghee is used to strengthen bones. (A. Hr. Su. 11/34)
As per Ayurveda, bone gets its nourishment from fat. By administering ghee through enema, Vata gets balanced, leading to proper nourishment of bone tissue. (Bone and Vata are connected). Hence, ghee enema is useful in cases like arthritis.
While administering it for enema, usually it is administered alone in a dose of 30-60 ml. Usually 1 – 3 grams of rock salt is mixed along with it for easier absorption. If it is winter, then the ghee is heated to bring it to 30-35 degree Celsius.
As enema, normal cow ghee can be used or based on the disease, herbal ghee can also be used.
Ghee is also used as an ingredient in decoction enema, also called Asthapana basti.
Here, a combination of honey, rock salt, herbal ghee / oil, herbal paste and decoction are mixed and administered.
In Asthapana basti, where the purpose is to balance both Vata and Pitta Dosha, where nourishment of tissues is the purpose, then ghee is preferred to herbal oil.
For example, in
Vrushya Basti – aphrodisiac enema to treat male disorders, cow ghee or kalyanaka ghrita is used.
In certain skin disorders, Panchatikta guggulu ghrita is used as an ingredient, which is a very good medicine for various skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis etc.
In Balavarnakara basti, administered for improving skin health, strength and immunity.
Ghee for herbal smoking
Ayurveda recommends herbal smoking as one of the daily routines. Ghee is extensively used as an ingredient in Ayurveda herbal smoking procedure. (A.Hr. Su. 21/15)
Ghee for wounds, bleeding, burning sensation
Jatyadi ghrita – an herbal ghee is used for the treatment of external wounds. (local application).
Half a cup of ghee with a teaspoon of turmeric powder and 2 teaspoon of neem – this paste is applied locally for quick healing of wounds and abscesses.
In leech therapy, ghee is applied over the concern area to reduce the burning sensation. (A Hr. Su 26/41)
Ghee is advised for application over bleeding wounds for cooling and quick wound healing effect. (A Hr. Su. 28/25)
In ancient times, ghee was used as base to prepare wicks that were used for local application after surgical procedures. (A. Hr. Su. 29/27)
Ghee was used to apply over the surgical suture for quick healing. (A. Hr. Su 29/54)
In Ayurveda practice, while treating fistula and piles using a special preparation called Kshara, ghee is applied after the procedure to relieve burning sensation and irritation. (A. Hr. Su. 30/31)
Ghee is an excellent wound healing agent, when it is applied locally. (A. Hr. Su. 30/34)
In children, while doing ear lobe puncturing, ghee is applied first, to reduce pain & irritation and to ease piercing. (A. Hr. U. 1/31)
Ghee application over cracked lips, cracked nipples in new mothers and cracked heals softens the edges of everted skin and quickens healing.
Ghee applied over skin relieves dryness and burning sensation.
Ghee for wounds, abscess and fistula
Psychological benefits
It is best suited for those desiring intellect, memory and intelligence. (A. Hr. Su. 16/8)
Ghee is mixed with mustard and neem leaves and used for fumigation. This helps to ward off evil forces. (A. Hr. U 3/48)
Application of ghee over the scalp area helps to calm the mind down.
Ghee for immunity
Ghee as immunity booster – references –
The term ojas is used to represent immunity. Ghee is one of the essential dietary ingredients to improve Ojas.
Substances that are anti aging naturally improve immunity. Ghee along with milk is considered as the best anti aging dietary combination. (Charaka Sutrasthana 25/40)
Spiritual significance
Use of Ghee in Spiritual Purposes;
Ghee is considered as very pure and auspicious. Hence in Hindu custom, while serving food, a little ghee is sprinkled over the food, symbolizing that ghee purifies the food. This practice is known as “Abhighara”
Ghee is used in Spiritual practices called as Homa, where Ghee is offered to fire. Of all the sources available to use as fuel for fire, only ghee is used. It highlights the importance of Ghee.
After waking up in the morning, it is an auspicious ritual to see the face in ghee. Bhavaprakasha 5/17
Ghee home remedies
Having a teaspoon of ghee before food in the morning relieves pain in the bladder region (A. Hr. Su. 4/6)
In chronic fever, garlic along with ghee is advised as diet. (A. Hr. Chi 1/55)
To relieve dryness of palate and oral cavity, Amla powder and raisins are mixed with ghee and kept inside mouth for a few minutes. (Bhava Prakasha Madhyama Khanda)
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) powder is consumed with ghee to relieve burning sensation. 1/670
Triphala decoction added with ghee and sugar is useful in the treatment of anemia. (improves liver function) BR 12/5.
Ghee remedy for Pitta related cough
Ghee for allergic rhinitis
Before you go out of your house for work, try applying a thin layer of ghee to the inner wall of nostril. It really helps to avoid dust allergy.
Ghee before Panchakarma
During the preparatory procedure for Panchakarma: Panchakarma is a procedure wherein the imbalanced Doshas are expelled out of the body. Prior to Panchakarma, high doses of ghee is given to the person to drink within a short span of 1 – 7 days. Ghee having good penetrating capacity, penetrates deep into body tissues and acts as a vehicle to diffuse Dosha accumulation in the body. It also helps to Bring the imbalanced Dosha into the gastro-intestinal tract from where it expelled out by Panchakarma procedure.
