Ghee in Ayurveda: Doshas, Agni and Traditional Uses Explained Simply
“In Ayurveda, ghee is not just a food; it is a Mahabheshajya — a supreme medicine.”
If you walk into an Ayurvedic pharmacy, you will find that almost 70% of the formulations contain ghee. In the ancient texts, ghee is referred as “Ghrita,” a substance so sacred that it is said to carry the energy of the sun. But why does a 5,000-year-old ayurveda science focuses so much importance on a simple cooking fat?
The answer lies in how Pure A2 Cow Ghee interacts with your body’s internal energies—your Doshas and your Digestive Fire (Agni).
Fueling the “Agni” (The Digestive Fire)
In Ayurveda, health begins and ends with Agni. Think of Agni as a campfire located in your stomach. Most fats (like heavy oils or processed butter) act like water; they dampen the fire and slow down digestion.
Ghee is the only fat that acts like dry wood. The Paradox: While it is an oil, it actually stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes without making the stomach overly acidic.
- The Result: Adding a teaspoon of A2 ghee to your meal ensures that the food is “cooked” properly in your gut, preventing the formation of Ama (toxins caused by undigested food).
Balancing the Three Doshas
According to Ayurveda, every human is a unique blend of three energies: Vata (Air/Space), Pitta (Fire/Water), and Kapha (Earth/Water). Ghee is one of the rare substances considered Tridoshic (balancing for all), but it has specific benefits for each.
| Dosha Type | The Problem | How A2 Ghee Helps |
| Vata | Dryness, gas, anxiety, and joint cracking. | Ghee provides “Snehana” (lubrication), grounding the airy Vata and lubricating dry joints. |
| Pitta | Heartburn, inflammation, anger, and heat. | Ghee is naturally Sheeta (cooling). It “mops up” excess acid and cools the internal heat of Pitta. |
| Kapha | Sluggishness, congestion, and weight gain. | If you have high Kapha , you must eat ghee in moderation, its ability to boost Agni helps clear out sluggishness and move toxins. |
While most foods favor one dosha while aggravating another, A2 Pure Cow Ghee is one precious substances known as Tridoshic.This means it has the unique intelligence to harmonize all three doshas of our body , when used in the right way. Are you sufferings from these ?
Vata: The Oil for the “Dry” Wind
Vata (Air and Space) is characterized by dryness, coldness, and erratic movement. If you struggling with cracking joints, chronic constipation, or an anxious racing mind, your Vata is likely out of balance. Pure Ghee is the ultimate antidote for you. Its Snigdha (unctuous/oily) and Guru (heavy) qualities act as a grounding force and performs as “Snehana” (internal lubrication) which means effectively “oiling” your internal machinery i.e., human body so that it can run without friction. It will coat the dry membranes of the gut and nervous system.
Pitta: The Internal Coolant
For the fiery Pitta (Fire and Water) is characterized by excess body heat, which often lead to acidity, skin inflammation, or a short temper. Ghee is a lifesaver for this body type Because pure cow ghee is naturally Sheeta (cooling) and Madhura (sweet) in its post-digestive effect, it acts like a coolant for a car engine. It manages excess stomach acid and soothe the lining of our digestive tract, which then neutralize the burning sensation that Pitta body types are known for.
Kapha: The Catalyst for Stagnation
Kapha (Earth and Water) implies to being heavy and oily, so most of the people assume that they should avoid ghee. However, the A2 ghee made using Bilona-method is different. Because it is fermented, it is considered lighter than raw oils and machine processed ghee. For Kapha body type, ghee helps stimulation of the Agni (Digestive Fire), which is sluggish. We should take it in moderation with warming spices like black pepper or ginger for better results.A2 ghee helps mobilizing Ama (toxins) and clears the heavy, stagnant energy that leads to weight gain and lethargy.
By using Shahji A2 Ghee into your daily routine, you aren’t just eating fat; you are providing your body with a “smart regulator” that knows exactly which of your Doshas needs a gentle nudge back toward center.
The Concept of “Snehana” (Internal Lubrication)
Ayurveda says , body must be “oiled ” from inside like a machine to work effeciently and also helps to retain its youthfulness. This is called Snehana. Just as a machine rusts without oil, the human body becomes stiff and brittle without healthy fats.
