It can be medicine on its own, or it can be used to help other medicines work better. If we're treating a condition that needs the properties of fats, we use ghee. We can also use it as a base when we want to pull out the beneficial elements from herbs or minerals. Plus, it helps our bodies absorb vitamins that can only dissolve in fat, whether those are from food or medicines. It's like a delivery truck, carrying important nutrients to places in the body that only allow fat molecules through, such as the brain.
The amount of ghee used in Ayurvedic treatments can vary. For example, we might use a large amount on an empty stomach when we're trying to cleanse the body through a process known as 'panchakarma'. But if we want to help someone gain weight, we use a smaller amount, mixing it in with food.
We also use moderate amounts of ghee to help ease diseases. It's like using a soothing balm on a wound - it reduces the negative impact of the disease and helps recovery.
You might be thinking, isn't ghee a form of fat? Isn't that bad for my cholesterol? Interestingly, research has shown that even when ghee is used in large amounts for cleansing, it doesn't increase 'bad' cholesterol (LDL). Instead, it might boost 'good' cholesterol (HDL) or have no impact on cholesterol levels at all.
When we use ghee medicinally, it helps our bodies absorb nutrients and deliver them where they're needed. Plus, ghee can boost levels of Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents LDL cholesterol from causing harm. It's like adding a protective shield around our arteries, stopping them from getting clogged up and leading to heart problems.
If someone is underweight, adding ghee to their diet can help. Our bodies need LDL cholesterol to build and repair cells, so providing ghee supplies them with what they need.
Ghee also plays a role in our digestive system. It encourages the release and activation of certain enzymes and hormones. It's like providing the body with a dose of oil, keeping everything running smoothly.
To sum it up, ghee is a powerhouse. When used appropriately, it can offer a range of benefits, from removing toxins to enhancing the effectiveness of other medicines. Just like any other treatment, it's essential to use it correctly. That means considering what it's being used for and who it's being used by. So while ghee may seem simple, its impact on Ayurvedic medicine is profound.