Ghee for diseases
Ghee for health conditions: Ghee has a very unique capability to absorb the active constituents of an herb into it, without leaving out ghee’s inherent quality. This quality of ghee is hailed as “Yogavahi”. Hence Ghee is processed with different herbs to imbibe those useful qualities into Ghee. This processed ghee is extensively used in Ayurveda for a wide range of health conditions.
Ghee is used as adjuvant along with herbal decoctions. (Ghee is given for oral administration with herbal decoctions). Bhavaprakasha Uttarakhanda 2/6
Ghee is also used as adjuvant along with herbs in paste (Kalka) and powder (Churna) form. Bhava Prakasha 2/13
Ghee during pregnancy
In a pregnant lady, soon after beginning of labor pain, the lady is given oil massage and hot water bath. After this, lady is given a gruel along with ghee. – Bhavaprakasha 3/344
Ghee is suggested as an essential dietary ingredient in pregnancy in Ayurveda. This is because, ghee is hailed as a sweet substance which is congenial and habitual to anyone since birth.
Ghee is ideal for improving intelligence; memory, ingenuity, digestion strength, longevity, quality of semen and ovum, and eye sight. It is useful for children, the aged, those who desire more children, tenderness of the body, and pleasant voice.
Of all the oils and fats, ghee is the best for retaining of youth; It has the capacity of of giving a thousand good effects by a thousand kinds of processing.
During pregnancy, enlivening substances like ghee and milk should be used. Ghee can be used both externally and internally.
As per Yoga Ratnakara text book, ghee is one among the diet substances that the pregnant can take on daily basis. (Reference: Yoga Ratnakara Ksheeradosha Chikitsa)
Especially, during the first 12 days of pregnancy, ghee obtained from milk should be consumed by the pregnant mother.
In the third month, milk, ghee and honey are to be administered to the pregnant. (caraka saṃhitā śārīra sthāna 8/32)
In the fifth month of pregnancy, milk and ghee should be administered. (caraka saṃhitā śārīrasthāna 8/32)
In the sixth month, milk and ghee processed with sweet herbs should be administered.
In seventh month, ghee can be processed with wild yam etc herbs and administered. (suśruta saṃhitā śārīra sthāna 10/4)
In eighth month, milk and ghee should be given to drink.
Rice gruel processed with ghee should also be given.
External application of ghee during pregnancy:
In case of bleeding during pregnancy, one should apply shata dhauta or sahasra dhauta ghrita (washed a thousand times) to all the area below the level of umbilicus.
Shata dhauta ghrita – for umbilical region., water washed ghee – Ghee is mixed with equal quantities of water, mashed well and water is drained out. This process is repeated for 10 – 15 times. This ghee is applied over below umbilical region to stabilize pregnancy.
Ghee with turmeric is an excellent remedy for cracked heals, during pregnancy.
Ghee is traditionally anointed over palm and feet to relieve burning sensation.
A cup of ghee is mixed with a teaspoon of turmeric powder. It is applied over the abdomen, flanks, lower part of breasts and buttocks to prevent stretch marks.
How to consume ghee?
Half a teaspoon of ghee during morning or as part of breakfast is a great way to start your day.
While taking food, first ghee with hard food stuff should be consumed, followed by soft foods and in the end curds.
Usually after ghee consumption, it is good to have a warm beverage.
For example, half – one teaspoon of ghee can be consumed just before having morning cup of tea / coffee.
Ghee as nasal drops Video
Ghee as nasal drops:
2 drops of Ghee is put into both nostrils in the morning, at least 30 minutes before food. This practice is called as Nasya Karma.
Ghee is useful as nasal drops
a. when a person has dryness of nose, bleeding through nose
b. to improve memory and concentration
c. to treat migraine, headache that is not caused due to sinusitis
d. dizziness due to long travels
e. Burning sensation in eyes, nose, in the head
f. To relieve anxiety, depression, racing thoughts
g. Wherever, nourishing qualities are expected.
h. In case of Vata and Pitta imbalance.
i. Wherever you need calming and soothing and coolant effects
j. As a co-remedy for hypertension
k. Early greying of hairs
l. Trigeminal neuralgia, tinnitus, hearing problems, vision problems
The nasal drops therapy with ghee can be continued for about 2 – 6 weeks time.
It is better to do a gentle massage with a few drops of sesame oil on face and neck, leave it on for 5 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water and then put the nasal drops.
The massage and the washing the face helps in better distribution of the nasal drops.
In people with severe allergic rhinitis, when they go outside, a thin layer of ghee is applied over the inside of the nostrils. This forms a protective layer against dust and smoke.
Which ghee to be used for nasal drops?
Cow ghee is commonly used. In case of specific diseases like schizophrenia, epilepsy etc, herbal ghees indicated for those diseases, such as Maha Kalyanaka Ghrita, Panchagavya Ghrita etc are used.
But there are a few rules for Nasal drops instillation –
For example, use of ghee for nasal drops is not recommended when the sky is full of clouds, during extreme winter and rainy seasons, when the person has cold, sinusitis, cough and fever.
