You’ve probably heard about ghee and its amazing health benefits. In this article, learn what this Ayurvedic nectar is, how it’s made, why the body loves it, plus my top 10 reasons to cleanse with ghee.
Cleansing with Ghee
An Ayurvedic cleanse would not be an Ayurvedic cleanse if it did not call for ingestion of melted ghee. New research may prove this ancient Vedic cleansing technique to be even more credible than we originally thought!
As it turns out, microbes in the gut actually produce their own ghee constituents, making ghee a familiar and welcome substance in the body.
Click here to navigate to the list of top ten reasons to cleanse with ghee.
What is Ghee?
Ghee is ubiquitous in Ayurvedic medicine and Indian cooking. An aromatic substance that is solid at room temperature and melts into a liquid as it warms, ghee is made by boiling off milk solids from unsalted butter, leaving only golden oil behind.
Ghee has a very high flash point of 485°F, making it one of the best oils to use for cooking.
In Ayurveda, ghee is used as a carrier for the nutrients in herbs and to lubricate the intestinal tract and all the tissues inside the body. During an Ayurvedic cleanse, it is used as the preferred vehicle for oleation, the process of ingesting increasing amounts of oil over a series of mornings.
Oleation with ghee actually helps pull stubborn fat-soluble toxins (water-soluble toxins usually flush out in the urine) out of the cells3 and triggers fat metabolism, a process where the body begins to burn its own fat for fuel.
I’ll talk more about the role of ghee in Ayurvedic detox in just a bit. First, let’s take a short dive into the molecular makeup of ghee:
Ghee’s Active Ingredient (Also Made in Your Gut!)
Let’s start with butter, the raw material from which ghee is made. The primary fatty acid in butter is called butyric acid, so named because it was first discovered in butter. Butyric acid, also known as butyrate, is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that the intestinal tract thrives on, as it helps to protect the integrity of the gut wall and then some!1
Ghee yields an even more concentrated source of butyric acid than butter. But there is another source of butyric acid: the busy beneficial microbes in your gut.
How the Gut Bugs Make Ghee + What They Do with It
Much of the healthy fiber that we eat directly feeds microbes in the gut. In turn, the gut bugs convert this fiber into butyric acid, the primary ingredient in ghee. Yep, many of the bugs in the gut are making their own ghee, or at least the major component of ghee.4
Colon cells use butyric acid as their preferred source of energy and their major agent for supporting health and integrity of the intestinal wall.1
Studies show that having enough butyric acid in the gut is no laughing matter:
- Research has shown that patients with unhealthy digestive tracts do not produce butyric acid, and have low levels of fatty acids or related oils in the gut.1
- Interestingly, butyrate enemas (basically ghee enemas) and other related treatments are now being used for many gut-related health issues.2
In Ayurveda, taking ghee internally through ingestion and ghee enemas (Ayurvedic oil enemas are referred to as basti) have been done successfully for thousands of years to support intestinal health and function.
Here is just another way the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda has been proven by modern science. That is not to say that, just because something is ancient, we should all do it.
It does, however, encourage us to look deeply into techniques that have lasted thousands of years and find the science behind them. Oftentimes, the research provides fascinating insight and explanation.
Ghee Health Benefits: A Goldmine of Nutrients
While ghee is one of the highest food sources of butyric acid, it is also packed with:
-
- Full spectrum of short (SCFA), medium (MCFA) and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), both unsaturated and saturated
- Omega-3 and omega-9 essential fatty acids
- Vitamins A, D, E, and K
- One of the highest natural sources of conjugated linoleic acid (ghee made from organic butter of pastured cows)5
- Nine phenolic antioxidants
- Numerous other minerals
SCFAs, like butyric acid in ghee, are used immediately by the body for energy and do not have to be broken down by bile to be digested and utilized, while MCFAs require minimal digestion and LCFAs require much digesting by the liver and gallbladder.
This may also be why our gut bugs love butyrate so much that they make their own—the cells of the colon use it instantly for energy!
Benefits of a Ghee Cleanse
When many think of cleansing, they think of a juice cleanse, eliminating sugar, dairy, and wheat from the diet, or fasting.
Ayurveda takes a different approach, instructing to take increasing amounts of melted ghee each morning for a series of days coinciding with a non-fat diet.
This cleanse protocol may make you rethink your idea of detoxing, as the benefits extend far beyond flushing toxins.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Cleansing with Ghee
- Flushes old bile from the body.
