Health Benefits
Ghee has long been considered a sacred and auspicious symbol in Indian culture. There has been a long tradition of using ghee as food, medicine, and religion. Ancient texts such as the Ashtanga Hridhayam cite the use of ghee as an ultimate remedy for pitta-aggravated disorders such as inflammation. Ghee has multiple benefits, which are being validated scientifically in today’s time and age.
- Healthy Fats
Ghee has healthy fats, which make it a great addition to add good cholesterol to the body. It is not as threatening to the heart as other saturated fats. - Digestive adjuvant
The consumption of ghee is directly beneficial to intestinal health. It lines the gut and decreases the chance of ulcers and colon carcinoma by encouraging a conducive and healthy gut environment. - Immune booster
Ghee is a very rich source of butyric acid, which aids in the formation of T cells that play an essential role in cell-mediated immunity making the body immune to a host of diseases. - Essential vitamin source
Ghee is an excellent source of Vitamins A and E, which are fat-soluble. They also play an essential role in maintaining liver health, hormone levels, and immunity. - Anti-inflammatory
The butyric acid and the antioxidants present in ghee make it an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. - Lactose Intolerant choice
Since ghee is lactose and casein-free, it is an excellent choice for those suffering from lactose intolerance. It is well tolerated by lactose intolerant yet derives the benefits. - Strengthens Bones
A rich source of Vitamin K, ghee aids in the absorption of calcium and prevents dental caries and atherosclerosis. - Maintain thyroid function
Ghee maintains the normal hormone levels in the body, so it helps maintain normal thyroid function. - Aids in Weight Loss
Ghee improves the rate of metabolism, helps burn other fats and causes weight loss. It must be done under professional guidance for beneficial effects. - Great fat choice
Ghee has a higher smoking point (250 degrees C) than other fats used for cooking. It does not break into free radicals at a high temperature, which increases the risk of cancer. Thus, ghee is a very stable fat to cook. - Corrects menstrual irregularities
Like thyroid activity, ghee maintains normal hormone levels in the body, thereby relieving PMS symptoms and helping to keep a regular menstrual cycle. - Appetizer and flavor enhancer
Ghee is known to improve the flavor of food, improve appetite, and aid in digestion.
Ghee, on its own, has all these attractive benefits. When enhanced with a herb such as Brahmi, it has the added benefit of the herb and the ghee itself.
Such preparations are called herbal ghee or ghritas in Ayurveda. These are known to possess the properties of Samskarasya Anuvartanat- the ability to retain its quality while also imbibing the qualities of substances added to it.
Brahmi ( Bacopa monnieri) is a potent herb known to greatly benefit the brain and cognitive function, apart from its various benefits.
The active component in Brahmi is bacosides, that help in the regeneration of brain tissues and neurons. It helps maintain normal liver function and aids in converting toxic waste in the liver into harmless substances ready for elimination by the body.
Brahmi is an essential constituent of hair oils and helps hair growth, treating dandruff, itchy scalp, baldness, and alopecia. The bacosides present in Brahmi decrease opioid addiction by acting as antioxidants and providing a protective cover around the organs and preventing damage.
It is an essential ingredient that treats anxiety, stress, and insomnia by calming the nerves and also improves cognitive function.
When infused with Brahmi, ghee increases the bioavailability of the active constituents and unfolds its multiple benefits. In turn, ghee acts as a preservative and increases the herb’s shelf life, and multiplies its effects. Such infused ghee preparations are called gratis. Brahmi, described in ancient texts, is a herb that promotes intellect, and longevity, is great for rejuvenation, elevates intellectual power, tones the heart, acts as a nervine tonic, gives life energy, enhances sleep quality, and improves complexion.
Over centuries, Brahmi has been used to treat anemia, leprosy, diabetes, fever, insanity, pain, epilepsy, dullness, etc. It is commonly grown in most countries, such as India, Srilanka, Nepal, China, Hawaii, and Vietnam. Because of its widespread global availability is known by various other names such as Somavati, Jala Brahmi, and Jalneem. In English, it is called the “herb of grace.” It dramatically improves neurocognitive abilities
It is a small perennial plant with small, oblong, thick leaves arranged opposite each other on the stem. Its unique quality is to grow as an aquatic plant as well as in pots. Almost all parts of the plant can be used for medicinal purposes. In traditional medicine, the imbalance of three doshas is considered the root cause of all ailments. Brahmi is one herb that balances the three doshas and keeps the body in good health. It also helps in the recovery from addictions such as alcoholism. It is a blood purifier and eases constipation.
Brahmi ghee is an ancient ayurvedic polyherbal formulation described in the texts that use cow ghee, Brahmi juice, and other herbs boiled and processed into a specific consistency at a particular temperature.
The uses of Brahmi ghee are multifold that, include using it as a nasal drop for mental illness and as a topical application to the feet, large joints, and ears to help with sleep and anxiety.
Science and Research
Over the years, Brahmi has been researched extensively to explore its chemical constitution and therapeutics. The components responsible for the pharmacological effects include alkaloids, sterols, and saponins. The first detailed study reported the isolation of “brahmine” followed by numerous bacosides and bacosaponins. Bacosides have demonstrated their ability to boost memory, motivation, creativity, and brain function. The bacosides found in Brahmi ghee have a significant effect on nerve impulse transmission, repair of damaged neurons, retention of new information, learning rate, memory consolidation, and improvement in logical memory.
For drugs to act on the brain, they must cross the blood-brain barrier, and ghee is the best vehicle for this purpose. Due to its antioxidant activity, it reduces free radical damage and prevents changes due to oxidative stress. It has a similar action to the drug imipramine, which is an antidepressant. Brahmi ghee coats the intestine, strengthens the mucosal barrier and prevents lining damage in the intestines.
Brahmi Ghrita contains the perfect combination of ingredients for Alzheimer’s disease.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) -Improves cognition, is anti-inflammatory and enhances memory.
The topical application of Brahmi ghee has wound-healing properties that enhance the process of wound repair, such as collagen formation, early epithelization, and enhanced wound strength.
ADHD is one other disorder that benefits well from the properties of Brahmi when used as a nasya application. In this regard, wherein Brahmi ghrita was compared with a drug called methylphenidate. The symptoms of ADHD were assessed using the Dupaul ADHD rating scale. The exploratory study showed that Brahmi ghee showed a 66% decrease in the ADHD score.
Broncho constrictive and allergic conditions can be relieved by the ingestion of Brahmi ghee. It is helpful in bronchial asthma, bronchitis, bronchiectasis. It contains phytoactive water-soluble, and fat-soluble principles of Brahmi infused into it, making it a highly potent therapeutic agent.
How to Use
For use as medicine: ½ tsp with water, taken usually before food, twice a day, or as directed by the physician
As a brain tonic: ½ tsp before morning tea or coffee, follow it up with a hot drink or hot water.
Pregnant and lactating mothers: Beneficial, but advised to take after medical supervision at a relatively lower dose.
Do not self-medicate: It can cause adverse effects if taken without proper guidance and strict medical supervision.
Dietary Restrictions
- Drink hot water after taking Brahmi ghee
- Avoid cold water/ cold drinks after taking the preparation
- Avoid excessive intake of garlic, onion, etc
- Consume food filled with Vitamin E, such as sunflower seeds, almonds, nuts, and fortified cereals; vegetable oils, fish oil, cooked spinach, turnip greens, peanuts, tomatoes, wheat germ, peanut butter, avocado, and soybean.
- Avoid alcohol, wine, and non-vegetarian food, smoking.