How to Use Ghee In Your Daily Wellness Routine

Ghee has been revered for centuries in Ayurveda for its incredible health and beauty benefits. Not only is it ideal for cooking, helping to deliver the nutrients from food deeper into your body’s tissues, but its benefits extend far beyond the kitchen. It’s moisturising, nourishing, lubricating, and deeply healing.

In this article, we’ll show you the various uses of ghee in Ayurvedic and modern practices, uncover its benefits for radiant skin and overall health, and share tips on how to make ghee at home and incorporate it into your daily wellness routine. 

What is Ghee?

Ghee is a form of clarified butter made by slowly heating butter for a prolonged period to separate the water and milk solids from the fat, leaving behind a rich, golden liquid packed with nutrients and fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, which are essential for skin health and overall well-being.

In Ayurveda, ghee is seen as liquid gold due to its many benefits and versatility. It can be used internally for cooking and tissue nourishment, as well as externally for practices like oil massage, face masks, deep cleansing, and promoting glowing skin and softer hair.

Ghee vs. Butter: What Is The Difference?

The difference between ghee and regular butter is the clarification process, where the water and milk solids are separated and removed, leaving behind nearly pure fat. Unlike butter, ghee is lactose-free and casein-free, which is easier to digest and better tolerated by many people.

Ghee also has a higher smoke point than butter, around 250°C (485°F) and is ideal for high-temperature cooking without breaking down into harmful compounds.

Are Ghee And Clarified Butter The Same?

Ghee is similar to clarified butter, but is cooked longer to leave only the fat content and allow it to caramelise, which results in the nutty flavour and enhanced nutritional profile that ghee is known for.

Why Use Ghee Instead Of (Clarified) Butter?

Because butter and clarified butter still contain milk solids, they can clog your pores and cause skin irritation, including blackheads and pimples, when applied topically. Ghee is pure fat and contains beneficial fatty acids, which make it deeply moisturising and lubricating without causing breakouts.

Ghee is also considered a better choice for cooking due to its higher concentration of nutrients, its ability to balance all three doshas, and its nourishing effect on the deeper tissues (dhatus). Unlike (clarified) butter, ghee is better for digestion by reducing inflammation and enhancing the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. It’s a quintessential kapha substance, providing nourishment, stability, and lubrication without being congestive like butter.

Understanding these differences is key, but let’s explore why ghee truly stands out when it comes to skin care and overall health.

The Benefits Of Ghee For Radiant Skin

Ghee’s nourishing properties and high essential fatty acid make it an incredible choice for your daily skincare routine, especially for those suffering from dryness, flaky skin, irritation, inflammation, or signs of early ageing.

Here's why Ghee should be a part of your daily wellness routine:

• Ghee is deeply moisturising: Ghee absorbs into the deep layers of your skin without clogging pores, providing lasting moisture throughout the day. Unlike many commercial products, it forms a protective barrier that locks in hydration, preventing dryness and flakiness without causing breakouts. Its vitamin A and fatty acids also help smooth and soften your skin.

• Ghee is Anti-Inflammatory: Ghee is ideal for sensitive and irritated skin. Its rich butyric acid content helps reduce inflammation and soothes skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. It also promotes healing for damaged skin, including wounds, burns, and injuries like cuts, burns, and chapped areas.

• Ghee Has Anti-Aging Properties: Ghee is high in antioxidants such as vitamins A and E, which help fight free radicals that contribute to wrinkles, sagging skin, and fine lines. Regular use improves skin elasticity, reduces dullness, and slows signs of premature ageing, promoting a firm, youthful glow.

• Ghee Improves Skin Tone: Ghee naturally brightens your skin and gives it a more radiant appearance. Its many antioxidants help repair damaged skin and promote healthy new skin cells. With regular use, ghee can even out dark spots, acne scars, pigmentation, and blemishes.

The Health Benefits of Ghee in Your Diet

We love ghee for its rich, buttery, nutty flavour. Its numerous benefits make it not just a skin saviour but also a staple in Ayurvedic cooking.

Here’s how incorporating ghee into your diet will boost your health in many ways:

• Ghee Supports Digestion: Adding a teaspoon of ghee to your cooking or warm water is a simple way to support digestion. It stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, improves nutrient absorption, lubricates the digestive tract, supports agni (digestive fire), and helps cleanse your body by pulling out toxins (ama). 

• Ghee Boosts Immunity: It's rich in antioxidants, which strengthen your immune system and build ojas (vigour or essence of vitality). Ghee's essential fatty acids also promote your ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, crucial for strong immunity and overall health.

• Ghee Balances All Doshas: It'ss considered a tridoshic food in Ayurveda, meaning it helps balance all three doshas. Its cooling and lubricating properties make it especially beneficial for calming excess vata (dryness and anxiety) and pitta (heat and inflammation). Even kapha types can benefit from ghee in moderation.

• Ghee Promotes Heart Health: Studies show that including ghee in a balanced diet supports cardiovascular health, making it a better option than most processed oils. Though it’s high in saturated fats, it also contains monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
  
  
• Ghee Supports Healthy Weight Management: It's ojas-building, which means it helps sustain energy, immunity, and vitality without causing heaviness. Ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to fat loss and improved metabolism.

