Ghee: The Golden Elixir of Life
Ghee, known in Sanskrit as Ghritam, is clarified butter. Although Ghee has been used in Indian cooking and as an Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years in the Eastern world, it has become popular as a superfood only recently in modern society. Science has finally recognized this golden elixir of life!
The root ghr, from Ghritam (Ghee), means to shine in Sanskrit. The association of Ghee with light and brilliance is found in many passages of the Vedic texts. They say that Ghee allows body and mind, both subtle and gross, to burn with a refined brilliance. The ancient Rishis (saints or sages) described Ghee as Amrit, a Sanskrit word meaning an elixir of immortality.
Ghee is an ideal cooking oil because of its very high flashpoint of 485 degrees F. Its nutty flavor improves the taste of food, earning compliments for chefs who use it. Ghee is made by heating butter to remove the water and milk solids, reducing the chances for rancidity and making it lactose free. Traditionally a mantra, a sound or word repeated to aid in concentration or meditation, is chanted while making the Ghee. After straining the caramelized milk proteins from the mantra-infused Ghee, it will look like liquid gold. The solids can be mixed with coconut and jaggery to make a delightful, sweet treat. Beware this sweet treat is addicting. Ancient wisdom from Vedic texts say that Ghee increases the Sattvic qualities of life. Sattvic means a serene, harmonious, balanced mind or attitude, and Ghee’s sweet nature is responsible for its ability to increase Ojas, which is our vigor, our essence of vitality, and the energy that rules our immune systems, strength and happiness.
Want to increase your immunity and digestion? Add clarified butter to your diet. Ghee made from cultured, organic butter from pastured cows has a concentrated source of butyric acid or butyrate, which is a short chain fatty acid found in butter. This fatty acid is important because the intestinal tract depends on it for immunity and digestion. Butyrate supports the production of our immunity cells in the gut, and these cells deliver up to 80% of the body’s overall immunity. Deep rooted traditions use Ghee as a catalytic agent that carries medicinal properties of herbs into the seven dhatus, or tissues, of the body. Using spices like turmeric, cumin, fennel, coriander, ginger and basil sautéed in Ghee in food preparation and consumption is highly recommended to aid in digestion and enhance health. The association of Ghee and digestion is found in the Vedic texts, the world’s oldest treasure trove of health, wisdom and knowledge. It is written that the ingestion of Ghee offers the finest of fuels into the fires of digestion (Agni) and stokes the internal fires, improving nutritional absorption and healthy intestinal flora. While Ghee is one of the highest food sources of butyric acid, it is also packed with a full spectrum of short, medium, and long chain fatty acids, both unsaturated and saturated, and is one of the highest natural sources of Conjugated Linoleic Acid. Ghee has nine phenolic antioxidants, and Vitamins A, D, E and K: an impressive list for one food. To quote the ancient Vedic phrase, “Ghee (is) the first and the most essential of all foods”.
It is very exciting to see science researching the nutrients found in Ghee that are essential for intracellular signaling throughout our entire system. This signaling provides a chain of reactions crucial to the fundamental properties of our cellular reproduction, which our brain, endocrine system, hormones, and biochemicals rely on for vivaciousness and life. The Vedic texts mentioned above, also state that Ghee increases Dhi (intelligence), refines the Buddhi (intellect), improves the Smrti (memory) and builds the aura. I haven’t met anyone who didn’t desire attributes like this.
Be sure to buy Cultured Organic Ghee. If it is not cultured, it means the butter has been pasteurized and homogenized, removing all the beneficial qualities from the butter and making the Ghee risky or even nil. If it’s not cultured, put it to good use by making a Ghee lamp. Yes, a ghee lamp! Stretch open a cotton ball and twist one end to make a wick. Dip it in melted ghee then let it cool. Once hardened, place the pear-shaped cotton wick in a fireproof metal bowl. Add a little more Ghee to the bowl for it to burn and light the homemade cotton wick. This lamp will invite and promote positive energy into your home and rid your space of any negativity.
Remarkably, Ghee is also popular for external use. There is an ancient Ayurvedic beauty secret that uses Ghee that has been “washed” 100 times. It is called Shatdhauta Grita and is said to be the world’s best anti-aging moisturizer. The washed ghee is like a pure golden whipped cream that reaches all seven layers of the skin, clearing rosacea, reducing wrinkles, soothing burns, eliminating scars, treating eczema and of course, making one shine with radiance and brilliance. The older the Ghee is, the more valuable it becomes. The ancients say that a 100-year-old Ghee can cure ANY disease!
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are based upon data collected from various external sources and is not offered as medical advice. You should consult your health care practitioner about using Ghee for your individual body type. People who have high cholesterol or suffer from obesity should be cautious in using Ghee. Ghee is not recommended when there are high Ama (toxic) conditions. Never mix equal parts Ghee and honey, as it is considered incompatible and bad for your health.