- Stimulates liver to make new bile, so 94% of old toxic bile is not reabsorbed.6
- Scrubs intestines of toxins and bad bugs.
- Supports primary source of energy and immunity for gut cells.1
- Supports health of beneficial gut bacteria that make butyrate.1
- Lubricates and softens hardened tissues.
- Pulls stored fat-soluble toxins and molecules of emotion out of the body.3
- Encourages fat metabolism and weight loss.3
- Supports stable mood and energy levels.
- Supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms against bad bacteria and overgrowth.1
Ghee Health Benefits
Swap Old Bile for New
An Ayurvedic cleanse with ghee involves ingesting it daily at increasing dosages to force the gallbladder to flush out its bile—which is often thick and viscous—and stimulate the liver to make new bile.
Bile acts as an intestinal scrub, and in concert with the butyric acid from ghee, supports health of the gut wall and microbes who manufacture butyrate all along it.
Soften Hardened Tissues
Ghee has a saturating effect on the body. During a cleansing period of taking ghee daily, the oil penetrates the soft tissues, lubricating and softening the hardened tissues of the entire body.
Pull Toxins Out of Hiding Spots
Ghee has a lipophilic effect on other fatty acids and fatty toxins, acting as a chelating agent to pull stored fat-soluble toxins out and put them back into the intestines for removal.
Molecules of emotion, which are also lipophilic and store in fat cells, can also be pulled out of their hiding places using this method.
Burn Calm, Stable Fuel
During a cleanse with ghee, the diet is classically one that excludes other fats. Ingesting ghee first thing in the morning forces the body directly into a fat-metabolic state.
By not having any fat in the diet during the cleanse, the body quite naturally stays in a fat metabolic state. This allows for burning of fat, a detoxification effect as mentioned above, and an experience of stable energy and mood.
The ancient wisdom of using ghee for cooking and cleansing may provide needed butyric acid that helps support the health, integrity, and function of the gut wall with extended benefits throughout the entire body.
Ready for Your Ghee Cleanse?
The Colorado Cleanse is our ultimate ghee cleanse experience, a two-week detox and digestive reset for the body, mind, and emotions.
If you’re looking for something shorter, start with our four-day Short Home Cleanse.
If you’re an experienced cleanser, check out our new Kaya Kalpa Stem Cell Cleanse.
Marie says
Hi- I am about to do a 30-day detox and juicing fast. I would like to add ghee to to my program, how can I do that?
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Marie,
I would not do these together. Finish one cleanse before starting another and make sure you have the stamina for both. Consider taking a break between cleanses to restore your stamina before starting another cleanse.
Be Well,
Dr. John
David Clark says
Question: could you explain to me how it is that the processing of ghee, which is boiling the butter to separate the milk solids from the fat/oil, doesn’t oxidize the fats/oils? I had always understood that when you heat fats/oils that you create oxidation by-products that are not healthy, so I am confused how ghee can be so healthy. I realize the smoke point is 485 degrees, but doesn’t any heating of the fas/oils denature them? Thank you in advance for your reply. This is the only thing that is keeping me from trying ghee, if I can be convinced there are no oxidized by products that are harmful, I do want to try ghee.
David Clark says
Still wondering why no experts on ghee can explain how ghee is better than butter, the milk solids not withstanding. Butter is boiled to separate the liquid and solids, the ghee is the liquid portion. Problem is, any fat or oil that is heated ceates oxidation by- products which are mutagens and carcinogens , to say the least. Also, butter contains cholesterol, so when the butter is boiled it creates oxidized cholesterol, not good for health. At this point, until someone can prove otherwise, I am putting ghee in the no-touch department with fish oils (which are PUFA oils that are highly prone to oxidation in and outside of the body). I want to believe ghee is good, but my understanding of the food science and chemistry is preventing me from believing it.
vimal says
– proper ghee is made by gently heating butter – low heat does not harm the fats.
– true traditional ayurvedic ghee is not made from butter ,
but made from fermented curds (whole milk),
and is healthier than modern “ghee” (which may use uncultured or cultured butter)
– ghee is better than butter as milk solids not consumed
ghee says
David Clark, trust your own discernment and allow others to do the same. No one’s forcing you to use ghee.
sergi says
Hey john! thanks for this blog the info here its awesome!not so many people can explain this ghee cleanse as good as you!