Ghee balances Vata and Pitta Dosha. Hence, in all conditions of head and neck involving Vata and Pitta, ghee is useful.
But in cases of sinusitis, cold and cough (which are due to Vata and Kapha), ghee may worsen the condition. Read related: How to do Nasya treatment
Side effects, contraindications
Clarified butter side effects and Contra indication:
Ghee is best avoided during jaundice, hepatitis, fatty liver changes.
Excess of ghee can cause indigestion and diarrhea.
Consuming ghee while having cold, cough may worsen the condition in a few
During fever
During Ama
Unmixed ghee should not be taken in the event of the domination of Pitta specially when Pitta is associated with Ama.
Ghee taken in this condition brings about paleness (Jaundice) in the body and may prove to be fatal by impairing the consciousness.
Avoid ghee when the pregnant mother is suffering with cold or indigestion.
In case of feeling of indigestion or heaviness of stomach after ghee consumption, a warm drink or a cup of fat-less buttermilk can be consumed.
Management of over-dose
If you think you have over-consumed ghee, do not take food till the ghee is completely digested. Anyways, you will not be feeling hunger.
Sip in warm water once in every half an hour. Use it for drinking and washing.
If you start feeling hungry, try to have hot liquid foods such as hot clear veg soup.
After you start feeling lightness in the stomach and body, you can resume your routine dietary habits.
Triphala, Trikatu – are used to cleanse the channels and improve digestion strength, if the ghee causes indigestion due to wrong use.
Fat less buttermilk is told as a specific remedy to counter the ill effects of wrong usage of ghee. It helps to improve digestion.
Special thanks to Mr Sandeep Agarwal, Owner, Pure Indian Foods. He is based in NJ, USA, manufactures grass fed organic ghee and many different spice combinations. Most part of this article was a paid compilation work that I had done for him, a year ago. When I asked for his permission to write this article, he was generous enough to permit. This is NOT a paid endorsement of Pure Indian Foods.
Action on Vata Dosha
Question: I read Online Desi ghee helps in pacify Vata. Now Desi ghee is cool in nature, So as Vata body type are also cool in nature. So how it would help in pacify Vata?
Answer: Ghee is not a coolant. It has coolant effect only on stomach. It is mildly hot in nature. Because of its hotness, it helps to improve digestion strength. And because of its mild hotness, it balances Vata.
Cow Ghee Usage For Hypertension
Ghee for vomiting
Ghee is used for the treatment of Vata type of vomiting, associated with gurgling sound and abdominal pain.
Ghee with rock- salt (cooked with rock salt). This recipe is given to the patient of Vatika Chardi, associated with the palpitation of the heart.
Ghee cooked with coriander, ginger, Yogurt and pomegranate juice Pomegranate and
Ghee added with the powder of Ginger, pepper, long pepper, Rock salt, black salt and Vida type of salt;
The patient of Vatika Chardi is given food which is unctuous and pleasing to the heart along with meat- soup, vegetable- soup, yogurt and sour pomegranate. (Charaka Chikitsa Sthana, 20th chapter).
Ghee for newborn
अथ खलु जात मात्रम् एव बालम् उल्वात् सैन्धव सर्पिषा मार्जयेत्।(वाग्भट)
Acharya Vagbhata tells ‘Immediately after the birth of the child, the Ulva (secretions or cheesy white coating enveloping the body and face of the new born child) over the body and face should be cleansed by wiping and rubbing it with the mixture of Saindhava Lavana (Rock salt) and Sarpi (ghee)’
Read related: Ayurvedic Care Of The Newborn Baby: Jatamatra Paricharya
Effect on Tridosha
Ghee calms Pitta and Vata. Hence, it is ideal for people with Vata-Pitta body type and for those suffering from Vata and Pitta imbalance disorders.
Ghee with water?
Question: You have spoken about ghee mixed with water not being good for digestion. Should we never cook food in ghee ?
In the context of Shata dhauta ghrita – 100 times washed ghee – I have quoted that remnant water molecules can spoil the ghee, hence this ghee is not ideal for oral consumption.
In many foods, including liquid foods like Payasam, panchagavya, Panchamrita etc, ghee is administered along with other liquids like milk, curd.
In Ganji the semi solid cooked rice, it is a common practice in Karnataka to mix a teaspoon of ghee and salt and consume it with pickle.
In Ayurvedic medicines also, ghee is used as a co-drink with many liquid foods. For example, for Vata – Pitta imbalance disorder such as gastritis, A kashaya like Indukanta kashaya can be administered with half a teaspoon of ghee. In all above instances, if you have noticed, the amount of ghee is very less, compared to the other liquid ingredients. If the liquid proportion is very high and ghee quantity is very less, it is very fine to mix ghee with the liquid foods. Ghee is advised along with warm water. Hence, it really helps in digestion if the ghee is mixed with warm liquids (such as hot rasam), just before administration. It is also advised not to keep the liquid+ghee mix for a very long period of time. Usually, in above instances, the ghee is mixed with the liquid food and it is served hot and immediately. For example, if you are preparing a kheer with ghee in it, better to make it fresh and serve hot. This practice does not cause any problem to digestion and thus, it does not cause any health issues.
