Think of ghee as the best multitasker around. Whether you need to soothe fiery Pitta, calm your anxious Vata, or give your mind a boost, ghee’s got your back. The Ayurvedic classics—Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Vagbhata Samhita, and Kashyapa Samhita—agree: ghee is a powerhouse. Here’s what makes it shine:

1. Calms the Fire and Tames the Wind: Got too much fiery Pitta energy? Ghee cools it down. Feeling the dry, restless qualities of Vata? Ghee softens and calms. Plus, unlike most rich foods, it doesn’t bother Kapha (unless you overdo it). It’s like the peacekeeper of the doshas.
2. Mind Fuel and Memory Booster: Ghee is known as a medhya rasayana, which basically means it’s super brain food. Ayurveda claims it enhances memory, clarity, and intellectual sharpness. Need to nail that big presentation? Ghee can help get those neurons firing!
3. Ageless Skin and Glowing Complexion: Ghee doesn’t just work from the inside out; it makes you look good too. According to Ayurveda, it gives you that tejas glow—like you just came back from a wellness retreat, even if you’ve been binge-watching TV all weekend.
4. Natural Elixir for Digestive Power: In Ayurveda, digestion is king, and ghee is one of the top ways to keep your digestive fire (agni) strong. It helps food digest easily and also makes herbs and spices more effective in your body. It’s like the VIP pass for nutrients.
5. Good for All Ages, From Kids to Elders: Whether you’re a toddler, a teen, or rocking your silver years, ghee’s got benefits for everyone. It’s gentle enough for children and nourishing for the elderly, making it the ultimate family-friendly food.

The benefits of ghee butter were described by several of Ayurveda's OG ancient scholars. Below are a few of the heavy-hitters that have extolled the virtues of ghee.

1. Charaka: The OG Ghee Fan

Charaka was a foundational figure in Ayurveda, authoring the Charaka Samhita in the period between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE. His work, pivotal in Ayurvedic medicine, covers extensive medical knowledge and practice, emphasizing holistic health and preventative care. Charaka’s contributions significantly shaped the traditional Indian medical system, making his texts essential for understanding Ayurveda.

Charaka is Ayurveda’s original hype-man for ghee. He says it’s the best choice if you’re looking to:

• Calm Vata and Pitta: Ghee’s cooling and soothing properties are perfect for fiery or erratic energy.
• Boost Memory and Intelligence: Need a memory boost for exams or work projects? Charaka says ghee sharpens the mind.
• Skin Glow and Voice Clarity: Yes, ghee can help your complexion and even give your voice that extra clarity. (Time to butter up those vocal cords for karaoke night!)

2. Sushruta: Healing, Inside and Out

Sushruta, an ancient Indian physician from the 6th century BCE, is celebrated for composing the Sushruta Samhita, a foundational text in Ayurvedic medicine. Renowned as the "Father of Surgery," his contributions include detailed descriptions of surgical techniques, instruments, and procedures, significantly ahead of his time. The Sushruta Samhita also covers various aspects of medicine and health, making it a crucial resource in the traditional Indian medical system and influencing the development of surgery across the world.

Sushruta, known as Ayurveda’s surgeon and healer, loved ghee for its gentle and healing nature:

• Softens and Soothes: Ghee is mridu, meaning it softens tissues—great for inflammation.
• Won’t Clog You Up: Unlike some oils, ghee doesn’t block bodily channels, so you get the nutrients you need without any roadblocks.
• Super Versatile: Sushruta recommends ghee for all sorts of issues, from Unmada (mental health) to Shoola (abdominal pain).

3. Vagbhata: All-Around Wellness Boost

Vagbhata, a prominent Ayurvedic scholar from the 6th or 7th century CE, is best known for authoring the Ashtanga Hridaya and Ashtanga Sangraha, two of Ayurveda's most influential texts. These works systematically compile and refine earlier Ayurvedic knowledge, covering a wide range of topics, including health, disease management, and lifestyle practices. Vagbhata's contributions emphasize the integration of theory and practice, making his texts essential guides for Ayurvedic practitioners. His work continues to serve as a cornerstone of Ayurvedic education and holistic health principles worldwide.

Vagbhata really amps up the love for ghee, praising its benefits for both mind and body:

• Sharpens Your Wits: Ghee isn’t just brain food—it’s brain turbo-boost. It supports memory, intellect, and focus.
• Helps with Digestion and Strength: Ghee revs up your digestive fire (agni) and strengthens the body. It’s like a fitness trainer in a spoonful.

4. Kashyapa Samhita: Purification Station

Kashyapa, revered as one of the ancient sages of Ayurveda, is best known for authoring the Kashyapa Samhita, a seminal text focused on pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology within Ayurvedic medicine. This work, thought to be compiled around the 6th century CE, is one of the earliest comprehensive references on child healthcare, making Kashyapa a pioneering figure in these fields. His contributions significantly influenced how children's health issues were approached in ancient India, integrating Ayurvedic principles with practical healthcare practices. Kashyapa's insights into pediatric and maternal health continue to influence Ayurvedic teachings and practices today.

Kashyapa takes a more cleansing approach, appreciating ghee’s purifying and balancing properties:

• Purifies and Balances Reproductive Health: Ghee helps purify Shukra (reproductive tissue) and Yoni (female organs), so it’s got benefits down to the cellular level.
• Keeps Pitta and Vata in Check Without Kapha Drama: Kashyapa says ghee is the ultimate pacifier, calming hot and windy doshas without bothering Kapha.

Fast forward a few thousand years, and ghee’s getting the spotlight again in modern health. People everywhere are discovering that ghee is:

• A Great Source of Healthy Fats: Ghee is packed with short-chain fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which support everything from brain health to immune function.
• Full of Butyrate for Gut Health: Ghee’s high butyrate content is a blessing for your gut, helping to maintain intestinal health and ease inflammation.
• Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant-Rich: It’s got antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that align well with the ancient Ayurvedic claims of cooling and soothing. Plus, it’s a great carrier for fat-soluble herbs and spices.

How to Use Ghee Like a Pro

With all these benefits, the real question is: How can you use ghee to get the most out of it? Here are some fun and practical ways to bring ghee into your life:

• On Toast or in Tea: Start your day with ghee on toast or mix it into your tea for a comforting, nourishing ritual. It’s a great alternative to butter or cream.
• Golden Elixir in Cooking: Use ghee in your cooking instead of other oils. It’s got a high smoke point, so it’s perfect for frying, sautéing, and even baking.
• As a Carrier for Herbs: In Ayurveda, ghee is often mixed with herbs for medicinal purposes. You can add a pinch of turmeric, ginger, or cinnamon to warm ghee for a mini health tonic.
• Beauty Glow-Up: Ghee isn’t just food—it’s beauty magic! Rub a tiny amount on your face before bed for deep moisturization or apply to chapped lips. It can also make your hair shiny and soft.
• Mind-Boosting Snack: Take a small spoonful of ghee before a study session or work project to give your brain a boost. (Thank us later!)

Why You Should Give Ghee a Try

Ghee isn’t just another health trend—it’s a timeless treasure with centuries of backing from Ayurvedic sages and modern science alike. Whether you’re looking to calm your nerves, boost your energy, improve your skin, or level up your mind, ghee might just be the golden ticket.

So go ahead, dip into that jar of ghee, and let the Ayurveda magic work its way into your life. Your doshas will thank you, your brain will thank you, and, hey, your taste buds will thank you too.

Meet Drona, our GPT-powered wellness concierge. Trained in Ayurveda, ancient philosophy and modern clinical research, Drona is here to kickstart your journey into Ayurveda as your free digital guide.