A2 Ghee travels deep into the Dhatus ( body tissues) for nourishment .It is also said that it crosses the blood-brain barrier, which is why it is used in Ayurveda to improve memory (Smriti) and intellect (Dhi). It doesn’t just sit in your stomach , it penetrates into the cellular level to nourish your nerves and bone marrow.
Traditional Ayurvedic Uses for A2 Ghee
To get the most out of your jar of Shahji Ghee – Pure A2 Cow ghee, you can use it in such traditional ways:
As an “Anupana” (Carrier for Herbs)
Ghee is a Yogavahi—it has the unique ability to carry the medicinal properties of herbs deep into the tissues without losing its own qualities. When you take Turmeric or Ashwagandha, with a spoon of A2 ghee ( made using bilona method ) it makes the herbs work 10x more effectively in your body.
The Empty Stomach Ritual
Consuming 5–10ml of warm A2 ghee on an empty stomach in the morning is an ayurvedic practice called Snehapana. It helps in flushing the gallbladder toxins and lubricates the digestive tract for the whole day.
Nasya (Nasal Application)
In Ayurveda, the nose is the doorway to the brain. Put two drops of warm A2 ghee in liquid form in each nostril (Nasya) is a traditional remedy for migraines, hair loss, and improving sleep quality.
For Skin & Eyes (Netra Tarpana)
Ghee is the best natural moisturizer.For centuries, Sata-Dhauta-Ghrita (ghee washed 100 times with water) has been used to treat burns and scars. Even simple A2 ghee applied to the eyelids can relieve the “dry eye” syndrome caused by excessive screen time.
Why Only “A2 Bilona Ghee” is Ayurvedic
The ancient texts state that ghee should be made from the milk of “Desi” cows and must be cultured into curd.
- Modern “Cream Ghee” is considered Tamasic (heavy and dulling) in Ayurveda because it lacks the “life force” of fermentation.
- Shahji A2 Bilona Ghee is considered Sattvic (pure). Because it is made from curd, it is light, easy to digest, and carries the “Prana” (life energy) required for true healing of inside as well as outside of body.
A Spoonful of Wisdom : A2 ghee
According to Ayurvedic Vaidya (doctor), ghee is the “nectar of life.” Whether you are looking to cool down a fiery Pitta stomach, lubricate Vata joints, or simply sharpen your mind, Shahji A2 Pure Cow Ghee is the most versatile tool in your wellness kit.
A2 Ghee is uniquely capable of nourishing all seven Dhatus (layers of tissues) in our body, ranging from the Rasa (plasma) to the Shukra (reproductive tissue). Because it is a “lipophilic” substance, it carries nutrients which passes through the cellular membranes where water-based nutrients cannot reach. This makes it essential for:
- Nerve Regeneration: Calming the nervous system during stressful time.
- Bone Health: Providing the deep lubrication in joints needed to prevent osteoporosis.
- Mental Health: It Serve as fuel for the brain, which is largely composed of fats, which help in preventing cognitive fog and burnout.
The 5 Essential Sanskaras followed by: Shahji A2 Ghee’s Purity
While mass production methods focus only on “extraction,” the tradtional Bilona method focuses on every single step in transformation journey converting milk into ghee. Each of the five Sanskaras (steps) are designed in a way that it not only enhances the digestibility but also improve medicinal properties of the ghee. At Shahji Ghee, we follow these traditional steps to ensure every drop is authentic and pure which you can trust.
Sanskara 1: Pratham Sanskara (Boiling & Purification)
The journey begins with fresh, raw milk from A2 indigenous cows ( Sahiwal and Gir) that too from our own Cow farms .Unlike industrial processing that uses mass Pasteurization, we use Bilona method which involves slow-boiling the milk in large iron and clay pots over a low fire.
- The Purpose: Slow boiling does not only kill harmful bacteria; but it ensures that the nutrients are not depleted by high heat.
- The Benefit: This step concentrates on breakdown of complex structures and making the milk easier for the human body to process in the digestive system.