I have a question concerning the diet during the four days cleanse, the kitchari taste great but its kind of reaally plane and boring, so can i add some veggies to it? i also was thinking on adding flaxseeds to help bowel movement but they contain fats so im not sure about it!
I would really appreciate a comment on this! thanks
Kim says
Hi?
Is it possible to detox using ghee and not lose lbs? I can’t afford to lose any weight.
Kalpna says
Hi doc John ,
If you talk about drinking ghee before panchkarma … is it normal ghee which we use in home or some medicated ghee?
If it’s flex seed oil then is it organic one or what ?
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Kalpna,
Thanks for your question. The Ghee we offer is all-natural, organic, grass-fed, from happy cows. During the clarification of the Ghee, Ancient Organics recites mantras over the process during certain times of the cycle of the moon for maximum Ayurvedic potency. There are no herbs or impurities in the Ghee.
Be Well.
Arletta says
Hello. Considering all that I just read in the comments, about how some ghee is made versus others, I am now wondering what is the process by which your all-natural, organic, grass-fed from happy cows ghee is made. Is it fermented and gently heated whole milk curds, as we have been informed is traditional? Or, is it boiled butter, as is modern? Or, is it something somehow in-between, or what?
And, is there a good, solid difference between the two processes? Because, I bought some organic, grass-fed ghee once and it made me super ill. Way worse than butter does. Which, I had bought it, specifically, because I was told that it did not have whey and so it should not make me ill. For, I am allergic to dairy products.
I am now not sure, having experienced various levels of detox symptoms in a setting where they were expected, that this was not due to detox. No one had told me that ghee was involved in detoxification of anything. But, I am pretty sure that it was made by the modern method.
There is an India foods store down the road that sells big jars of ghee for about twiice the price of that super tiny jar of ghee. Which is about what I could afford, anyway, if I was going to use it at all. I’m about 100 percent certain, at that price, that they are using a modern method of making ghee.
Will that gheet be helpful, too? Is there a way to make it more so, if it is lacking in helpfulness by a significant amount compared to the ghee you offer?
Sorry. I know you would like best to sell your own products and I would buy them, if I could afford them. But, I am on an extremely limited food budget.
If one, for instance, mixed the ghee from fermented whole milk curds with the modern-made ghee, would it give enough benefit, thereby making it more affordable and effective, at the same time?
Thank you for your time.
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Arletta,
We use Ancient Organics ghee because it is grass fed, cultured and made on low heat in small batches in the traditional Ayurvedic way. We are so fortunate to have access to it.
Be Well,
Dr. John
Christopher Whitten says
Hi,
I have experimented with Ghee in the morning and also Kitchari cleanses. They work great.
I really enjoy juicing though. Mainly greens with green apple to help with the taste.
My dosha is vata/pitta but more vata than anything.
What are your thought on juicing during the different cleanses you recommend?
Thanks!
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Christopher,
Thanks for your question. Generally speaking, Dr. Douillard recommends smoothies over juices because you still ingest the fiber content with smoothies. This is true with cleansing as well. The Green Tonic and Beet Tonics are both an integral part of our Colorado Cleanse–both of which can be ingested as a smoothie to include the fiber content. The reason we suggest fiber-filled smoothies over fiber-less juices during cleanses is that the fiber is used to help “scrub” the intestinal villi and wall as part of the cleansing process. With that in mind, we highly support the use of greens and tart apple as they are integral to the Green Tonic!
Be Well.
Jessica says
I absolutely love ghee, but when I take it, even in small amounts, I get horrible cystic acne. I’m pure pitta with a bit of a vata imbalance, so ghee should be ok for me. What’s up with that?
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Jessica, thanks for reaching out. Generally speaking skin problems are related to a congested lymphatic system. You may enjoy this article: https://lifespa.com/two-amazing-fruits-for-cardiovascular-health/ As well as a method for decongesting the lymph: https://lifespa.com/6-steps-to-decongest-your-lymph/
Maya says
Amazing content. Thanks.
Sharada says
Dear Dr. John,
Could I simply make the practice of drinking ghee, an every morning thing, or is it important that I only do it for a few days as a cleanse? I have been feeling really good when I drink ghee in the morning and I have noticed that my voice is smoother too. Please let me know if I can have have a small amount of ghee in the morning as a daily practice.
Thank you for all that you do and share. It is a great blessing!!!
dhananjay says
good morning sir,
my colon fungtion has been changed.
how will it be changed a real funtion ?
