by Tali Merrick { source }
Ghee is a sacred symbol of nourishment, auspisciousness and healing in Indian culture, particularly in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used in the medical science of Ayurveda for thousands of years.
Ghee is sometimes referred to as clarified butter. When the butter is boiled the water and milk solids are extracted from it, producing a beautiful, golden, oily, “pure” substance. Ghee is lactose and casein free.
Ingestion of Ghee –
The ingestion of ghee is like offering the finest of fuels into the fires of digestion. Ghee actually enkindles the digestive fire (Agni) and makes it burn brighter. This may be tested on an actual fire: light a fire, and if you pour a little oil onto it, it will dwindle. However, if you pour a little ghee onto the fire instead, it will enkindle and burn brighter. Similarly, this effect occurs inside the body.
Benefits of Ghee –
* Builds the aura or “glow”
* Softens the organs
* Strengthens the internal juices of the body which are destroyed by aging
* Increases the most refined element of digestion
Maya Tiwari calls ghee the “single most ojas-producing food on earth”. Ojas is the underlying basis of all immunity and is said to be the essence of all bodily tissues. Ojas may also be considered as our “life sap” or vital essence.
Ghee & Panchakarma –
The ingestion of ghee is used in panchakarma (five-action traditional Ayurvedic cleansing regime) to penetrate and dissolve undigested material (ama) in the bodily tissues, before being carried to the intestinal tract and then expelled from the body.
Ghee increases the overall strength, lustre and beauty of the body. Used on the skin, ghee softens strengthens, protects and nourishes.
Other benefits of this elixir include:
Rekindles the agni (digestive fire)
Possibly the most well-known health property of ghee is the fact that it is an amazing agent for enhancing the digestive fire (agni). Ghee stimulates the secretion of stomach acids and in turn increases our ability to break down food. Ghee also removes toxins and promotes elimination, both of which will help to increase one’s overall digestive capacity.
Fights inflammation
Ghee possesses powerful anti-inflammatory agents, making this a necessary medicine for allergies, arthritis and autoimmune conditions. Chronic inflammation can cause premature aging, pain, swelling, burning, stagnation and irritation. When left untreated, inflammation may lead to destructive disorders such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and autoimmune conditions.
Nourishes all 7 dhatus (bodily tissues)
Because of its superb penetrating qualities, ghee has the ability to carry a substance deep into all seven dhatus (bodily tissues). Ghee is used as a carrier for medicinal herbs and bhasmas. Ghee causes secretions and liquification in the dhatus that dissolve wastes, allowing the doshas to carry away undigested material.
Lubricates the body, externally and internally
Ghee is a well-known treatment in Ayurveda for relieving dryness in the body, as it is oily and nourishing by nature. Whether taken internally or applied externally, ghee has the ability to nourish and lubricate the tissues on a cellular level. This reduces dry skin, dry colon (constipation), inflammation and stiff joints while increasing luster, flexibility and promoting healthy elimination.
Increases the effectiveness of medicinal herbs
Ghee is a well known catalyst (anupana), which has the ability to drive the healing properties of the medicinal herbs deeply into the tissues. This increases the effectiveness and healing potency of the herbs dispensed.
Is believed to actually decrease cholesterol levels (unlike butter and margarine)
Promotes good vision and strong immunity
Ojas is the subtle energetic force that is responsible for one’s energy, vitality and immunity. A person with healthy Ojas is soft, gentle, compassionate and patient. Ojas is also responsible for a healthy “glow” of the skin, as well as a strong, healthy libido. Ghee will enhance all of these qualities when taken consistently in proper proportions
Contains natural linoleic acid, which is one of the best cancer-fighting ingredients
Ghee is comprised of short-, medium- and long-chain fatty acids, both unsaturated and saturated. Ghee contains Omega-3 and Omega-9 essential fatty acids along with vitamins A, D, E and K. Ghee made from organic butter of pastured cows is one of the highest natural sources of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid).
Cooking with Ghee –
Ghee is the foundation of any Ayurvedic meal. It is easy to digest, and nourishes all seven tissues of the body. It improves eyesight and memory, lubricates the joints, and improves flexibility. It is an effective medium for medicine.
In Ayurvedic cooking, it is selected specifically for its ability to carry the therapeutic qualities of the kitchen herbs deep into the tissues, increasing the medicinal value of any meal.
It is really important to cook ghee in the right frame of mind, as it has the ability to absorb energy on a subtle level. Cook it with love and positivity, and with the intention of nourishment and healing. Use it daily in your cooking, for health, longevity, and a happy soul.
How to make ghee
One ingredient: Organic, unsalted butter
Method:
1. Melt butter in a wide, stainless steel pot on high heat.
2. When butter has melted, turn heat down until it is gently rolling and simmering. It will make a fair bit of crackling noise.
3. Continue to cook at this heat until the lumps on the bottom turn dark brown, and the froth on the top begins to brown as well. This will take approx 15 minutes. You will hear the ghee begin to fall silent with just the occasional crackle when it is almost done.
4. Turn off the ghee and remove from heat.
5. When it cools slighty, strain through a very fine stainless steel strainer/ muslin cloth into a glass jar.
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Ares