Health Benefits Of Tikta Ghrita [“Bitter Ghee”]
Health Benefits Of Tikta Ghrita
Tikta Ghrita, often translated as “bitter ghee”, is clarified butter infused with some of the more powerful herbs that Ayurvedic medicine has to offer. “Tikta” refers to bitterness and ghrita or ghee is made by cooking butter until the oil separates from the milk solids and the moisture is evaporated. Ghee has long been revered in India and is often used as a carrier for herbs. Ghee acts as the base and being an oil it easily penetrates lipid membranes thereby facilitating deeper penetration of herbs into bodily tissue while enhancing the potency and action of the herbs. Tikta Ghrita is a traditional Ayurvedic formula that has been used for thousands of years. According to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, tikta ghrita has purifying and strengthening effects on the liver and deep tissues of the body.
Great Video: Top Ten Reasons To Cleanse With Ghee - Dr. John Douillard
Health Benefits of Tikta Ghrita:
- Reduces inflammation
- Strengthens and detoxifies the liver
- Helps to cleanse and purify blood
- Useful in Ayurvedic cleanse [i.e. Panchakarma]
- Detoxifies deep bodily tissues
- Cleanses the GI tract
- Helps regulate blood sugar
- Improves certain skin conditions [i.e. acne, eczema, psoriasis]
- Cools excess heat [pitta] in the body
- Helps improve arthritic conditions
- Balancing to all doshas, especially Pitta disorders
- May be used externally for skin disorders
Tikta Ghrita is often indicated for a variety of “pitta conditions” such as liver disorders, inflammation, and certain skin conditions such as acne, urticaria, hives, rashes - which represents excess heat which resides within the body. Traditionally, it is administered as part of an Ayurvedic cleanse [i.e. Panchakarma] as it helps to balance pitta. Likewise, a small dose of Tikta Ghrita may also be taken daily as a routine maintenance of health. Tikta Ghrita is also beneficial in the protection and maintenance of Ojas [“vital essence”] and is considered best for pitta and kapha type imbalances. Since Tikta Ghrita is bitter it may increase vata and therefore should only be used under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Tikta Ghrita includes many bitter herbs in ghee some of which include:
- neem
- guduchi
- trikatu
- manjistha
- kutk
- kalmegha
- bhumiamalaki
- turmeric
- daruharidra
- karella [bitter melon]
- musta
... and several other herbs!!
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.
