Delectable Indian cuisine remains incomplete without adding ghee or clarified butter, a holy ingredient renowned for its royal color and exquisite flavor. Beyond its significant role in cooking practices globally, ghee stands out as one of the healthiest fats. However, its virtues extend beyond the culinary realm, offering remarkable benefits for skin and hair. A cherished childhood memory involves mothers administering a spoonful of desi ghee, not just for health but also for its beauty-enhancing properties. Discover how ghee contributes to skincare and haircare beyond its culinary applications.
What Is Ghee?
Ghee is plain clarified butter from animal milk (cow’s or buffalo’s) products. It is a highly admired Ayurvedic remedy that has been part of our lives for centuries. Scientists classify ghee as anhydrous milk fat, primarily containing fat and lacking water. While making ghee, butter is simmered for a specific period to separate the milk solids or fat. As the water evaporates completely, it leaves behind the fat with a distinctive golden-yellow color and a nutty taste. It is filtered to produce pure ghee (also called ‘desi ghee’ or ‘asli ghee’) as the final product. Though untreated butter is preferred, others like salted, spiced, and nigur kibe (melted and refined butter from Ethiopia) can also be used. Being full of nutrition, ghee is considered a good choice for both therapeutic and cosmetic uses (1).
Ghee has a higher smoke point (240 Degree C) than butter (175 Degree C). So, it can withstand higher temperatures than commonly used plant-based oils and animal fats.
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Nutritional Profile Of Ghee
According to a study published in the Journal of Food Research and Technology in 2014, ghee is rich in essential fatty acids (linolenic acid and arachidonic acid), short-chain fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), antioxidants, and trace elements (iron, copper, and carotenoids). However, the amounts of these nutrients can vary from one manufacturer to another. Typically, ghee is 100% fat with no protein or carbohydrate. In other words, every 100 gms. Of ghee contains 100 gms. Of fat, 60 gms. of which are saturated fat only. A tablespoon of ghee has 300 IU of vitamin A and 130 calories. While the nutrient values of ghee are more or less similar to butter’s, the best thing about this ingredient is that it is lactose-free (2).
As ghee undergoes degradation over time, its color, aroma, flavor, and nutrtional value change significantly. Commercial ghees come infused with natural or synthetic antioxidants, which prolong the shelf life of the ingredient by minimizing degradation.
Health Benefits Of Ghee
Even though ghee contains lots of saturated fat, it is considered much healthier than other forms of fat available on the market. This is because the fat content of ghee mainly comprises essential fatty acids and short-chain fatty acids, which are categorized into healthy fats. While medium- and long-chain saturated fatty acids are sourced from animals, short-chain saturated fatty acids are obtained from plants. This makes them a healthier choice compared to other options. Let us have a glimpse of the health benefits offered by ghee:
- A good source of healthy fats that can be chosen by people with higher levels of bad cholesterol to stay healthy
- It is packed with antioxidants and is easy to digest, which increases the absorption of essential nutrients (vitamins and minerals)
- Rich in vitamin-soluble vitamins, which help make our immune system more robust and keep fatal diseases away
- The anti-inflammatory properties of ghee aid in the treatment of inflammation, swelling, and redness, along with the healing of wounds and burns
- Provides relief from colds and coughs naturally and instantly
- Soothes eye irritation and improves eyesight
Consumption of excessive saturated fat is associated with increased levels of cholesterol in the body, which can be detrimental for the cardiovascular health in the long run.
Why Use Ghee For Hair And Skin?
We are bombarded with tons of skincare and haircare products daily, from creams to conditioners. All those glitzy commercial products promise beautiful skin and lustrous hair. But replacing them with a simple natural alternative therapy like ghee can work even better. Here are 12 fantastic reasons to use ghee for hair and skin:
1. Hydrates Super Dry Skin
Ghee can hydrate naturally dry to super dry skin very well. Being 100% fat, it contains all good fatty acids essential to induce hydration in our skin cells.
2. Works As A Face Moisturizer
Ghee can moisturize not only your body and limbs but also the delicate skin of your face effectively. Using ghee as a face moisturizer 2-3 times a week can make it incredibly soft and smooth.
3. Gives Bright, Glowing Skin
Nothing can be better than ghee to brighten your skin from the inside out. It purifies the entire system and seals in the skin’s natural moisture. Consequently, the dull, dry skin becomes healthy and glowing.
4. Prevents Aging Of Skin
Ghee is one of the best natural anti-aging solutions. It penetrates the layers of the skin and enters the tissues, making the cells healthy and youthful. As a result, we can stay away from the signs of premature aging.
5. Substitutes Bath Oil
Being an excellent body massaging agent, ghee can also replace our traditional bath oil. It will give you silky smooth skin, and that too at a minimal cost.