Linda says
I previously tried to the the short term cleanse and only made it 2 days due to getting migraines. Is this common? I would like to try again but the migraines made it prohibitive. Any advice would be appreciated.
John Douillard says
If you would like to try the cleanse again keep the following in mind. There are a couple reasons why migraines occur during a cleanse. A common reason is stopping coffee, smoking, alcohol and sugar cold turkey the first day of the cleanse. If you try the cleanse again I would try weening off those things before doing the cleanse. Another common reason for migraines is not getting enough food and protein once you begin the cleanse diet. The best thing to do here is to add a lean meat or protein shake to your meals. Steamed vegetables along with the Kitchari can be helpful to make the meal satisfying. One thing that gets neglected while trying to track all pieces of the cleanse is making sure you’re hydrated by drinking enough water. Good luck on your next cleanse!
Alan B. says
Hi Dr. John,
What is it specifically about flax oil that makes it the best vegan substitute for ghee for the cleanse? And why is cold pressed sesame oil not mentioned as a substitute for ghee for the cleanse? I thought sesame oil was very highly regarded in Ayurveda.
Thank you,
Alan
John Douillard says
Hi Alan thanks for the question. Sesame is highly regarded but for an oleation flax is more easily tolerated and way more accessible organically than sesame oil. That said, ghee for many reasons is hard to beat. Be well.
Sanjib Kumar Banerjee says
Very interesting piece of information.But I like to know whether it is safe for Hypertensive, Obese , and Moderately fibrosed patioents like me. Pl. suggest.
joanna hardy says
Hi Great thread thank you. I have done a panchakarma around 4 years ago, with a week of drinking ghee each early morning. I would like to do another but am unsure about the ghee drinking because i experienced considerable discomfort and a lot of swelling in my upper belly about 20 minutes after drinking the ghee along with huge drowsiness. This would last 2-4 hours. So question – is this swelling normal? Is it a sign i should avoid the ghee drinking? Should i let it stop me doing another panchakarma? I do experience this swelling in a milder form generally and wonder if i have compromised ability to digest fats. Many thanks Jo
John Douillard says
Hi Joanna thank you for reaching out. You can experiment with staying on the low dose during cleansing. Other alternatives would be flax seed oil or olive oil. You might enjoy looking into the consults we offer: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/ Be well.
Jo Trimboli says
Hi I have a question about the ghee cleanse, I want to know if you can add your ghee to your coffee? I know coffee isn’t recommended but I am still having 1 black coffee a day most days and in the past I have drunk bulletproof butter coffee and enjoyed it. So I wondered if I could use the ghee instead of butter with my coffee?
Thanks
Jo
Regina M Davis says
Hi Jo! My name is Regina and I drink bulletproof coffee and I also drink tea with almond milk and I add Ancient Organics Ghee to both and they are absolutely delicious! Yes, Ghee is an excellent replacement for the butter as long as it is grassfed and organic.
John Douillard says
Hi Jo. Yes, while cleansing it is recommended to abstain from caffeine. In your normal routine if you enjoy butter in your coffee there should be no harm in using ghee instead. Be well.
Rashmi Omprakash Tuteja says
Hi , Can ghee cleanse help me cure Duodenal ulcer , GI and IBS issues ?
Colby says
Yes, also try fresh sauerkraut (or cabbage), ashwagandha, celery with every meal. Avoid stress, do meditation and stretch or do yoga poses before bed. Don’t eat wheat, soy, corn, sugar, chocolate, coffee, milk – ghee is good. If your blood pressure is OKAY, licorice root at dinner time. Don’t eat spicy-hot food or vinegar. Lower salt in food. Get more fiber so you are regular in the bathroom (1-3 bowel movements each day).
Try those tips.
John Douillard says
Hi Rashmi. Thank you for reaching out. To best help you I suggest looking into the consults we offer: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/ This way myself or Tauna can understand the root issues and help design the best protocol for you specifically.
Sri says
Hi John,
I will be participating in Colorado cleanse this fall. Do I need to stop taking my prescription medicine during this time? I don’t think my doctor would allow me to stop medicine. Also, I am taking few ayurvedic medicines prescribed by an ayurvedic doctor for autoimmune condition. do I need to stop taking these before starting the cleanse? thank you for all the information provided on this website.
John Douillard says
Hi Sri. Thank you for reaching out. It is always best to talk with your Doctor. If you wish to dive deeper into root cause issues and specifics for you during the cleanse please look into the consults we offer here at LifeSpa: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/ You can still get a great deal out of the cleanse without stopping medications.
