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Ghee: The Liquid Gold That Will Transform Your Self-Care Routine

Updated: Jul 13

Discover the magic of ghee—an Ayurvedic superfood for energy, digestion and hydration. Add it to your routine for lasting vitality. Plus, get a simple ghee recipe to make at home.

Pot with melted butter, representing a recipe for ghee
This is the one Ayurvedic recipe you need. Learn how to make ghee and why you should eat it every day.

If you haven’t heard of ghee, also known as liquid gold, it’s time to introduce this Ayurvedic powerhouse into your routine. Used for thousands of years in Ayurveda, ghee is clarified butter and a rich, buttery elixir that supports everything from mental clarity to digestive ease. It’s the missing link you’ve been searching for to support balance and vitality in your everyday life.


Whether you’re feeling foggy or your skin and hair are really dry, ghee can restore the balance you need. Ghee has cooling, nourishing and energizing properties that make it a staple in Ayurveda. It is balancing for all doshas and is especially soothing and calming for pitta dosha and helps warm and nourish vata dosha.


But its true magic? It's the one food that nourishes ojas (your vitality) the most.


Why You Need Ghee

Ghee is uniquely cooling and hydrating, which makes it incredibly helpful when you’re feeling overheated or mentally drained. It provides sustained energy throughout the day, supports digestion, and helps calm the body and mind.


Here’s why you should consider adding ghee to your routine:

  • Sustained energy: Ghee provides healthy fats that release steady energy throughout the day.

  • Supports digestion: Ghee stimulates digestive fire (agni) and lubricates the digestive system. This makes it easier to digest foods and absorb nutrients, helping to prevent bloating and discomfort after meals.

  • Deep hydration: Ghee helps hydrate from the inside out. It nourishes the body’s tissues, leaving you feeling more energized and hydrated, especially during stressful days or when your body feels dry or depleted.

  • Mental clarity: Ghee contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that helps you concentrate and stay focused throughout the day.

  • Cooling and calming: Ghee’s sweet, oily nature is ideal for soothing inflammation, cooling the system, and calming the body and mind.


How to Add Ghee to Your Routine

Incorporating ghee into your daily routine is easier than you think. Here are four simple ways to add it to your meals and self-care rituals.


  1. Add ghee to your morning drink.

    For a sustained energy boost, add a spoonful of ghee in your morning tea or coffee. The healthy fats in ghee will keep you feeling energized and balanced.

  2. Cook with ghee.

    Use ghee to cook, sauté or roast your favorite meals. It adds a rich, buttery flavor that enhances any dish, from roasted vegetables to oatmeal. Drizzle it over salads or vegetable dishes for a smooth, nourishing touch.

  3. Use ghee to moisturize your skin.

    Ghee is incredibly nourishing for the skin and especially great for dry or irritated skin. Massage a small amount of ghee into your skin for deep hydration.

  4. Add it to your nighttime ritual.

    Swap your typical oil for ghee in your Abhyanga (self-massage with oil). Warm ghee is relaxing and calming to the nervous system, especially after a busy day. To prepare the body for a peaceful night’s sleep, massage ghee into your feet and hands before bed for a soothing and grounding ritual.


How to Make Ghee at Home: A Simple Recipe

Making ghee is surprisingly easy. You only need one ingredient: unsalted butter. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to make ghee.


Ingredients:

  • 1 pound unsalted butter (preferably organic)


Instructions:

  1. Melt the butter. Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely.

  2. Simmer. Once melted, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. The butter will begin to foam and bubble as the milk solids separate from the clarified butter.

  3. Skim the foam. Use a spoon to skim off the foam from the surface. You can discard this foam or save it for another use, like for baking.

  4. Watch for the golden color. Continue simmering the butter until it turns a clear, golden color, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The sizzling sound will start to settle as the moisture evaporates.

  5. Strain the ghee. Once the ghee has turned golden and the milk solids have browned, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly, then strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a glass jar.

  6. Store. Allow the ghee to cool completely before sealing the jar. It doesn’t require refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature for several weeks. Just be sure to use a clean spoon every time you use it. I refrigerate my ghee because my family is constantly double-dipping their spoons in it.


No time to cook? Get ghee on the go. Try Organic Valley ghee, which comes in a glass jar and has a great ghee taste.


Why Ghee Should Be a Part of Your Self-Care Routine

Ghee is more than just a trendy ingredient—it’s a deeply nourishing Ayurvedic treasure and an amazing addition to your daily routine. Whether you’re seeking to stay energized, support digestion or calm your mind, ghee is a simple and effective tool for creating balance and vitality.


Start adding ghee into your meals, drinks and self-care practices, and you'll quickly see how this liquid gold can enhance your life.


Want more Ayurvedic self-care tips like this? Subscribe to my Nourish Note newsletter for more seasonal self-care rituals and lifestyle wisdom to help you pay attention to yourself in this busy world.




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