The Hero's Journey Ayurveda

Tridoshic

Ghee is clarified butter with the milk solids removed. It nourishes and creates ojas. It is tridoshic – balances all three doshas. It improves absorption, assimilation, and transportation of nutrients. It lubricates the bodily tissues, and enhances digestion. It is recommended to prepare ghee during a full moon as it infuses the ghee with abundance and vitality.

Ingredients

1 lb organic, grass-fed butter

Directions

1. Chop the butter into chunks and add to a heavy pan.
2. On medium heat, melt the butter, and bring to a simmer. Maintain a steady simmer – may need to lower to medium low heat.
3. You will see the butter begin to look “foamy” – this is the water evaporating. It will subside as the water escapes.
4. After about 7-10 minutes, the foam will begin to subside. The butter will become clear and we will see the milk solids (white particles) accumulating on the bottom of the pan.
5. The milk solids will begin to brown, and the ghee will begin to have a nutty/toasty aroma. This signifies the ghee is finished.
6. If using a glass jar, run the glass under hot water before adding the hot, liquid ghee. It is also recommended to put the glass jar into bowl. The glass can shatter due to sudden heat, so it is important to take steps to prevent this or contain it.
7. Shut off the heat & pour the liquid ghee through a strainer into a sealable jar. Use an oven mitt or grippy towel to handle the jar until the ghee has cooled.

A few notes on Ojas…

Ojas is the final and most refined product of digestion and metabolism; the nectar of life. It is the integrated intelligence of the body, and is the perfect balance of the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ojas is responsible for our strength, immunity, bliss and longevity.

Ojas holds prana and tejas – that which motivates life, connects us to Consciousness, and brings us inner radiance.

Favoring an Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle increases ojas. Things like ghee, yoga, pranayama, meditation, time in nature, good sleep, nourishing foods, abhyanga, practicing the yamas and niyamas, all increase ojas.