Ghee with coffee?
It has become a fad now-a-days to add a teaspoon of ghee to a cup of coffee. This is well known to decrease the stomach irritation effect of coffee, since the ghee has stomach calming effect. Adding ghee to coffee didn’t reduce the “kick” or stimulation that we get from coffee, as ghee has Samskarasya anuvartana property. Meaning, it stays neutral when used with other ingredients and does not meddle with health benefits of coffee.
Best medium for brain tonics
Namaste!
What is the best medium to deliver herbs like Brahmi, Gotu Kola, Jatamansi to the brain and nerve cells?
Answer by Dr JV Hebbar:
Let us open the treatment section of Charaka Samhita – Explaining treatment for Psychiatric disorders and Epilepsy
You can see a lot of herbal ghees mentioned there.
For example, for psychiatric disorders, Master Charaka advices
Kalyanaka Ghrita
Maha Kalyanaka Ghrita – Also used in infertility treatment and pregnancy care of the mother
Lashunadi Ghrita – contains garlic as main ingredient, and
Maha Paishachika Ghrita
And for the management of epilepsy, master Charaka recommends
Panchagavya Ghrita
Hingu Saindhava Ghrita – Has Asafoetida and rock salt as main ingredients Maha Panchagavya Ghrita
Vachadi ghrita – with sweet flag as main ingredient
Brahmi Ghrita
Madhukadi Ghrita – contains sweet flag
Clear enough evidence that, to target brain functions, cow ghee / clarified butter is the best medium. It passes the blood brain barrier and delivers medicine principles to the brain effectively.
So, if you are an Ayurveda practitioner, planning to administer, say, brahmi to target brain function, ghee is a very good medium.
Either you can make herbal ghee with the brahmi or you can administer the Brahmi along with ghee, ask the client to make a paste and swallow it with lukewarm water.
Why lukewarm water?
Because, it is advised to take lukewarm water whenever ghee or oil is consumed, for better digestion and absorption of ghee.
For Hemorrhoids
Ghee eases constipation and makes the fecal matter smooth and unctuous. This helps in easy elimination. A teaspoon of ghee especially at night is very good to use for people with piles.
Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 14/223 mentions that,
When there is bleeding hemorrhoids with severe pain and burning, ghee can be applied locally to reduce the bleeding and relieve burning sensation.
For this purpose, cold ghee or ghee in room temperature should only be used.
Vegan substitute of ghee
I am a vegan and still want to enjoy benefits of ghee. What should I take?
Answer by Dr JV Hebbar:
Let us enlist the ghee qualities and actions. This is as per Master Charaka and Master Bhavamishra
Rasayana – anti aging, Guru – heavy to digest
Swadu – sweet in taste,
Chakshushya – improves eye health, Vahni Deepana – improves digestion strength
Sheetaveerya – Coolant, Improves skin health, Ojas (immunity), Tejas, Lavanya – skin brightness, shine and softness,
Buddhikrut – improves intelligence
Improves voice quality, memory,
Promotes intelligence and strength
Useful to relieve
Visha – Poison,
Alakshmi – poverty
Paapa – Sins, bad deeds
Effect on Doshas – Balances Vata and Pitta. Can increase Kapha Dosha
Master Charaka has enlisted that ghee, sesame oil, animal muscle fat and marrow as the four main sources for fats.
As per this, if not ghee, we can consider Sesame oil.
Sesame oil qualities are –
Guru – slightly heavy to digest, nourishing
Improves strength, skin health, promotes bowel movement, aphrodisiac, looses joints, brings clarity to channels (like blood vessels) and joints, sweet, astringent, bitter.
It balances Vata and Kapha.
Hot in potency, can increase Pitta Dosha.
Improves digestion strength, intelligence, heals ulcer, useful in diabetes, good for skin, eyes etc.
So, sesame oil has some matching qualities with ghee but it is hot. To counter this hotness and to make it more brain function improving, we can make an herbal oil of it with a coolant, brain function promoting herb – Brahmi (Bacopa monneiri) or Gotu Kola.
Coolant Brahmi nullifies the hotness of sesame oil and adds in more brain function improvement benefits.
How to blend sesame oil with brahmi?
Take Sesame oil – 1000 ml
Brahmi powder or fresh brahmi paste – 100 grams
Water – 2000 ml
Boil everything together till complete water evaporation. Filter.
Watch an oil making video here. It will be very clear
Another option:
Because coconut oil has very similar brain function improving effect, it is also a good contender, especially in hot climate places.
Coconut oil has lauric acid, which crosses blood brain barrier. So, coconut oil also has brain function improvement effect.
But it is highly coolant. To counter this effect, you can blend it with hot, brain function promoting herb – Jyotishmati – Celastrus paniculata.
Other options for herbs are –
Cumin seed – promotes digestion strength.
Black pepper – has natural detoxifying effect.
How to blend any of these herbs with coconut oil?
Take Sesame oil – 1000 ml
Any one of the herbs – 100 grams
Water – 2000 ml
Boil everything together till complete water evaporation. Filter.
