Exploring the Health Benefits of Ghee: Integrating Ayurvedic Texts and Modern Science

Plethora of evidence has highlighted the beneficial properties of dairy fats, leading to a shift in scientific views. Ghee, a clarified butter essential to Indian culture and cuisine, has long been recognized in Ayurveda for its therapeutic use. This study aims to investigate the health advantages of ghee as outlined in Ayurvedic texts and contemporary scientific research, noting both similarities and differences. An Ayurvedic review involved analyzing 11 classical texts over 3000 years, which included 4000 references to milk products, with 774 specifically about ghee. 

Insights from Ayurveda highlighted ghee's cognitive enhancement, gastrointestinal health, and overall nourishment, with 2913 mentions of milk derivatives' benefits. In contrast, modern research mainly focused on ghee's effectiveness in wound healing, skin health, and cardiovascular support. 

To conclude, merging Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific findings could enhance ghee’s therapeutic applications, particularly for chronic and age-related illnesses. Future interdisciplinary research is essential to validate traditional uses and explore new treatment possibilities.

Source: Devaraji M, Ravikumar L, Yokesh S, Kumar S, Jalaniy B. Unveiling the Therapeutic Potentials of Ghee: Insights from Ayurvedic Texts and Contemporary Research. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine. 2025;15(4):844–854. https://doi.org/10.47552/ijam.v15i4.5204