Laura MacDonagh says
Hi Dr. John,
If we are using organic grass fed butter, would we not get the same butyric acid, cla, etc, as in ghee?
Thanks,
Laura
John Douillard says
Hi Laura, thanks for reaching out. Butter contains butterfat, milk solids and water, ghee is pure butterfat cooked longer, until all moisture is removed and the milk solids are caramelized and then filtered out. While butter may not necessarily bad for you, ghee has benefits that make it healthier than regular butter.
Isabel says
Hello,
My Cholesterol levels are high. 255 the bad cholesterol. Can I still do either the Colorado cleanse or the short home cleanse? It is the bad cholesterol and total cholesterol that are high. Thanks, Isabel
John Douillard says
Hi Isabel. Thank you for commenting. A cleanse could be a great support for helping to balance healthy cholesterol levels. If you would like more support both myself and Tauna offer consultations via phone and skype, find out more here: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/
Arvind says
Hi this is wonderful read never knew this have always been afraid of oils for fatty reasons. I have multiple food intolerance which give me bloating if i eat those foods. only recently i came to know i cannot gave gluten,onion, ginger and some 60 other items. i dont have lactose intolerence but cows milk is not recommended. i dont have a weight issue i am lean. my stomach is the weakest link in my body and i can eat very few things. Three questions – 1) how can i do a cleanse with you i am based in dubai can you guide me? 2) l love kichidi i can eat it all three times a day, but someone told me lentils should be open boiled and the foam should be removed and thrown out as it contains toxins. i end up throwing the water out two or three times, then i injest lentils easily 3) Mund dal is not very good for me can i use the red masoor or channa dal for khidi?
Miss K says
Hi there, Just came across your video, Thank you for the information you have shared.
I am currently using organic ghee, and love it in my bullet proof coffee, but I just realized it is not the Raw (Unpasturised version), am I still getting the benefits or should I change over to Raw Ghee? Thanks so much 🙂
John Douillard says
Thank you for reaching out. Typically the freshest the source the better. Be well.
Megan says
Hi John,
If taken with oatmeal in the morning, will ghee still trigger fat metabolism? Or does the ghee need to be taken alone?
Thanks!
P.s. I heard your interview with AJ and it was truly fascinating. Thanks for sharing your work with the world!
John Douillard says
In general it is suggested to take the ghee alone, this triggers the fat metabolism. You want it to be one of the first things you take as it stimulates digestion. Great question, thanks!
John Douillard says
It is recommended that ghee be taken first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Be well.
Jon says
What is the difference between ghee & clarified butter?
John Douillard says
Ghee and clarified butter are actually the same thing! Thanks for the question.
Daniel says
Sir, when I increase the amount of ghee in my diet, I break out in pimples on my face, shoulders, and arms. It makes me feel cautious about eating too much ghee. Please advise?
Gabrielle says
Hi there I am wondering if something like this would be considered as safe if you have gallstones? I apparently have 2 larger ones was not told how big, I would also like to mention that I am exclusively breastfeeding my baby boy of 5 months. I would so love to be rid of these stones and get back to being able to digest better again! Any sort of advice would help greatly, I would like to do a cleanse but maybe a slower process cleanse would be better since I am nursing?
Thank you very much!! 🙂
John Douillard says
Hi Gabrielle, I don’t have any specific protocols to recommend for gallstones. This is a question best addressed to your physician. I also don’t recommend cleansing until you have finished nursing.
Be well,
Dr. John
iliana says
Hello! I would like to try this cleanse but have 2 questions…
1. I am not comfortable with drinking melted ghee alone, do you have other ways I could ingest this ( fat bomb recipes) perhaps?
2. Can I use white or Brown rice , green lentils and tandoori spices as kitchari ( I am having difficulty finding the yellow lentils )?
Thank you kindly
Iliana 🙂
John Douillard says
Hi Iliana, thanks for your note and here are the answers to your questions:
• If it’s difficult for you to drink plain melted ghee, add ½ cup of warm rice, almond, coconut, or
organic vat-pasteurized, non-homogenized cow’s milk. Warm the ghee and the milk (or milk
alternative) to the same temperature so they mix easily, and then drink it all at once. If needed,
you can add a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, and/or cardamom.
• Try holding your nose while sipping the ghee.
