OMGhee!
After I went to Surya Spa for the first time, the lovely, wise, sage Martha suggested I eat a spoonful of ghee every morning. Ghee has so many health benefits but also can add to luminosity to skin and hair. (Martha actually says its why she doesn’t have any grey hairs!) I was willing to do it . . . however the strong flavor and scent would make me gag. I am willing to do lots of things for the name of beauty and health, but this was a tough one on an empty stomach. That was until I discovered 100% Organic Ghee from Grass-fed Cows by Ancient Organics. (Surya is now carrying this brand as well). I don’t what kind of Northern Cal magic these folks are sprinkling on their product, but this ghee is smooth, nutty, and delicious. Soon an interview with Ancient Organics. Now it’s a pleasure to have my spoonful of ghee every morning, and I’ve been using it as a face cream too. Look below for some of the benefits!
To learn about more all natural and healthy foods to incorporate into your diet, see The Local Rose.
For thousands of years, in the family homes, religions, peoples and kitchens of India, Ghee has been a sacred and celebrated symbol of auspiciousness, nourishment and healing as well as an esteemed article of everyday use.
The milk of cows is thought to possess the essence of plants and cream is the essence of milk. The essence of cream is butter and the essence of butter is Ghee.
Ghee is made by boiling butter for several hours until all the moisture has evaporated and all the lactose and milk solids have settled to the bottom. Unlike ‘clarified butter’ these milk solids are then caramelized or slightly burned. Ghee is considered to be the very best fat one can eat. It is made up of short chain fatty acids and is easily assimilated, even helping in the digestion and assimilation of other foods.
Ghee is known to increase intelligence, refine the intellect and improve the memory*. Ghee builds the aura, makes all the organs soft, builds up the internal juices of the body which are destroyed by aging and increases the underlying basis of all immunity*. Ghee kindles or increases the digestive fire, Agni, on which all nutrition depends*.
Ghee is used as a carrier for the potencies of herbs because of its supreme penetrating qualities and ability to carry these substances deep into the tissues. Ghee allows mind and body, both subtle and gross to burn with brilliance*. Ghee increases the overall strength, luster and beauty of the body*. Used on the skin, Ghee softens and strengthens, protects and nourishes*. Ghee is known as a substance that gives longevity. This is because it has opposite qualities (heavy, slow, oily, liquid, dense, soft), and thus pacifying effects, to the light, dry and rough qualities of Vata dosha*. It is the increase of the qualities of Vata that are synonymous with aging*.
Ghee is smooth, lubricated and nurturing. Ghee is thought to make the voice soft and melodious*. Ghee, in a very sure and steady way, slows the aging process by enriching the living one*.
“Ghee is sweet in taste and cooling in energy, rejuvenating, good for the eyes and vision, enkindles digestion, bestows lustre and beauty, enhances memory and stamina, increases the intellect, promotes longevity, is an aphrodisiac and protects the body….”* -Bhavaprakasha (16th century Ayurvedic text)
Ghee is more than an indulgence. Ghee is very important in regard to free radicals, health and longevity. In a healthy vegetarian diet, ghee can be viewed as an essential vitamin supplement. Ghee is such an important addition to the diet that quality should not be sacrificed, especially because only a very small amount of ghee needs to be used.