Watch another video of oil making
Can all these three herbs be used together?
That is a bit of a stretch. Remember we are trying to use it on a day to day basis. Hence, keeping it mild is a good idea. For the same reason, I have diluted the oil making formula on both the above occasions. Original herbal oil preparation formula is double stronger.
Milk and ghee
क्षीरघृताभ्यासो रसायनानां – kṣīraghṛtābhyāso rasāyanānāṃ- declares Master Charaka – Charaka Sutrasthana, 25/40.
Daily intake of ghee and milk is best anti aging remedy – Best Rasayana.
For this practice to be made, one has to have good digestion strength – Agni. If one has good digestion strength, milk and ghee will nourish and rejuvenate all body tissues.
For this purpose, ghee and milk can be taken together or even separately.
Time to take:
For people seeking sound sleep, a cup of warm milk with ghee is good to take at night, before or after food.
For people seeking weight gain, it can be taken 2 – 3 times in a day.
People with nasal congestion, cold and cough with sputum may feel their symptoms worsening, if they take it at night. For them, this remedy can be taken in the afternoon, where Pitta is naturally high and will negate the cold effect of this remedy.
People with neurological disorders, joint disorders can take this remedy in the evening hours.
Ghee for concentration
a. Take a teaspoon of ghee and drink half a cup of lukewarm water, 20 minutes before your meditation session.
b. Apply a few drops of the ghee to the center part of your scalp. You can even apply a couple of drops of it over your forehead with gentle massage for 1 – 2 minutes.
112 comments on “Ghee Benefits, Usage, Side Effects, Contra Indications”
Ramapriya Krishnamurthy
Dear Dr. JV Hebbar, Thanks for writing/sharing this article. I have heard that generally we should only consume melted ghee(melt such that it becomes clear liquid). I don’t see anything mentioned about that here and also in the picture I see solid ghee. Can you please throw some light and clarify on this. Thanks in advance for your response.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
I don’t know what is the problem with a solidified ghee..?
Anyway, it is going to melt in the mouth. 🙂
Vishal mishra
Sir what is difference between ghee prepared from cream of milk .and otherone is that wemake after making curd then churning ,then extract butter from and then prepare ghee.please tell according to ayurveda.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Traditionally, ghee prepared from churning curd is the preferred ghee. It is easier to undergo digestion and is not heavy on stomach and less likely to increase cholesterol.
Raje
Dear Sir
Thanks for the Great Info…your are talking lots of efforts to publish this info…
Now came to know all these benefits of Ghee
How to check that purchased cow ghee is of good quality ?
for example Patanjali or any other brand
regds
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Best way to ensure good quality ghee is to make it at home.
Test method melt the ghee in hot water bath, add nitric acid drops to it. If there is change in color, it is not pure.
Raje
Thanks Sir… I will test
sudhit pandey
Very nice effert . India proud on you. Go on…..
Deepti Suri
Thank you Dr. He b bar for the great article. Most Indians switch to olive oil after moving to western world.
I strongly recommend Ghee from cultured butter over any kind of olive oil. NRI s are the first generation to consume foreign oils and it is going to cause a bit of trouble. Olive oil lobby is strong and every one starts to follow in their claims. So glad to read this article if you permit I Wil be sharing it with my Yoga community. …
In 1978 the then Kanchi Shankaracharya had proved the benefit of traditional method of ghee over fat collected and ghee made through modern/western methods in cholesterol. ..no one documented the 4 months of experiment in those days…
Ghee made with cultured butter of cow milk didn’t increase cholesterol where as dairy made ghee did.
Once again thank you.
Maah
Nice article. When one holds ghee, raisins and amla powder in mouth for dry mouth, is that at dry mouth time or daily, once or more times? And what to do with the held substance afterwards? Throw or chew and swallow.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, the mixture is ground together and made into a paste and filled into mouth and held for minimum five minutes, and then it is spit out. It is a kind of mouth gargle.
J. Bhattacharjee
It is a great piece. Thank you Doc Hebbar for the good work. It is also important to put through the claims of Ayurveda through the rigor of the latest scientific testing methods. Or else these shall remain a matter of faith and not tested facts. And Doctor we are in India. Where is such cow milk ghee available in India? Can you help? Thanks.
mankindthought
Doctor sahib, doing great job. You made the topics so simple and easy-every one trying to understand the concept of AYURVED and interacting with each other. You covered almost every thing about COW GHEE what I listened in my childhood from one of my relative who was a vaidya of repute. Keep it up.
Sudha
Thank you Dr for this article! In psychological effects you have mentioned, to apply it on scalp to calm mind, should ghee be applied like applying hair oil and wash it off after some time? Thank you once again.
Diwakar
Thanks for Good article. What is the Ghee effect on Cholesterol . How to balance this?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Welcome!
There are research reports on either side of cholesterol increasing and decreasing effects of ghee.
Usage of one teaspoon of ghee per day, is healthy and does not increase cholesterol in a healthy individual.