• Use flax seed, coconut, or olive oil if you cannot use ghee
• If nausea occurs, sip ½–1 cup of warm-to-hot water with fresh lemon juice and grated ginger
root. Eat a little kitchari a half hour after drinking the ghee even if you feel full. This helps settle
the stomach. Take less ghee the next morning.
• Only increase the dose of ghee each day if you are tolerating it. If you experience loose,
uncomfortable stools, do not increase the dose of ghee the next morning. Decrease the ghee to
a dose that is comfortable for you. Stay at the current dose until you are comfortable and then
increase.
I don’t recommend that you substitute another bean or lentil for the organic split yellow mung beans as these are very easy to digest and nutritious. You can purchase the mung beans from us, if that’s convenient, and add organic brown or white basmati rice to make your own kitchari.
Be well,
Dr. John
Jaideep Rana says
Dear John,
I’m experiencing yellow colour stools after taking ghee, is it normal or should I decrease the doses and what does this indicate ?
Kindly help.
Madhavi says
Dear john, i liked your article . It is very informative. Since i am new to Ayurveda , after reading your cleansing with ghee article i did some research on ghee on Ayurvedic sites. I believe the ghee used in Ayurveda routines and medicines is produced from native indian cows breed like gir cows and thapar cows not from other cows. The milk from these cows does not require pasturization becuse of its composition hence is medicinal and curative in nature. Please advise the same , i can give you the link of ayurvedic sites.
Veena says
I have severe acidity. Will Ghee cleanse help me ? I’m Middle Aged INDIAN woman . To avoide fat during cleansing days want to know recipe of Khichari. Thanks.
John Douillard says
Veena, Ghee is a powerful cleanser and nutrient goldmine for virtually everyone. Here is a link to our kitchari recipe: https://lifespa.com/khichadi-recipe-kitchari/
Vanessa says
Hi,
I want to use ghee as a detox but I’m wondering if it is a safe cleanse for people who had their gallbladder removed?? Please could you explain what are your thoughts regarding this. Thank you!!!
John Douillard says
You could still do the cleanse but you will not want to exceed 2tsp of ghee in the morning.
pamela says
Could hemp oil be used for a substitute for the ghee?
John Douillard says
Hi Pamela,
Yes, you can definitely use hemp oil instead.
Thanks,
Dr. John
John Douillard says
The best vegan alternative to Ghee would be flax seed oil
Eileen says
HI John, I am in the middle of a 5 day ghee cleanse and enjoy doing them twice a year. You mentioned flax oil and olive oil are good substitutes for ghee. Are you saying they have all the same benefits as ghee? If so, then why is ghee the top pick? I personally use the ghee, however my husband is vegan and questions if the ghee is the best choice. I would love your perspective on this. Thank you.
K. says
Can castor oil be used instead of ghee for those who are sensitive to dairy and can’t take butter?
I’ve done ayurvedic castor oil cleanses in the past and found them very effective in releasing old stagnant bile along with conveniently acting as a very effective laxative. Are there any problems with using castor oil to pull fat soluble toxins out of the body?
John Douillard says
Hi Kalia,
Olive oil and flax oil are the best substitutes for ghee. For a person who has had their gallbladder removed, coconut oil is a great replacement. Castor oil is not a comparable substitute.
Thanks for writing. Let us know if you have more questions.
Sam says
I am confused by the idea that by pushing yourself into a fat-burning state you are able to eat carbs and proteins and expect your body to run off fat. That premise seems completely impossible for the average metabolism that is trained to burn glucose. Any clarity on this matter would be much appreciated – thank you!
maria says
Hi. Perhaps I missed the part of how much ghee to drink in the morning during detox. Please advise.
John Douillard says
Hi Maria,
The amount varies based on the individual and the length of the cleanse. You can find step by step instructions for a 4 day cleanse with ghee in our free Short Home Cleanse ebook (https://lifespa.com/cleansing/short-home-cleanse/).
The general recommendations for the four day cleanse are:
Day One: 2 tsp. of ghee
Day Two: 4 tsp. of ghee
Day Three: 6 tsp. of ghee
Day Four: 9 tsp. of ghee
Please keep in mind that these amounts may need to be increased or decreased based on how well your body tolerates the ghee.
I hope that helps.
Patrice says
What are molecules of emotion? Are they toxic emotions/memories?? I am intrigued.
