Ghee
Ghee, known as Ghrita in Ayurveda, is considered the most refined and therapeutically potent of all fats. A supreme rasayana and digestive enhancer, it nourishes the deepest bodily tissues, builds Ojas, and serves as an unparalleled carrier for Ayurvedic herbs and medicines.
Ayurvedic Energetics (Dravyaguna)
Standard Therapeutic Dosages
Safety & Contraindications
- •Avoid or use very sparingly in individuals with high Kapha, obesity, or hypercholesterolaemia without the guidance of a practitioner
- •Contraindicated in acute indigestion, nausea, or when Ama (undigested toxins) is heavily present in the gut – ghee taken on a compromised agni can worsen congestion
- •Use cautiously in liver disorders such as active hepatitis or severe fatty liver, where fat metabolism is impaired
- •Not suitable for those with known dairy fat intolerance or sensitivity
- •Therapeutic doses beyond culinary use should be guided by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, especially during Panchakarma
- •Avoid combining large quantities with honey in equal proportions – classical Ayurveda considers equal parts ghee and honey an incompatible (viruddha) combination
Botanical Monograph & Clinical Profile
Ghee (Ghrita) is clarified butter prepared by slowly simmering unsalted butter until all water evaporates and the milk solids are removed, leaving behind pure golden butterfat. In Ayurveda, it is regarded as one of the most sattvic and therapeutically valuable substances available, described in the Charaka Samhita as the best of all unctuous substances (sneha dravyas) and a premier rasayana for promoting longevity, intelligence, and vitality. Unlike butter, ghee has a very high smoke point and contains no lactose or casein, making it better tolerated by those with mild dairy sensitivities. Ayurvedic texts particularly extol the virtues of Go-Ghrita (cow's ghee), which is said to be cooling in nature, deeply nourishing, and capable of penetrating all seven dhatus (bodily tissues) to deliver nutrition and medicine to the cellular level. One of ghee's most important roles in Ayurveda is as an anupana – a carrier or vehicle that dramatically enhances the bioavailability and efficacy of herbal medicines. It is the base fat used in hundreds of classical medicated ghee preparations (Ghrita formulations) such as Brahmi Ghrita, Shatavari Ghrita, and Triphala Ghrita. Ghee is also central to Panchakarma detoxification therapies, where it is consumed in progressively increasing doses (snehapana) to loosen and mobilise deep-seated toxins (Ama) from the tissues prior to their elimination.