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Ghee is butter that has been clarified in an easy process, eliminating the hard-to-digest, cholesterol-forming milk solids.
Ghee for Deficiency
Ghee is one of the most important medicines in Ayurveda because it is easy to digest and ojas building. Rich with the power of ojas, ghee is excellent for building strong, hearty tissue. Consuming ghee helps the body to become more tender and nourishes depleted tissue. Ghee is a rasayana (tonic) for sexual organs and an aphrodisiac. This superfood reaffirms the healing power of fats to skeptics. For instance, a little bit of fats calms the liver when it is deficient, and comforts the nervous system by supporting the myelin sheath.
Ghee for Cleansing
Ghee is useful in cleansing and in the detoxifying process of panchakarma because it pulls fat-soluble toxins into circulation. It also improves fat metabolism. Ghee in the duodenum reduces acid secretion, aiding hyper-acidic related digestive disorders.
About Ghee
Trying to cut down on butter at the movies? Try popcorn with ghee and cinnamon. Ghee is golden and delicious. Children love it. It is also great as a garnish drizzled over food. For details on how to make ghee yourself search for "ghee" in the recipe section.
Buying & Preparation
Buy organic ghee only. Ghee is highly concentrated and thus also concentrates toxins if made from impure ingredients. You can make your own homemade ghee or purchase it from most health food and Indian grocery stores. The water is boiled out of ghee, so it doesn't need to be refrigerated. To care for ghee, avoid putting dirty utensils into the ghee. Even a droplet of water could cause mold to form.
Cooking Ghee
From cookies to mashed potatoes, cook healthier by substituting ghee for butter in any recipe. The French are known for toasting clarified butter, giving their desserts a nutty aroma. Ghee is versatile because it absorbs the flavors and qualities of ingredients cooked with it. It is a wonderful cooking oil because it has a high smoke point - up to 458 F. Ghee changes from a solid to a liquid depending upon the ambient temperature. When measuring ghee always measure in liquid form because the volume changes significantly.
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You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Ghee' is a good fit.
Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes
at your own leisure to learn more about your body.
AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT
Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances.
With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you.
Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature.
By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health.
See How it Works.
Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics
(gunas).
Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance.
By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick.
Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold).
You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.
In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.
Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food.
Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body.
Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food.
Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods.
Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion.
Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste.
One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes.
The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent.
Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?
Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.
Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.
Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.
Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.
The 3 metabolic body types
(doshas),
are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).
Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.
Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.
Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia.
They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature.
Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.
Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.
Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.
A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.
Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.
An herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.
An herb that promotes fertility. Generally used by women who wish to become pregnant. These herbs may also help with menstrual problems of deficiency, such as amenorrhea (lack of a period).
In each study below, students from the
Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the effects.
See other studies of food & herbs at Joyful Belly.
TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION
How did Ghee affect your temperature?
15
12
9
6
3
0
0
8
13
11
1
Much colder
Slightly colder
Same
Slightly warmer
Much warmer
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your sweat quantity?
35
28
21
14
7
0
1
2
28
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect the color of your tongue body?
25
20
15
10
5
0
6
8
0
19
Paler
Redder
Bluer
No Change
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your appetite/hunger?
15
12
9
6
3
0
5
12
7
9
0
Much less hungry
Slightly less hungry
Same
Slightly hungrier
Much hungrier
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your digestion speed?
20
16
12
8
4
0
2
16
13
2
0
Much faster
Slightly faster
Same
Slightly slower
Much slower
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
TOXINS
How did Ghee affect the amount of gas & bloating?
20
16
12
8
4
0
4
10
18
1
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your stool smell?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
4
25
3
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
Tongue: How did Ghee affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
25
20
15
10
5
0
2
5
21
5
0
Much smaller
Slightly less
Same
Slightly larger coating
Much larger
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect the color of your tongue coating?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
0
2
5
25
Yellower
Browner
Grayer
Whiter
No Change
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your urine smell?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
1
27
4
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
35
28
21
14
7
0
1
1
29
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Many more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your sweat smell?
