Anti-Inflammatory Goodness!
You have probably heard about Ghee by now, as a big bottle is already a staple at Costco!
Ghee is an essential ingredient of Indian and Ayurvedic cooking and has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
What is Ghee?
When we remove the curd after boiling the butter, that clarified liquid fat is known as Ghee. It is “ideally” made with “organic” unsalted cow milk butter, cooked in low heat until the water evaporates, leaving behind milk solids. For the full recipe, click here.
Why Ghee?
Ghee has been combined with many herbs as a part of Ayurveda cleanse treatment for thousands of years.
When integrated with herbs, such as Turmeric, Ashwagandha, it enters the body’s tissues more directly and can reduce cholesterol.
But if you have high cholesterol, consult your doctor before consuming daily.
What is Oleation?
Oleation lubricates the body.
During an Ayurvedic cleanse, we go through 2 types of oleation: internal and external.
Both lubricate the body inside and out to allow for the proper elimination of toxins.
We use Ghee for the internal oleation, which infiltrates the tissues to loosen seeded toxins. It helps to bring these toxins back to the GI Tract so that we can flush them out of the body systematically.
For external oleation, also known as Abhyanga, we use medicated massage oil according to the dosha.
Why Taking Ghee is Good for You?
The internal oleation process helps to loosen all that junk in the body that does not serve us, whether it be ama (toxins) or excess doshas, from the body.
Ghee is an antacid that helps digestion and fattens the body, the bone marrow, nerve, and reproductive tissues. It increases the elasticity of the arteries and allows the gallbladder to digest more fats. Ghee also improves the brain, eyes, liver, and kidneys and helps improve memory.
Ideally, after a bowel movement, brushing your teeth, scraping your tongue, and on an empty stomach, consider 1-2 tablespoons of melted Ghee.
If needed, follow up with warm water or ginger to reduce nausea or tummy discomfort.
Only eat something once true hunger comes back.
Support Heart Health
Ghee’s healthy fats contain high concentrations of monounsaturated Omega-3s. These fatty acids support a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.
Studies show that using Ghee as a part of a balanced diet can help reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Healthy Alternative for Lactose Products
By removing milk solids, Ghee only contains trace amounts of lactose, casein, or milk sugars and proteins. Therefore, Ghee can be a good source of fat for people who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies.
If you are not ready to make your own ghee, you can find various options at Banyan Botanicals. They are my go-to options for Ayurvedic herbs and supplies.
How to Best Use Ghee
As a rule of thumb, you may use it differently depending on your dosha. If you are not sure what your dosha is, you can do the Dosha Quiz or consult an Ayurvedic practicioner.
For Individual Doshas, my dear teacher, Ann Wagoner recommends the following:
- Vata: Warm before adding to food
- Pitta: Just a sniff of ghee can reduce Pitta
- Kapha: Use in moderation
Live well by taking care of your mind, body and soul!
Namaste!
Hope
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