Unique Properties of Ghritams
Ayurveda recognizes four types of fats; ghrita (ghee), oil (sesame), vasa (muscle), and majjā (marrow). The unique properties of ghrita stay intact, even when combined with herbs of differing qualities does not lose its own qualities. Ghrita alleviates pitta and vata and is beneficial for rasa, shukra and oja. It provides relief from burning sensation, softens the tissues, improves voice and complexion [Ca. Su. 13/13-14].
In all types of jīrṇa jwara (chronic fever), the internal use of Ghritams is recommended. Ghrita pacifies vata by its unctuousness, pitta by its coldness, and kapha when combined with kapha pacifying herbs. Therefore, ghrita is useful in all forms of jīrṇa jwara like fire subsides with water. As water is sprinkled on burning houses to douse the fire, ghee is administered to manage chronic fever [Ca. Ni. 1/37].
No other sneha brings the unique properties of ghrita. It has a unique ability to adapt the properties of the herbs it's processed with, without losing its own properties. If ghrita is processed with herbs with nourishment properties, then it is indicated in degenerative diseases. If it is processed with herbs having detoxification properties, it is then indicated in obstructive diseases [Ca. Ni. 1/38-39].
Ghritams as Snehapana
Snehapana is the internal drinking of Ghritam in preparation for pañcakarma. Some of the most common pañcakarma Ghritams are Indukanta Ghritam, Guggulutiktaka Ghritam, Mahatiktaka Ghritam, Mahatraiphala Ghritam, and Sukumara Ghritam. They prepare the body for detoxification, as well as nourishment.
Popular Ghritams
- Brahmi Ghritam – insomnia, memory, psychiatric disorders
- Dadimadi Ghritam - anemia, jaundice, dyspepsia
- Guggulutiktaka Ghritam – pañcakarma, skin, arthritis, inflammation
- Indukanta Ghritam – pañcakarma, chronic fever, emaciation, fatigue
- Jatyadi Ghritam – abdominal pain, ulcers, chronic wounds
- Kalyanaka Ghritam - hysteria, epilepsy, insanity and jaundice
- Mahakalyanaka Ghritam - hysteria, epilepsy, anemia, heart, jaundice
- Mahatraiphala Ghritam – pañcakarma, eye disorders, insomnia, stress
- Mahatiktaka Ghritam - pañcakarma, skin, ulcers, excessive pitta
- Nirgunyadi Ghritam – convulsion, cough, and fever in children
- Patoladi Ghritam – skin and eye diseases, fever, infections
- Phalasarpis Ghritam – Infertility, disorders of the uterus
- Saraswata Ghritam – brain development, loss of memory or vocals
- Satadhouta Ghritam – skin burns, herpes, shingles, abscess
- Shatavaryadi Ghritam – reproductive and urinary diseases
- Sukhaprasavada Ghritam – used in pregnancy for safe delivery
- Sukumara Ghritam – pañcakarma, menstrual disorders, gulma
- Suranadi Ghritam – hemorrhoids, indigestion
- Traiphala Ghritam - eye disorders, chronic fever, constipation, IBS
- Varanadi Ghritam – chronic headache, paralysis, indigestion, hernia
- Vidaryadi Ghritam – wasting diseases, emaciation, asthma
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