35
28
21
14
7
0
1
1
30
1
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
HYDRATION
How did Ghee affect your urine frequency/quantity?
30
24
18
12
6
0
0
4
23
6
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect the cracks on your tongue?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
0
16
17
0
Larger/longer/more cracks
Slightly more
Same
Slightly less/smaller/shorter
Much less
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
NERVOUS-SYSTEM
How did Ghee affect your energy levels?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
6
12
14
1
Much less energy
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more energy
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your muscle tension?
20
16
12
8
4
0
2
16
13
2
0
Much less tension
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more tension
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your anxiety?
25
20
15
10
5
0
2
22
9
0
0
Much less anxiety
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more anxiety
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect the stillness of your tongue?
25
20
15
10
5
0
10
22
1
More still
No Change
More Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
DIGESTION
How did Ghee affect the amount of gas & bloating?
20
16
12
8
4
0
4
10
18
1
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your appetite/hunger?
15
12
9
6
3
0
5
12
7
9
0
Much less hungry
Slightly less hungry
Same
Slightly hungrier
Much hungrier
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your digestion speed?
20
16
12
8
4
0
2
16
13
2
0
Much faster
Slightly faster
Same
Slightly slower
Much slower
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
TONGUE
How did Ghee affect the cracks on your tongue?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
0
16
17
0
Larger/longer/more cracks
Slightly more
Same
Slightly less/smaller/shorter
Much less
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
Tongue: How did Ghee affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
25
20
15
10
5
0
2
5
21
5
0
Much smaller
Slightly less
Same
Slightly larger coating
Much larger
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect the color of your tongue body?
25
20
15
10
5
0
6
8
0
19
Paler
Redder
Bluer
No Change
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect the stillness of your tongue?
25
20
15
10
5
0
10
22
1
More still
No Change
More Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect the color of your tongue coating?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
0
2
5
25
Yellower
Browner
Grayer
Whiter
No Change
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
STOOL
How did Ghee affect your stool smell?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
4
25
3
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your stool consistency?
20
16
12
8
4
0
2
18
8
4
1
Much softer
Slightly softer
Same
Slightly harder
Much harder
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your stool frequency/quantity?
20
16
12
8
4
0
2
1
15
13
2
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your stool color?
30
24
18
12
6
0
5
0
0
2
26
More yellow
More gray
More green
More orange
Same
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your stool lightness?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
10
20
3
0
Much lighter
Slightly lighter
Same
Slightly darker
Much darker
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
URINE
How did Ghee affect your urine smell?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
1
27
4
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your urine lightness?
30
24
18
12
6
0
0
4
25
4
0
Much lighter
Slightly lighter
Same
Slightly Darker
Much Darker
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your urine frequency/quantity?
30
24
18
12
6
0
0
4
23
6
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
35
28
21
14
7
0
1
1
29
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Many more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your urine clarity?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
27
5
More cloudy
Same
More clear
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
SWEAT
How did Ghee affect your sweat smell?
35
28
21
14
7
0
1
1
30
1
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your sweat quantity?
35
28
21
14
7
0
1
2
28
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
SYSTEMIC
How did Ghee affect your muscle tension?
20
16
12
8
4
0
2
16
13
2
0
Much less tension
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more tension
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your anxiety?
25
20
15
10
5
0
2
22
9
0
0
Much less anxiety
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more anxiety
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your temperature?
15
12
9
6
3
0
0
8
13
11
1
Much colder
Slightly colder
Same
Slightly warmer
Much warmer
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
How did Ghee affect your energy levels?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
6
12
14
1
Much less energy
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more energy
Much more
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:19 (2020-11-30 - 2020-12-08)
The recommended dosage of ghee can vary depending on the individual's health condition, body type (dosha), and lifestyle. However, here are some general guidelines based on Ayurvedic and Western perspectives:
Ayurvedic
General Dosage: 1 to 2 tablespoons (15-30 grams) per day is typically recommended for most people. This can be consumed in the form of cooking, added to meals, or taken directly.
