Cow's Ghee
गोघृतम्
Cow's ghee (Go-Ghrita) is considered the best among all ghees. It is sweet, cold, unctuous, and soft. It is the ideal Rasayana (rejuvenator), promotes vision, intellect, and digestive fire. It is the preferred ghee for all Panchakarma procedures, medicinal preparations, and daily consumption. Cow's ghee processed with various herbs (Siddha Ghrita) forms the basis of hundreds of Ayurvedic formulations. Verses 16-18.
What is Cow Ghee (Gavya Ghrita / गव्य घृत)?
Cow ghee (Gavya Ghrita) is considered the best among all types of ghee. It is sweet in taste, cold in potency, and sweet in post-digestive effect. It is Rasayana (rejuvenative), promotes intellect and memory, enhances eyesight, increases strength and longevity. It alleviates Vata and Pitta doshas effectively. Cow ghee is specifically mentioned as the best Sneha (fatty substance) for regular consumption and for therapeutic purposes. It enhances Ojas (vital essence), improves complexion, and is the preferred medium for preparing medicated ghee formulations. Among all animal ghees, cow ghee holds the supreme position. Verses 4-5.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 17
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
- Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes)
- Medhya (intellect-promoting)
- Balya (strengthening)
- Ayushya (promotes longevity)
- Vata-hara (alleviates Vata)
- Pitta-hara (alleviates Pitta)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 17
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Deer horn (harina-shringa) calcined by the Puta method, ground and taken with cow's ghee — even severe pain in the heart and back subsides quickly.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 2: Diseases of the Heart (Hridroga Adhikara)
Deer horn (harina-shringa) calcined by the Puta method, ground and taken with cow's ghee — even severe pain in the heart and back subsides quickly.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 2: Diseases of the Heart (Hridroga Adhikara)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 2: Diseases of the Heart (Hridroga Adhikara)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Cow's ghee is sweet, heavy, Kapha-producing in digestion.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 45: Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances
Cow's ghee is sweet, heavy, Kapha-producing in digestion.
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 45: Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances; Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances
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