Arvind Pareek
Thanks for a good article . India proud on you. you may also try to provide information in hindi from your treasure. It will help you to reach more people and even vaidyas of the country. great work, thanks again.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
All the pages can be translated and read automatically in Hindi, using google translation tool.
chinthamani
This is very good I always think ghee is bad for health because of cholesterol thankyou
Monique
I am out of balance vata. What is best way to take ghee? How much can be used in one day. 1 tsp with bread, 1 tsp with rice, what is total amount that can be used. How can ghee be used in recipes? Thanks so very much fpr amazing article.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
The normal safe dose of ghee for anyone with Vata imbalance is – 1 2 teaspoon per day.
1. Wherever you use cheese, you can use ghee. Just make sure to drink a cup of hot water after having that dish.
2. Any food recipe, which involves oil and if there is heating process, there, a teaspoon of ghee can be added.
3. any dish – that is served hot, a teaspoon of ghee can be added while having that dish in hot condition.
Monique
I take 1 tsp ghee in the morning before breakfast in one glass of warm milk. Is that ok?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It is okay.
Joti Bhattacharjee
Research is required in depth. First to know what are the claims of our ancestors. And then to test and establish those claims as true using the latest testing methods. The second part is very important and is necessary to demolish the hegemony of the multinational drug companies.
Monique
In stores I have found ghee in the refrigerator, and some places not. Also, does it have to say organic ghee, and what is desi ghee? Thanks so much for your replies.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
If Organic ghee is available, it is better.
Desi ghee indicates that the ghee is prepared from milk from a village side cow.
Monique
What is the difference between desi ghee and organic ghee? Are both grassfed? Is desi ghee from sacred cow or any cow in India? Can desi ghee be purchased anywhere in Canada or just in India? Very interested in ghee info. Thanks for great articles.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Any village side grass fed cow’s ghee either within India, or outside, is called as Desi ghee. Organic ghee is from organic grass fed ghee.
Kumar
Are there any differences between ghee made from cream (I saw my grand mother making ghee and I think the source is called cream but I guess you would know) and ghee made from boiling butter sticks (in US market). Do you have suggestions?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, ghee made with cream, which is fermented as explained in the above article is the traditional way. The ghee made with butter sticks would be similar but slightly inferior in qualities, in my opinion.
Shubham
Dear Dr Hebbar,
What is the best way to make ghee – from cream or curd? Is there any reference in the Ayurveda texts or Vedas on the method of preparation.
Thanks
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
The best way is to make the ghee is from curds. Traditional methods followed in Indian household can be kept as the reference for this statement.
Aps
How to test pure ghee ? Can there be layers formed after ghee is stored ?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Please read here – http://www.quora.com/How-do-I-test-the-purity-of-ghee-or-butter-at-home
INM
IS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS CURED WITH COW GHEE. HOW TO USE
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No.
Monique
I just bought a new bottle of ghee. I still have another almost finished. 2 different brands… The new one is very liquid and almost an orange color. The other is more pale yellow. What is the reason for this? ALSO Is it ok if it goes from solid to liquid and back to solid again? Your opinion please.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Difference in color is due to different types of milk used. Nothing to worry. No problem if it goes from solid to liquid and then to solid.
shivani
Does putting ghee in nose help control hairfall ? Please tell .
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Better to leave the habit of alcohol. Read here – https://www.easyayurveda.com/2014/11/18/alcohol-intoxication-symptoms-treatment-per-ayurveda/
Priya
Does consumption of ghee cause early puberty in girls.
The age of puberty in girls is decreasing year by year. It is a sign of early aging. How to delay menarche?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No. It does not cause early puberty.
Way to delay menarche is by having a healthy lifestyle, no junk foods, regular exercise, lots of fruits and vegetables in diet.
Shubham
What is the safe dose of ghee per day for vata pitta dosha?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Ghee is specifically useful in balancing Vata and Pitta DOsha. Hence, Vata- Pitta body type people can tolerate a bit higher dose of it.
Dose – 1 – 4 teaspoons per day, depending on digestion strength.
Shubham
Thanks Dr. However please do let us know what will be possible side effects of ghee over consumption. Is it only lack of appetite or can it also be excess body heat (increased pitta)?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Ghee is best avoided during jaundice, hepatitis, fatty liver changes.
Excess of ghee can cause indigestion and diarrhea.
Consuming ghee while having cold, cough may worsen the condition in a few.
It does not cause excess body heat on over-consumption.
Aps
Does cow ghee have special properties over buffalo ghee ? Does buffalo ghee give the same benefits ?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Both have similar effects. Buffalo ghee is slightly rich in nutrition and slightly heavier to digest.
Dr.Eesha
Sir,can u please give a deeper inside on the relation between cow ghee and memory.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, only a few compounds that are lipid soluble, cross blood brain barrier. Cow ghee is one among them. This is the reason you see many medicines mentioned by Charaka for Apasmara and Unmada – neuro and psychiatric medicines are cow based, such as Panchagavya ghrita, Paishachika Ghrita etc.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, though there is no scientific reasoning behind this, I have heard and read that this practice yields good results.
Lisa
I make ghee using cultured butter. When I filter the homemade ghee there is some residue left. Is it safe to consume that residue or filtrate?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No. Better to discard it.
