Ghee, otherwise known as clarified butter (or ghṛta in Sanskrit), is the essence of butter after all the milk solids, water and impurities have been clarified and removed through a process of slow heating (maṇḍa agni). Having a sweet, nutty taste, ghee is considered one of the purest and healthiest oils in Ayurveda for consumption as food.
Ayurvedic science recognizes four types of fats/oils (called sneha): ghṛta (ghee), tailam (plant-based oils like sesame or coconut), vasā (animal fats like lard or tallow) and majjā (bone marrow). Among the four recognized types, ghee is considered to be superior for human consumption and for the production of internal and external medicines.
Beneficial Properties of Ghee
Ghee contains a natural abundance of essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9 fatty acids and others (like Butyric acid which has anti-inflammatory properties and Conjugated linoleic acid which helps in combating diabetes and obesity), as well as the essential vitamins A, C, D, E and K.
According to Ayurveda, ghee is balancing both to the vata and pitta doshas, stimulates the metabolism (agni) and enhances the natural strength and vitality of the body (ojas).
Ghee has also one of the highest smoke points among all fats/oils, which makes it an exceptional oil for cooking and frying at high temperatures.
Ghee Infusions (ghṛta kalpana)
While the health benefits of consuming or cooking with ghee are widely extolled in Ayurveda, ghee has also a prominent role in internal and external medicinal preparations where ghee functions as the base oil carrier (anupāna) wherein an herbal formula is infused. The production of such herbal infusions in oil is called sneha kalpana, and in the case where ghee is the primary base ingredient, ghṛta kalpana.
Medicines produced through the process of sneha kalpana have a wide variety of uses depending on the types of herbs and ingredients involved and the exact process of infusion. One important use for this type of infusion is in the production of serums and creams for Ayurvedic skin care.
Ghee in Ayurvedic Skin Care
Ghee is rich in important vitamins for the skin, such as vitamin E, and therefore has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is naturally cooling, nourishing and moisturizing to the skin and greatly enhances its lustre, radiance and complexion (snigdhatā). Apart from its own beneficial properties, ghee also has the property of helping other herbs and extracts in an herbal infusion to penetrate deeply into the deeper tissue layers of the skin. As such, ghee makes an ideal oil carrier for Ayurvedic herbal beauty serums and creams.
Auromere Ayurvedic Wrinkle Serum, with Ghee
Auromere Ayurvedic Wrinkle Serum is a unique rejuvenating formula for all ages, dosha and body types. This herbal formula is infused in a combined foundation of ghee and sesame oil, combining their beneficial properties and making it a mahā-snehanam formula. It contains a host of natural antioxidants, micronutrients and naturally occurring organic acids and has no artificial preservatives, ingredients or chemicals. It is a deep-penetrating, nourishing serum that softens and smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially for the delicate face and neck area. For your regular health and beauty routine, we have handpicked Ayurveda’s best herbs and media for skin care, including:
- Ghee, rich in organic natural acids that keep the skin soft, healthy and glowing.
- Amla or Indian Gooseberry which has a high Vitamin C content.
- Licorice or Mulethi which has the antioxidants glabridin and licochalcone A which are known for their skin glow and anti-aging properties.
- Aloe Vera which is also known for skin softening, UV shielding and protection from sun damage.
- Lavender which is known for reducing skin blemishes and for its aromatherapeutic properties which relieves stress and anxiety and promotes calmness.
- And other potent herbs and ingredients, such as Sesame oil, Vetiver, Tulsi, Psoralea corylifolia, Indian Madder, Asparagus racemosus, and Mango-ginger.
