BB, Ghee Me! Why I Love & How to Make this Ancient Ayurvedic Elixir
A brown butter batch. Yippee!
I was hesitant to try ghee at first because dermatologists told me to “stay away from dairy”. I seemed to be intolerant of dairy but to my amazement, Ayurveda changed that completely. When Ayurveda invited me to see what happened when I allowed myself to cook with 1-2 tablespoons of ghee per person, per meal, I was like “y’all are crazy!”. But I tried it (using cause and effect) — and loved it. The color, smell, taste, and the effects are extraordinary. Everything is moister and yummier - including me!
Ghee isn't just butter—it’s magic sauce. This ancient ingredient has been treasured for thousands of years for its rich, nutty flavor and powerful benefits.
Perfect for the dairy intolerant, ghee is clarified to remove milk solids, making it a lactose-free delight and easier on the gut while still delivering that buttery richness you crave. It’s even shelf-stable, so you can keep it handy for adding flavor and goodness to any dish—no fridge required!
As we age, our bodies naturally transition into the vata phase of life, leading to increased dryness—both in our skin and within our bodies. (You know what I’m talking about.) This shift can leave us feeling less vibrant, but there’s a simple way to feel and look radiant and luminous like tonight’s full moon – Ayurveda + GHEE! (Which BTW, is the best time to make ghee!)
This golden elixir is more than just a cooking fat—it’s a nutrient powerhouse that nourishes you from the inside out. Nourishing and moisture-rich, packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K it not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also keeps skin hydrated and supple.
It restores moisture levels, improves skin elasticity, and promotes a healthy glow making it a perfect ally as we navigate the changes that come with the PRIVILEGE of aging. I’m humbled to frequently get the compliment, “You’re glowing.” Yep, it's the Ayurveda – and the GHEE!
40 sticks of unsalted organic butter from Costco.
They fit in a heavy-bottomed stock pot. Makes about 5 quarts.
What is Ghee?
Ghee is a form of clarified butter where the milk solids and water content are removed, leaving behind a golden, translucent liquid. Originating from ancient India, ghee has been an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine and is celebrated in various cultures for its culinary and therapeutic properties.
Benefits of Ghee
Research Studies:
In Ayurveda, ghee is highly valued for its multifaceted role in promoting overall health and well-being. Here are some key aspects of the role of ghee in the body according to Ayurveda:
Carrier of Medicinal Properties: Ghee is used as a carrier (anupana) for herbal formulations in Ayurveda. It helps in delivering the therapeutic properties of herbs to specific tissues and enhances their effectiveness.
Digestive Aid: Ghee is known to stimulate the digestive fire (agni), enhancing the process of digestion and absorption of nutrients. It helps in breaking down food effectively and facilitates the assimilation of essential nutrients.
Nourishing Tissues (Dhatus): Ghee is considered a rasayana, or rejuvenating substance, in Ayurveda. It nourishes all seven tissues (dhatus) of the body, starting from plasma (rasa) to reproductive tissues (shukra), promoting overall tissue health and vitality.
Balancing Doshas: Ghee is believed to have a balancing effect on all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It is particularly known for its ability to pacify excess Pitta, making it a soothing choice for individuals with Pitta imbalances.
Supporting Mental Health: Ghee is considered beneficial for mental health, as it is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and nervous system. It is often used in Ayurvedic practices to promote mental clarity, enhance memory, and support overall cognitive function.
Enhancing Ojas: Ojas is the subtle essence of all the body tissues that contributes to immunity, vitality, and overall well-being. Ghee is said to enhance ojas, promoting strength, resilience, and immunity in the body.
Lubricating Joints: Ghee's unctuous and lubricating quality is thought to benefit the joints and connective tissues. It is often used in Ayurvedic therapies to support joint health and flexibility.
Detoxification: Ghee is believed to have a detoxifying effect on the body. It can help in removing toxins (ama) from the tissues and supporting the body's natural detoxification processes.
It's important to note that the quality of ghee, the source of its production, and individual constitution, or prakriti, should be considered when incorporating it into one's diet for Ayurvedic purposes. Consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner can provide personalized guidance based on an individual's unique constitution and health needs.
From a Western perspective, ghee is often viewed in the context of its nutritional components, and some potential benefits align with broader health principles. Here are some aspects of the potential benefits of ghee, as recognized in the West:
Lactose-Free & Shelf-Stable: Ghee is clarified butter, and during the clarification process, the milk solids, including lactose, are removed making it an alternative for individuals who are lactose intolerant. It is also naturally shelf-stable because the milk solids are removed, leaving behind pure butterfat that’s resistant to spoilage. This means it can be stored at room temperature through a zombie apocalypse without the need for refrigeration, making it a convenient cooking fat to keep on hand.
Healthy Fats & Weight Management: Ghee contains butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that supports the health of the intestinal walls, aiding in better digestion. Butyrate is considered a preferred energy source for the cells lining the colon. Ghee also supports healthy weight management. Despite being a fat-rich food, the medium-chain fatty acids are quickly processed by the liver and burned as energy, rather than being stored as fat.
Vitamin A, D, E & K: Ghee is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins making it a powerhouse of nutrients essential for our body's tissues and functions. These vitamins are absorbed and stored in the body’s fat tissue, where they play critical roles in maintaining optimal health. The vitamins and antioxidants present in ghee can enhance the body's defense mechanisms, strengthening immunity against infections.
Vitamin A: Vital for eye health, immune function, and skin regeneration. It supports healthy vision by helping maintain the cornea and is also key for cellular growth and repair, making it a beauty booster from the inside out.
Vitamin D: Often called the "sunshine vitamin," it helps regulate calcium and phosphorus absorption, supporting strong bones and teeth. Ghee offers a natural dietary source, which is especially helpful for those who don’t get enough sunlight exposure.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage and supports skin health. It helps keep your skin hydrated and youthful while strengthening the immune system.
Vitamin K: Known for its role in blood clotting and bone health, vitamin K (specifically K2 in ghee) helps direct calcium to bones and away from arteries, promoting a healthy cardiovascular system.
Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are essential fats our bodies need but cannot produce on their own. These healthy fats play a key role in supporting brain health, reducing inflammation, and promoting cardiovascular wellness.
Omega-3s in ghee help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease by reducing triglycerides and supporting good HDL cholesterol. Additionally, they contribute to better brain function, mood regulation, and cognitive performance.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 fatty acids make ghee a valuable addition to your diet, especially for those dealing with joint discomfort or inflammatory conditions. It helps reduce inflammation in the body and moisturize the skin from within. It imparts a natural glow to the skin and help combat issues like dryness and dullness and can play a role in hormone production and regulation, and can help maintain hormonal balance, especially in women.
High Smoke Point: Ghee has a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking at higher temperatures without producing harmful free radicals.
How to Make Ghee
No sense re-creating the wheel. Here’s the recipe I learned. Thanks Hale Pule!