Monique
Which do you think is better, if had to make a choice, ghee or chyawanprash. Thanks……would it hurt to take both?
Dr Malini Bhat
Dear Madam, Ghee and Chyawanprash have their own line of action and both can be taken.
krishna Mallik
Namaskar sir,
I have ear buzzing problem (low level sound in ear)for last 1 year. I had check up with doctor. Doctor said,”there is nothing in you ear ; use this ear drop and it will be fine” I used that but still I am having same problem. It is also causing minor pain near ear some headache. So what should I do to cure this.
Please give me suggestion.
Dr Malini Bhat
Hello sir, These are some remedies:
1. Take a handful of tulsi leaves.Extract the juice. Heat till lukewarm.Put 2 drops in the affected area. Repeat 2 times a day.
Pancha karma therapies for tinnitus include:
1. Nasya – helps to nourish the senses to eliminate excess vata from senses
2. Abhyanga – Shiro Abhyanga helps normalize the prana vayu.
3. Karnapooran
4. Kavala and Gandusha
Pranay
sir does cow ghee increase blockage ?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Blcokage of what?
Rupa
Dear Sir, I have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis 5 years ago. I think I have a Vata Pitta imbalance since I have acidity problems and also my skin gets a bit raised and red after itching. The article says that Ghee is good for this kind of imbalance but at the same time, it is not good for ama. Since I have RA, will the ghee treatment be suitable for me? Thanks.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, for you, up to 5 grams of ghee per day, in diet is advisable.
If it causes any digestion related problems, include a bit of ginger and black pepper in your diet.
Rupa
Thank you Dr.
Priya Nanda
Hai sir, My six months old daughter’s both hands and legs were very dry. We are in cold country. So i massaged her with ghee along with little castor oil and few drops of kumkumadi thaila. I use to take few drops from every ingredient and heat up with my palm.And then apply all over body by little pressure. Now almost say about 80 percentage dryness is gone. Is it fine. May i continue this for long time.
Dr Malini Bhat
Hello Madam, No madam do avoid milk and ghee mixture. Instead you can add ghee in Daliya and give her or if you cook any vegetable the water from the cooked vegetables can be given by adding a little salt and ghee.
Avoid giving anything for an hour after giving this.
Aps
How to store cow ghee to make it old ? How to use this old ghee for medical purposes as have heard that it’s very beneficial ?
Dr Malini Bhat
Namaste Sir,
Take pots or steel / iron vessel.
Fill it 2/3rd of the volume of the pots with cow ghee (clarified butter) and close the lid air tight. Write the date of keeping.
You may keep 5 – 10 different pots / jars of ghee.
After completion of 1 year, open 1 jar and start using it. This will allow other pots to get older and better with successive years of storage.
To know more about the benefits you can read here: https://www.easyayurveda.com/2015/09/16/purana-ghrita-old-ghee-uses-dose-side-effects/
sophie
If you are overweight/obese, yet have vata imbalance as well, such as dry cracked heels, hair and nails, can ghee be consumed. What are the conditions under which it must be avoided?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
If someone is obese, then still he /she can take 3 – 5 grams of ghee per day. But in case of cracked heels, mixing a cup of ghee with a teaspoon of turmeric and applying it locally is also very useful.
During very weak digestion, during fever, during extreme diarrhea and vomiting, it is usually avoided.
King Sabriye
O Steamed Doctors, i have one question here.
i have a stomach pain for (Giardia Lambia) and every time i feel this pain i used to use sheep Ghee, and pain stops a little time after that, it started again, so, Doctor tell me how sheep Ghee can stop this?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, as per Ayurveda, sheep ghee is unwholesome and is best to avoid it.
SHARDA
KYA GHEE WEIGHT GHATANE ME HELP KARTA HAI
aps
what is the maximum expiry date of cow ghee to be used for cooking purposes ?
Ashwini
Good article doctor, there are many articles in the internet which says ghee actually helps in reducing the weight. Actually wanted to know whether ghee helps in weight reduction or increases the weight. And can obese adults consume ghee and if so how much per day.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, Ghee increases weight. An obese person can take up to 3 – 5 grams of ghee per day, followed by a cup of hot water. If ghee is to be consumed with food, then the food should be in hot condition, for better digestion of ghee.
venkatesh
cow ghee helps to alleviate diabetic condition ? how/
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No. It does not alleviate diabetes. It helps to restore nutrition in case of weak or underweight diabetic person.
Himanshu
I am an obese man, weight 92 kg. And have knee pain, so doctor suggested me to have 1 tbsp of cow ghee daily at night with milk.
Won’t it make me more fat??
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, in your case, it could increase weight.
Radhika Mukund Marathe
How does applying ghee in nostrils prevent allergic rhinitis? Can ghee be consumed by coronary artery disease patients? Is ghee a hydrogenated lipid?
Ashwini
Thanks for the valuable information Dr. JV Hebbar. I want to know whether a person with thyroid put ghee in the nostril every day morning. The ghee would be the same which we use for meals.
mit joshi
Hello Doctor,
what is the benefit of apply ghee in naval.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It balances down Pitta dosha. Reduces heavy menstrual flow in women, useful in gastro intestinal disorders.
