The Alchemy of Ghee
In Ayurveda, ghee is more than food. It is medicine, nourishment, and sacred transformation.
Ghee, or clarified butter, is created through an alchemical process of separating the pure from the impure. As our teacher Alakananda Ma taught us during yagna ceremonies, we offer a mixture of black and white sesame seeds into the fire, white for our good deeds, black for our misdeeds, offered in the fuel of ghee. The fire does not judge. It receives it all. In this offering, we let go of the ego and attachments. Ghee becomes the vehicle of transformation, representing pure consciousness itself.
This is the prabhava, the unique and mysterious potency of ghee: to purify perception. As we clarify butter over the fire, skimming away the foam and sediment, we enact the same ritual internally, separating delusion from truth, illusion from essence. Ghee is the essence. Ghee is golden clarity that remains.
Ghee as Digestive Medicine
In the body, ghee nourishes agni, the digestive fire. In proper amounts, it offers just the right fuel to awaken digestion, support absorption, and ignite clarity. Ayurveda teaches us to pay attention to quantity, timing, and or unique prakruti (constitution). Too much ghee can smother the flame. Too little and the flame sputters out. For most, one teaspoon per meal is a supportive amount.
Ghee nourishes ojas, our vital nourishment. It kindles tejas, the inner radiance of transformation. It supports prana, the breath and movement of life itself.
Properties of Ghee
Dosha: Tridoshic (balances all three), but may increase kapha in excess
Rasa (taste): Sweet
Virya (energy): Cooling
Vipaka (post-digestive effect): Sweet
Benefits of Ghee
Strengthens agni (digestion)
Improves absorption and assimilation
Nourishes ojas, tejas, and prana
Enhances memory and mental clarity
Lubricates connective tissues
Acts as a yogavahi—a catalytic carrier for herbs
Stimulates liver production of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K
May help raise HDL ('good') cholesterol when used in moderation
Note: Those with high cholesterol, obesity, or ama (toxins) should use caution.
Ghee Rituals: Making It Sacred
Making ghee is a ritual in itself. We recommend preparing it just before the full moon, when lunar energy supports the building of ojas, the subtle essence of immunity, love, and resilience.
Create sacred space:
Clean the kitchen (and your mind) of clutter
Open the windows to invite fresh air
Arrange fresh flowers or herbs
Play chanting or calming music
Hold gratitude and intention
Let the process be slow. Let it be a meditation.
How to make ghee
Yields: 2 cups
Timing: Try making the ghee during the full moon to harness the sattvic qualities of the moon.
Ingredients:
1 lb Organic Valley Cultured Unsalted Butter
Glass Jar 16 oz
Small strainer
Cheese cloth
Instructions:
Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
Reduce to medium-low and simmer gently.
Allow milk solids to separate and sink. Ghee will become clear and bubbling will slow.
Remove from heat when milk solids are lightly browned.
Place strainer with cheese cloth over the jar. Gently pour ghee into the jar to strain the solids from the clarified butter.
Store at room temperature.