John Douillard says
Hi Patrice,
In Ayurveda, toxic emotions are said to be stored in the body as “mental ama”. Recent scientific research has now proven the existence of mental ama in the form of emotional chemicals trapped deep in the cells throughout the body. Please check out the following articles for more details:
https://lifespa.com/are-your-emotions-making-you-sick/
https://lifespa.com/eliminate-emotional-pain/
Patrice says
Well thank you for the response! Completely fascinated!
Cheryl says
I have sensitivity to cow’s milk and therefore avoid butter and dairy. Will ghee be safe for me to use as a cleanse?
John Douillard says
Hi Cheryl,
That depends on which component of dairy your are sensitive to and your sensitivity level. Ghee is definitely a dairy product, but our Ancient Organics Ghee does not contain lactose or casein.
I hope that helps.
Sierra says
Thanks for all the great info Dr. John. Can you tell me how much kitchari I am supposed to be eating at meals? Also I am on day 3 with no bowl movement. I feel very contipated. What should I do?
John Douillard says
Hi Sierra,
There are not set portions of kitchari for the cleanse as individual need vary greatly. Here are the general guidelines for figuring out the portion that is right for your body:
1. Eat enough food at meals to stay satisfied until your next meal so that you do not need to snack. This may take a bit of experimenting.
2. Try to make lunch your largest meal, breakfast medium sized and dinner the smallest.
3. Chew your kitchari very well even though it doesn’t seem to require much chewing. This will help immensely with digestion and satiety.
Elim 1 (http://store.lifespa.com/elim1.html) or Triphala can be taken to address occasional constipation – 1 to 2 capsules in the morning and 1 to 2 before bed.
I hope that helps!
Genevieve says
Hi, I have been wanting to try a ghee cleanse for a while but I can’t eat any grains or beans at the moment, it really upsets my digestion. I know I am not alone in this situation and I wonder if you have any idea on what else I could have during the cleanse instead of kitchari.Thanks so much!
John Douillard says
Hi Genevieve,
There are many food options in the Colorado Cleanse book for those who want to do a ghee cleanse. You can use any combination of vegetables and proteins from the lists of acceptable cleansing foods in the book.
penelope says
’m curious about this claim that Ancient Organics ghee is “500 times more potent than our previous brand…”
I agree, Ancient Organics looks to be the best available commercially but what does this “500 times” mean? It sound just like advertising hype but that doesn’t sound like you. I make my own ghee out of the best quality, grass fed, organic butter available wherever I’m living (Australia, Northern California, Boulder…) according to Ayurvedic method taught to me by a dear friend who studied ongoingly with a serious Ayurvedic lineage. So is my ghee 500 times better? 1000 times better? Not better? What’s the story?
Lucie says
Hi, maybe is means 500% better? This means 5x better – for examle if you compare the CLA content. Maybe the A.O. ghee has 5x more CLA…Just thinking what the 500 figure could relate to…
I also make my own ghee – lots of it every summer – from grass fed raw organic butter. Here in Holland you can buy this from some farmers. I believe that it is available in most other countries where there are cows, only you have to go around and ask. You’d be surprised what you discover!
The farm from which we buy the raw grass fed butter also cultures it (with beneficial microbe straines traditionally used for it, like in yogurt) – so it has extra CLA. I learned from an Indian ayurvedic dr that this is also how they made ghee in their family for centuries.
When I lived in the US I noticed that Purity Farms then sold cultured unsalted org. butter. I used it many times to make ghee. But it is not raw and maybe not even grass fed :-(. I read somewhere that raw cream (from which butter is made) is not heated to as high a tempereature as milk during pasteurization…(Ramiel Nagel book perhaps).
It is great that Life Spa now sells grass fed ghee – that makes it easy for many people to take advantage of it. I once lived in a country where it was really hard to get any good type of butter (no cows in that region) so I had to order from across the globe.
John Douillard says
Hi Penelope,
Thanks for your comment. I’m referring to the difference in the conjugated linoleic acid content in the milk fat of cows that are grass-fed vs. grain-fed. The number “500” comes from this NIH study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10531600. Check out my article: https://lifespa.com/new-super-ghee-500-times-potent/ for more details.
Thanks again,
John
Lucie says
Great article. Thank you Dr. John!
Over the past few years, I’ve heard different opinions regarding the type of meals one should have during the ghee cleanse. I’ve done many long ghee cleanses (5 days of ghee before virechana) prior to panchakarma. Each clinic seems to have its own dos and don’ts when it comes to the diet part. So I would like to understand the following:
Is it ideal to eat only fat-free kitchari during the long ghee cleanse? (That is, are the other foods such as steamed veggies and oatmeal there only for our comfort level – so we don’t feel deprived?)