For Digestion and Detoxification: 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon in the morning on an empty stomach, often mixed with warm water or as part of a detoxification regimen.
For Vata Dosha: People with a Vata imbalance may benefit from 1 to 2 tablespoons daily, as ghee is considered grounding, lubricating, and nourishing for this dosha.
For Pitta Dosha: People with a Pitta imbalance should consume 1 tablespoon daily or less, as ghee can aggravate the oily quality, so moderation is important for Pitta types.
For Kapha Dosha: People with a Kapha imbalance should consume 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon per day, as excessive ghee can aggravate the heavy, cold qualities of Kapha.
Western
In Western health contexts, ghee is considered a rich source of fat and should be consumed mindfully, particularly for those with concerns like high cholesterol or heart disease. The general recommendation is:
1 to 2 tablespoons per day (15-30 grams) is usually safe for most healthy adults. This can be part of a balanced diet, replacing other cooking fats, like butter or oils.
For weight management or for those with metabolic concerns, it's advisable to stick to 1 tablespoon per day, as ghee is calorie-dense.
Specific Conditions
For constipation: A teaspoon of ghee in warm water before bed can promote bowel movement due to its lubricating effects on the digestive tract.
For skin health: Ghee can be consumed internally (1-2 teaspoons) or applied topically in the form of Ayurvedic preparations for its moisturizing and healing properties.
General Guidelines
Start small: If you're new to ghee, start with smaller amounts (1 teaspoon per day) and observe how your body reacts.
Listen to your body: Your body's reaction is the best guide. If you experience any digestive discomfort or weight gain, reduce the amount.
TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS
Ghee may be beneficial for these symptoms.
The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual.
Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.
We will use this information to better predict food that helps you.
CONTRAINDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS
Ghee may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms.
Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications.
Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.
While ghee is generally considered safe for most people, there are some contraindications or precautions to consider:
High Cholesterol: Ghee is rich in saturated fats. People with high cholesterol levels or those at risk for cardiovascular diseases should limit their intake, as excessive saturated fats can raise LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Heart Disease: Due to its high saturated fat content, people with heart disease or a history of heart problems should avoid consuming large amounts of ghee, as it may exacerbate the condition by increasing blood cholesterol levels.
Obesity: Ghee is calorie-dense, containing about 120 calories per tablespoon. People struggling with obesity or those trying to lose weight should be cautious with its consumption, as it can contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess.
Liver Disease: Ghee is a fat source that may be difficult for individuals with liver conditions (such as fatty liver disease) to metabolize efficiently. High fat intake could worsen liver function in some cases.
Gallbladder Issues: People with gallstones or other gallbladder problems should limit ghee consumption, as the fat could stimulate the gallbladder and lead to discomfort or exacerbate symptoms.
Pancreatitis: Ghee is a fat, and for individuals with pancreatitis or a history of pancreatitis, it may be advised to limit or avoid fats like ghee, as they can irritate the pancreas and worsen the condition.
Dairy Sensitivities: While ghee has minimal lactose and casein compared to regular butter, some individuals with severe dairy allergies or sensitivities might still react to it.
Digestive Disorders: While ghee can be beneficial for digestion, individuals with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders may need to avoid or reduce ghee in their diet, as fats can sometimes aggravate these conditions.
Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when
right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in
Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire
reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once
you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a
healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda.
His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful.
John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda,
offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.
John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy,
& botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.
“Fats are required in your diet. As a fat, ghee can help you gain weight, but is much lighter than other fats, such as butter. You can cook with ghee or add it after cooking - the effect is equivalent. I usually fry the spices in the ghee, instead of dry roasting them."
“Could coconut oil be used as a perfect substitute for ghee, and if not, is there a way to prepare or combine coconut oil so that it could be used in place of? Thank you :)"
Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter!
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.
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