Practical Tips For Using Ghee In Skincare And Diet

If you're looking to unlock ghee’s incredible health and beauty benefits for radiant skin and overall wellness, incorporating it into your skincare routine and diet is both simple and versatile. Ghee offers a wide range of internal and external uses that are easy to add to your daily routine.

Here are practical tips to get you started:

Using Ghee for Skincare

• As a Moisturiser: Apply a small amount of ghee to your face or body after cleansing for deep hydration. It works especially well on elbows, knees, heels, lips or any dry patches.
• Ghee Face Mask: Mix a teaspoon of ghee with honey and a pinch of turmeric. Apply it to your face for 15 minutes, then rinse off for glowing, nourished skin.
• Brighten And Soothe: Mix ghee with turmeric and apply to minor scrapes or skin irritations for soothing and healing. You can also add a small amount of ghee under your eyes to reduce puffiness and lighten dark circles.
• As a Hair Treatment: Mix a tablespoon of ghee with coconut or olive oil, warm it, and massage it into your scalp and hair. Leave it on for as long as you like, then wash out for softer, shinier hair and to reduce dryness and flakiness on your scalp.

Using Ghee in Your Diet

• Cooking: Ghee is perfect for high-heat cooking due to its high smoke point. Simmer your spices in 1 teaspoon ghee per person in place of oils or butter.
• Melted: Try drizzling melted ghee over your steamed or roasted vegetables to enhance flavour.
• Spread: Due to its nutty flavour, ghee makes a delicious spread on breads and baked goods.
• Beverage: Occasionally consume 1 teaspoon of ghee with warm water or herbal tea on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion and promote detoxification.

How to Make Ghee at Home: An Ayurvedic Recipe

Making ghee at home is simple and guarantees the purest, highest-quality product. By preparing it yourself, you can ensure it’s free from additives and preservatives, giving you all the health benefits needed to achieve radiant skin and overall health.

Homemade ghee retains its rich nutrients, which support digestion and nourish your body from the inside out. Plus, you get the added bonus of infusing it with your positive energy and intention.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own ghee at home:

Ingredients:

• For 1 jar (16 oz / 470ml) of ghee, you’ll need about 1.5 lbs (680g) of unsalted, organic butter (preferably grass-fed)
• Saucepan
• Cheesecloth or fine sieve

Instructions:

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, keeping the lid off.
• Once the butter starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. As it simmers, water will evaporate, and milk solids will rise to the surface.
• When the liquid turns golden and develops a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat.
• Allow the ghee to cool first before straining it through a cheesecloth or fine sieve into a jar, separating the ghee from the solids.
• Store your ghee at room temperature in an airtight jar, preferably out of direct sunlight.

The Secrets To Using Ghee For Radiant Skin And Overall Health: Your Ghee Q&A

Q: Can ghee clog pores?
A: Ghee is an excellent natural moisturiser for the skin, but can be comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores, for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It’s best suited for dry or normal skin types, but always do a patch test on a small area of skin first. This will help you to see how your skin reacts to ghee and whether you have any allergies or sensitivities.

Q: Can ghee cause acne?
A: Ghee doesn’t cause acne, but it can irritate the skin if you’re sensitive, especially to dairy products. If you notice redness, swelling, or itchiness after applying ghee, wash it off with warm water. Always use high-quality, organic ghee, as lower-quality versions may contain additives or impurities that can affect the skin. While ghee is generally non-comedogenic, those with oily or acne-prone skin should apply it cautiously and in small amounts.

Q: How often can I use ghee on my face?
A: Ghee can be used daily as a moisturiser or face mask. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it's best to limit use to 1-2 times per week to avoid clogging pores. Always cleanse your skin regularly with warm water to prevent any buildup and maintain a healthy complexion.

Q: What Are the Benefits of Ghee for Abhyanga Massage?
A: Its nourishing and lubricating qualities make ghee ideal for calming the nervous system and soothing dry or irritated skin. It’s especially beneficial for balancing vata and pitta doshas, making it a great option for those dealing with dryness, stress, or inflammation.

Q: How does ghee benefit digestion?
A: Ghee stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, improves nutrient absorption, lubricates the digestive tract, supports agni (digestive fire), and helps detoxify your body by pulling out toxins (ama). Adding a teaspoon of ghee to your cooking, meals, or warm water is a simple way to support your digestion.

Q: Is ghee good for weight loss?
A: Ghee contains CLA, which can help with fat metabolism. However, it’s calorie-dense, so consume it in moderation to avoid weight gain.

Q: How do I store ghee?
A: Ghee has a long shelf life and can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months or refrigerated for up to a year. Leave it out of direct sunlight to keep its health benefits.

Q: When should I be careful using ghee?
A: While ghee has numerous health benefits, it’s still high in saturated fat. Consuming it in moderation is key, particularly if you have a history of heart disease or high cholesterol. Additionally, ghee is generally well-tolerated, but those with a severe dairy allergy should be cautious, as trace amounts of casein may remain.