Abc
Which ghee is better for cooking? Cow ghee or Buffalo ghee?
Deepika sharma
I have 5 Yrs old kid, he is only 16 kgs. He also have allergy related cough problem. I have started giving him ghee n pepper in recent days. Is this good for him? Is this the right combination please suggest?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, warm milk with ghee is useful.
So also dry fruits like almond.
Read more remedies here
https://www.easyayurveda.com/2011/01/05/ayurvedichome-remedies-for-acidity-and-gastritis/
Matilda
Does ghee gives throat infection and cold
pratap kumar das
can a DMT2 patient or a heart patient consume cow ghee. will it increase colostral in blood?
Jit
Hello Dr. Hebbar,
How can Ayurveda help us with pollution? I live in a metro city, & ride bike for two hours everyday to & fro from office. The air is mostly pollution & fumes on the road. When I go to my country home, small town, the air is very fresh. But, here in the city, the air quality seems to be degrading everyday.
Thanks,
Jit.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
2 drops of ghee is smeared into the inner side of nose, whenever going out.
If there are respiratory symptoms, then there are many Ayurvedic medicines such as Agastya rasayana, Chyawanprash, haridra khanda etc.
Jit
Thanks a lot doctor. btw, I love your website. I always come here first whenever I need to get a reference on any herb. The info is so detailed, with loads of references. Thanks for all your work.
Priya
Hello doctor,
I wanted to know what is the best time to take milk with ghee?
ihrjordan
What is the procedure for consuming ghee in the hot season and fall in which hot water is contra-indicated? Can more be had safely in the hot season?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It can still be taken with lukewarm water, if not warm water, during summer and fall
Ghee balances Pitta and hence, nullifies hotness of lukewarm / hot water.
patel harsh
Is ghee is beneficial in pularal effusion with infection of plural fluid with tuberculosis
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
I think you should tolerate ghee without any problem. Please try it on a holiday, when you are at home or relaxing.
Preetam Raj
Sir If I will take only deshi cow ghee then will it cure my nosal increased bone approx in how many months …. I just want to?
Nanasaheb
Is Desi cow ghee will be helpful for OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)by nasal drop application,or please tell me any other ayurvedic remedy for this desease
nitin
Sir Ghee is good in pregnancy ,some old people of village saying don’t take what to do sir
Sophie
Thanks for your untiring efforts in educating us all. Appreciate your sharing your wisdom!
rajesh jat
dear sir
what is the procedure for applying cow ghee in for regular use on hairs.does it have any negative effect.
Tanushree Patil
Sir, may I know if consumption of ghee has any effect on oily +acne prone skin.
Yelmurat
Hello Dr, Is there a benefit of consuming some spoons of ghee on an empty stomach for enhancing digestive systems and is it advisable to consume it every morning without cooking (just like an yogurt) ?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Just half a teaspoon of ghee can be consumed. Too much of ghee causes digestion problems.
Seema
PLease let me know if Asthma patient can take ghee early morning & what quantity, thsnks
Kumar
Thanks for the article. The superior properties of Ghee that are mentioned in Ayurveda might apply only if the cows/buffaloes are treated humanely and like family members. The animals are seriously abused in the modern factory-like farms and the store-bought Ghee is often adulterated. I sincerely recommend you to update your article to emphasize this and especially that people should not consider Ghee to be beneficial unless they know where it came from and they trust the quality and integrity of the source.
For example, “Pure Ghee Sweets” are sold way more because of the “Ghee” label and I wonder if the used Ghee is Ghee at all.
Samuel
Sir,
Is it a problem to have alcohol extracts ( herbal tinctures ) along with some ghee ( because of the alcohol content, even if limited )?
Thank you for some other answers you provided me with. I, indeed, plan to make an appointment with an ayurvedic Doctor for skype/email sessions.
Would you be kind enough to direct me to someone with experience in the ayurvedic emotional field, please?
Ayurveda has already helped me a lot with the physical aspects of my condition, which is nearly entirely solved by now – I’ve been several times in ayurvedic centers/in India, I’ve read the Charaka Samhita tomes many times -without learning them of course, humbly and by pure interest and lots of curiosity- and I would like now to have a more subtil approch and understanding, related to the emotional aspects of what’s left of my condition.
Thank you again Sir, what you are doing is important and precious.
kalpana vijay
Hello Dr,
Can we use Indian Desi cow ghee for nasya for sinus issue? Does it help when you have mucus in head and sinus cavaties?
On most nasya ghee it’s written to use 2 drop before sleep. Is it ok to use before bedtime?
Thanks
ANAND
what if Ashtmangal ghee is prepared in an iron vessel and turns black. Will it be extra benficial due to iron content (given 5 ml daily to an adult) or may harm also.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
If the iron pan is hygienic and not rusted, then ghee can be used.
G Noronha
My mother suffers from Chronic Kidney Disease stage 5 and is on dialysis. She also has diabetes. We cook our vegetable, eaten twice a day, in 1 tbsp of pure ghee. Will that increase the phosphorus in her blood?
Ankita
I feel my brain is very dry..which i feel while doing meditation or any mental work..pls tell if consuming cow ghee with milk will help?