Beneficial Effects of Ghee And it’s Ayurvedic Uses

Ghee, a clarified butter with various names across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, has been used for thousands of years. It is produced through a high-temperature process that retains some nonfat milk solids, contributing to its distinct flavor, which is influenced by fermentation and heating. Ghee boasts a long shelf life due to its low moisture content and potential antioxidative properties. It is rich in conjugated linoleic acid, which may have anti-carcinogenic effects, but it can also contain cholesterol oxidation compounds (COPs) that may pose health risks. The current study explored ghee's Ayurvedic significance by referencing ancient texts and scientific research. 

Ghee is commonly used in cooking, frying, and as a topping, but in Ayurveda, it is valued for its therapeutic properties, acting as a detoxifier, antibiotic, energy booster, and nutritional supplement, with a special role called ‘yogawahi’. It is composed primarily of various fatty acids, including saturated, monosaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fats, along with omega fatty acids, cholesterol, and vitamins A, B, D, K, and E, while containing little amount of water. 

The Charaka Samhita in Ayurveda refers to ghee as "amrita," emphasising both its cleansing qualities and its function as a vehicle for herbal treatments. It can be applied externally, such as in body massages (abyanga), where it enters deep tissues without passing through the digestive tract, or it can be administered internally. Early on in Panchakarma, ghee is also utilised to assist rid the body of toxins.

The Ashtanga Hrudaya Samhita states that ghee benefits both young people and the old by fostering intelligence, memory, digestive strength, longevity, sexual vigour, and good vision. In addition to improving voice quality, body softness, and complexion, it also works well for a number of illnesses, such as fever, herpes, TB, and chest injuries. Known for its cooling and revitalising properties, ghee is perfect for improving digestive function and curing ailments including coughs, laryngitis, and hiccups. 

To summarize, ghee is valued in Ayurveda for its many medicinal advantages, which include its potential to rid the body of impurities, promote digestive health, and enhance general wellbeing.

Source: Kodituwakku SD. Review on ghee and it’s ayurvedic uses. GARI International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research. December 2017; 03(04). ISSN 2659-2193. https://diglib.natlib.lk/bitstream/handle/123456789/41360/Dr.%20Sewwandi%20Darshika%20Kodituwakku%204.pdf?sequence=1