Food · Asia
Ghee
South Asia
Clarified butter used in Ayurveda as food and as a carrier for herbs.
Safety notes
Rich in saturated fat; use in moderation.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Everyday Ayurveda: Rich in saturated fat; use in moderation.
Preparation
Butter is heated slowly until the water evaporates and the milk solids settle; the clear fat is poured off.
Use in traditions
In Ayurveda ghee is considered nourishing. Herbs are cooked in it to make medicated ghee (ghrita), and ghee serves as a carrier (anupāna) for taking remedies.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Nourishing and soothing; a carrier that 'carries' the action of herbs inward; for dry skin, burns and a dry bowel. Also used in the lamp at prayer.
Preparation and amount
Cook butter slowly until the moisture evaporates and the milk solids brown, then strain. Herbs are prepared in it as medicinal ghee (ghrita).
Caution: Rich in saturated fat; use in moderation.