Sanskara 2: Dwitiya Sanskara (Culturing & Fermentation)
This is the most critical step that your market/industrial ghee skips.The boiled milk is now cooled to room temperature and after this milk is inoculated with a starter culture (like Lactobacillus) which ferments lactose into lactic acid, causing casein protein to coagulate i.e thickening the milk into curd (dahi/yogurt) with a tangy flavor, texture, and longer shelf life. It is then left to rest undisturbed for 12 to 18 hours.
- The Science: During this period, the milk turns into Curd (Dahi). Millions of beneficial lactic acid bacteria are form.
This fermentation process make A2 Bilona Ghee safe for lactose-intolerant individuals because “heavy” qualities of milk are converted into a light, gut-friendly form.
Sanskara 3: Tritiya Sanskara (The Bilona – Churning)
Once the curd is set, it is moved into a large vessel. A traditional wooden churner, called the Bilona, is placed in the center. At Shahji ghee , we use a bi-directional (clockwise and anti-clockwise) churning motion.
- The Process: Slow, rhythmic churning separates the curd into two parts: Makkhan (fresh butter) and Chaas (buttermilk).
- Why Wood? Metal churners used in factories generate heat through friction, which can oxidize the delicate fatty acids. A wooden Bilona remains cool, preserving the structural integrity of the Omega-3 and Omega-9 fatty acids.
Sanskara 4: Chaturtha Sanskara (Separation & Washing)
The Makkhan is hand-picked from the buttermilk. This is the purest form of fat, still containing a small amount of moisture and milk solids that hold the “soul” of the A2 Bilona ghee.
- The Makkhan is then washed with pure water to remove any remaining buttermilk residue.This ensures that when the ghee is finally heated, it doesn’t have a high percentage of burnt milk solids, which can lead to a bitter taste and lower smoke point.
Sanskara 5: Panchama Sanskara (Clarification & Agni)
In the final step, the Makkhan is placed in a heavy-bottomed vessel and heated over a slow, steady flame.
- The Transformation: As the water evaporates, the milk solids (casein and lactose) sink to the bottom and caramelize, leaving behind a clear, golden liquid.
- The Result: This slow heating gives us (Shahji A2 Ghee) its signature “Danedaar” (granular) texture and a deep, nutty aroma. The low heat ensures that the Butyric Acid and CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) are preserved, creating a shelf-stable superfood that does not require refrigeration.
Why These 5 Steps Matter for Your Health
When you consume ghee made through the 5 Sanskaras, your body recognizes it as a biological substance rather than a processed chemical.
- Bio-availability: The fermentation in Sanskara 2 makes the vitamins more absorbable.
- Therapeutic Grade: Only Bilona-method ghee is considered “medicated” in Ayurveda, used for treatments like Panchakarma.
- Molecular Stability: The slow-heating in Sanskara 5 creates a stable fat that won’t turn into toxic trans-fats when you cook with it at home.
By choosing Shahji A2 Pure Cow Ghee, you are not just buying a cooking ingredient; you are bringing a 3,000-year-old tradition of health and healing into your modern kitchen.
It is truly the “liquid gold” that heals you from the inside out, one cell at a time.
Experience Ayurveda the Way It Was Intended
The Ayurvedic benefits explained in this article apply only to ghee made from A2 desi cow milk, fermented into curd and prepared using the traditional Bilona method.
- Shahji A2 Gir Cow Bilona Ghee
Prepared from curd using the 5 Sanskaras, this ghee is ideal for balancing Vata and Pitta, strengthening Agni and daily Ayurvedic rituals like Snehapana and Nasya.
https://shahjighee.com/product/a2-gir-cow-ghee - Shahji A2 Sahiwal Cow Bilona Ghee
Known for its rich fatty acid profile and smooth digestion, this ghee is preferred in Ayurvedic diets focused on mental clarity, immunity and tissue nourishment.
https://shahjighee.com/product/a2-cow-ghee
Further Reading & References
Classical Ayurvedic Sources
- Charaka Samhita – Ghrita Kalpana
Describes ghee as Mahabheshajya and a Yogavahi capable of carrying medicinal properties deep into tissues.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc
Indian Dietary & Nutrition Guidelines
- ICMR – National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)
Recommends traditional fats like ghee in moderation as part of balanced Indian diets.
https://www.nin.res.in
Written by & Updated
Written by: Shahji Ghee Knowledge Team
Last Updated: January, 2026
