Exploring the Benefits and Properties of Ashwagandha and Ghee

by Samantha Case

Ashwagandha and ghee are both powerful superfoods that have been used and revered for thousands of years in Ayurveda. Used together or separately, these two healing ingredients will nourish you from the inside out. Let’s dig a little deeper into the benefits and uses of these two natural remedies.

Ashwagandha

Ayurveda considers Ashwagandha to be rasayana, meaning it restores the body’s vitality to its fullest capacity. This herb has a history of traditional use that expands over 4,000 years. It has long been an essential herb of Ayurvedic, Indian, and African traditional medicine. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen–a family of herbs known for their ability to counteract stress in the body. By helping the body adapt to stress, they also conserve energy in the body. That is why Ashwagandha offers both relaxing and energizing qualities.

Benefits of Ashwagandha

• Increases energy

• Promotes concentration

• Reduces anxiety

• Can be effective in treating some forms of arthritis

• Reduces cholesterol and high blood pressure

• Can boost testosterone and improve fertility in men

• Improves heart health

• Prevents loss of brain function

• Promotes normal sleep patterns and may help with insomnia

• Immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties

• Supports a healthy sex drive

How to Use Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha can be consumed in a number of different ways: supplements, as a powder, as a liquid extract, with or without food, and at any time of day. If taken at night before bed, Ashwagandha is especially supportive of sleep and calming an imbalanced vata. If used as a powder, it can be mixed in with a glass of warm water or milk. Ashwagandha also has a pleasant taste and can therefore be included in a recipe, like Moon Milk.

Ashwagandha “Moon Milk” Recipe

This version of Moon Milk is a wonderful treat before bedtime. Drink it 30 minutes to an hour before you lay down for bed to calm you before you drift into a deep sleep.

Ingredients and Supplies:

• 1 cup milk of choice (whole, almond, coconut, etc.)

• 1/2 tsp. ground ashwagandha powder

• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger

• a pinch of ground nutmeg

• 1 tsp. coconut oil

• 1 tsp. honey or maple syrup

Directions:

1. Bring the milk to a low simmer, but don’t let it boil.

2. Once the milk is hot, whisk in the ashwagandha, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Gently simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the coconut oil, and pour the moon milk into a cup. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup, if desired.

Ghee

Ghee, an ancient health food, is a type of clarified butter that originated in India. It’s made by heating butter to separate healthy fats from water and milk fats. The end result is a smooth, golden yellow substance that looks and tastes similar to butter but doesn’t contain milk, lactose, or casein. Therefore it’s suitable for anyone who is sensitive to dairy.

Ghee is considered to have sattvic energy. Sattvic foods are full of the universal life force of prana and support physical strength, good health, longevity, and a pure mind. For this reason, it has long been used and praised in Ayurveda and Indian traditions and is a key ingredient in cleansing rituals.

Benefits of Ghee

• Nourishes and protects the brain

• Heals and repairs digestive tract

• Rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like vitamins A, D, E and K

• Calming and nourishing for the body and mind

• Great for cooking

• Helps balance vata in the body

• Great for skin as a moisturizer

• Contains anti-inflammatory properties

• Contains heart-healthy fats

• Great alternative for anyone with dairy allergies

• Supports movement and transport of nutrients and wastes

• Excellent source of butyric acid, which supports digestion and nourishment

How to Use Ghee

• Use it for cooking in the same way you’d use oil.

• Spread it on fresh bread or heap a scoop over rice.

• Add to your coffee in the morning.

• Add or cook into a variety of different recipes, like oatmeal, kitchari, and baked apples.

• Add equal parts ghee, honey, and Ashwagandha (½ a teaspoon of each is a good measurement). This combination acts as a medium for carrying herbs deeper into the tissues.

• Ghee makes a great, natural eye makeup remover.

Ashwagandha & Ghee Recipe

Ashwagandha and ghee together create a powerful, supportive combination of nourishment for the body. This recipe is especially great to balance an imbalanced vata.

Ingredients and Supplies:

• Small stainless steel pot or saucepan

• 12-16oz glass jar with lid

• 12oz jar of grass-fed Organic ghee

• 4 tbsp of ashwagandha root powder

• Honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can be added as well, per preference

Directions:

1. If the ghee is solid, warm it on low heat until it’s in liquid form.

2. Combine the ghee, ashwagandha and any other preferred spices in the pan.

3. Heat ingredients on very low heat for 4-5 minutes, mixing frequently.

4. If adding honey, wait until the mixture is at room temperature.

5. Stir mixture occasionally as it cools to ensure even mixing of herbs into the ghee.

6. When cooled, pour mixture into glass jar or back into the ghee jar.

Recommended Use:

• Dose: 1-3 teaspoons daily.

• Eat straight on a spoon, spread onto a sweet potato, add to warm grains, add to your coffee or tea, or use for cooking.

A scoop of ghee in your morning oatmeal and a cup of Ashwagandha Moon Milk in the evening will help you feel your best in no time. Both these healing ingredients offer numerous health benefits and are easy to use regularly. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety or simply want to nourish your body, nature and her abundant medicine are here to support you.