A love Letter to ghee…

Ghee… hmmm. This is my official love letter to ghee.

Ghee is a highly prized sattvic food that has been used practically, medicinally and ceremonially since the birth of Ayurveda. Ghee is the silky golden substance that remains when butter is refined down to its purest form. Ghee is the essence of milk, and is thereby the essence of motherly love. Ghee is a sacred symbol of auspiciousness, nourishment and healing.

In Hindu mythology, ghee was created when Prajapati, the lord of creatures, churned it with his hands, offered it to the fire, and spawned his own offspring. Ghee is linked to the most fundamental acts of creation. Still today, ghee is offered to Agnideva, the Hindu God of Fire, during religious rituals.

For those of you who want the facts:

Ghee is rich in vital nutrients like Vitamins A, E, D, & K, omega-3 fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid. Ghee also contains butyric acid which is known to heal internal wounds, particularly in the GI tract. The purification process that butter undergoes to become ghee, strips it of lactose, casein, whey proteins, and trace minerals, making Ghee friendly for folks who have trouble digesting dairy. Ghee actually strengthens the colon, and can promote regular elimination patterns. Ghee is also considered an apana, meaning it is a fat soluble carrier for medicinal herbs and spices, allowing nutrients to absorb into the deeper tissue layers of the body. Ghee kindles your digestive fire and supports a healthy metabolism. Ghee is basically magic… in my humble opinion!

Ghee is a perfect example of why I love Ayurveda. Everything with a practical benefit is deeply infused with spiritual significance. Living Ayurvedically means nourishing your soul with whatever you put on your plate!