6. Reduces Dark Under-Eye Circles
Forget spending thousands of bucks for under-eye creams or serums. Getting rid of those panda eyes becomes easy with ghee as it comes loaded with vitamins A, E, and K and antioxidants.
7. Freshens Up Tired Eyes
Besides reducing dark circles, ghee can help rejuvenate dull, tired eyes. The ingredient’s lubricating and nurturing qualities can make the undereye area’s subtle skin refreshed, moist, and bright upon regular use. It can also make the exhausted eyes completely relaxed.
8. Makes Chapped Lips Smoother
As said previously, ghee can lock in the skin’s natural moisture. Hence, it can also be used for hydrating dry, chapped lips.
9. Lightens Pigmented Lips
Pure desi ghee can also reduce lip pigmentation to a great extent. If you are dying to lighten your dark lips, use this ingredient every night. Beautiful pink pout will be on your way.
Read Also – 11 Excellent Skin And Hair Benefits Of Buttermilk
10. Conditions: Dry Hair Deeply
Ghee is a natural conditioner that can make dry, rough, and frizzy hair healthy-looking by conditioning it deeply. Be sure that your locks will turn extraordinarily soft and smooth.
11. Repairs Split Ends
Dry, coarse hair means lots of split ends. But with ghee, you can easily fight against this common issue.
12. Turns Hair Smooth and Shiny
Ghee improves the texture of hair drastically. It imparts smoothness, extra shine, and a beautiful bounce so you fall in love with your locks again.
How Do You Use Ghee for Hair and Skin?
Now, as you know the advantages of including ghee in your beauty routine, here are how to do that effortlessly
1. For Hydrated Skin
Warm up a lot of ghee and apply it all over your body. Massage it thoroughly for 3 to 5 minutes and bathe after half an hour.
2. For Soft, Supple Face
Take equal amounts of pure ghee and water. Blend them well together and apply the mixture to your facial skin. Massage it deep into the skin and wash off after 15 minutes with fresh, cold water.
3. For Natural Radiance
Prepare a face mask by mixing raw milk and besan or masoor dal with an equal amount of pure ghee, and apply the thick paste evenly over your face. Wait for 15-20 minutes. Once it dries out, rinse it with cold water.
4. For Youthful Appearance
All you need to do is to take a good amount of pure desi ghee and rub your skin with it. If massaged into the skin every day, it offers pretty impressive results.
5. For Silky, Smooth Skin
Combine equal quantities of ghee and coconut oil and apply the oil mixture to your skin. Let it sit for half an hour, then shower to reveal soft, velvety skin.
6. For Treating Dark Circles
Apply ghee liberally on your upper eyelids and under the eyes daily before bed. The following day, wash it off with plain water. This treatment is very effective in reducing dark circles around the eyes.
7. For Brighter Eyes
Take a teaspoon of pure ghee and massage it into the skin around your eyes using the tip of your ring finger. Apply very light pressure and wait until the ingredient is entirely absorbed into the skin.
8. For Healing Chapped Lips
Pour a drop of ghee onto your fingertip and massage it into the lips. Leave it overnight. Your lips will be soft, supple, and kissable in the morning.
9. For De-Pigmented Lips
Please gently take a few drops of pure ghee and massage your lips. Leave it for the whole night. Wash off the following day. Keep repeating until your lip’s natural color is restored.
10. For Conditioned Hair
Prepare a rich oil blend by mixing equal amounts of ghee and olive or coconut oil. Give your hair a thorough massage with it for 15-20 minutes, and wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
11. For Removing Split Ends
Warm it up a little and apply it to the ends of your tresses. After an hour, rinse with a mild shampoo and cold water.
12. For Smooth, Shiny Hair
Warm up a little ghee and apply it all over your tresses. Rinse with a mild shampoo and cold water after 1-2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is ‘Shata Dhauta Ghrita’ In Ayurveda?
It is an age-old Ayurvedic remedy for treating several skin conditions, including dryness, acne scars, herpes wounds, and burning sensation. In this remedy, ghee is thoroughly washed with water around 100 times to create a butter-like consistency with a white color and an incredibly smooth texture.
How To Store ‘Shata Dhauta Ghrita’?
Shata Dhauta Ghrita should always be stored in an airtight container. It contains moisture to some extent, which can cause degradation and lead to foul smell if exposed to air constantly. Also, ensure you do not store it for over 5-6 months.
Can I Apply Ghee On the Face Overnight?
Ghee is a natural ingredient that can benefit your skin immensely. Leaving it on your face overnight will repair your skin cells and rejuvenate them to give you healthier, brighter, smoother skin in the morning.