Is it ok to have some sugar-free lassi at lunch time? In some clinics it is encouraged…
When I take ghee in the morning I am not hungry until lunch time. So I can take kitchari maximum 2x day. In fact I love the fact that I don’t have to cook and eat until lunch time! This also makes me think how nice it would be to eat a ghee-only breakfast (small amount: 2-3 tsp) even when one is not cleansing…:-). Or would that not be good to do for some reason?
Sometimes I replace my evening kitchari with couscous – when I don’t have time for 30 minutes of cooking. You say that cleansing diet should not include any glutenous grains. Is couscous disturbing the effectiveness of my cleansing then? To be honest, it’s the only grain product I can eat in the evening without feeling heaviness in my intestines in the morning. Oatmeal makes me feel clogged up and lethargic (any time of day except lunch), and rice and dahl take long time to digest at night.
So these are my cleansing dilemmas :-).
Thanks again!
Lucie
John Douillard says
Hi Lucie,
Thanks for writing. Hopefully the answers below will help.
Q: Is it ideal to eat only fat-free kitchari during the long ghee cleanse? (That is, are the other foods such as steamed veggies and oatmeal there only for our comfort level – so we don’t feel deprived?)
A: Eating only kitchari without added fat during phase 2 of the cleanse is an excellent option for some people. However, for many people it is better to add other foods to the meal plan for a variety of reasons (unstable blood sugar, low body weight, etc.). It is very important not to push the body too hard during the cleanse, so if eating only kitchari causes great strain then it is best to add other foods. In times of stress our bodies will hold onto fat. A relaxed state is key for an effective cleanse.
Q: Is it ok to have some sugar-free lassi at lunch time? In some clinics it is encouraged…
A: This is not encouraged on the Colorado Cleanse as it is challenging for the digestive system. The goal is to allow digestion to rest so that your body can detoxify efficiently.
Q: When I take ghee in the morning I am not hungry until lunch time. So I can take kitchari maximum 2x day. In fact I love the fact that I don’t have to cook and eat until lunch time! This also makes me think how nice it would be to eat a ghee-only breakfast (small amount: 2-3 tsp) even when one is not cleansing…:-). Or would that not be good to do for some reason?
A: When you are cleansing, it is best to eat even a little breakfast to keep metabolism strong and digestion moving along.
When you are not cleansing, it is ideal to divide your plate into about 50% leafy greens, 25% protein and 25% starch with some healthy fat added to the meal. On a regular basis, ghee alone is not a balanced meal. When you are not cleansing, adding ghee to your meals is great though!
Q: Sometimes I replace my evening kitchari with couscous – when I don’t have time for 30 minutes of cooking. You say that cleansing diet should not include any glutenous grains. Is couscous disturbing the effectiveness of my cleansing then?
A: During the main (ghee) cleanse the only golden rule is no fat which couscous would be fine since you know that it digests well for you.
Be well,
John
Elisha Gabriell says
I love Ayurveda, and Dr. John! I’m always learning more and more (thought I knew it all!) 🙂
I’m going to melt my butter in the fridge right now and make some ghee! Awesome news!
Love and Blessings for Everyone,
Elisha Soliel
(ex -Yoga teacher of 25 years, author, women’s teacher)
Tina Huston says
Hi,
I have done several Colorado Cleanses and have used ghee with each one. I don’t have a gallbladder and haven’t had any problems with using the ghee. So long as I don’t have any problems with the ghee, should I continue to use it? Is ghee still more beneficial than coconut oil for those who don’t have gallbladders but tolerate the ghee well?
Thank you for all that you do, Dr. Douillard. My health and lifestyle has improved dramatically over the past few years through your guidance.
Tina
Prema says
Hi John.
I have a question. A few years ago I read that the ghee today, organic or not, does not have the same properties and therefore the same effect on us because laws make us pasteurized the milk first and this just does not allow the ghee to act in the same way upon us. Do you have a comment. I am not unfamiliar with Ayurveda as I lived at an ashram for 25 years 10 years ago. I fully believe in it.
Peace. Prema
Kathy says
Text you back about or commented on your your question I am just wondering what he had answered you back in a text message or something
marjorie pivar says
Hi John. Thank you for this. I have a question about gall stones. Can taking too mich ghee cause stones? What would be a protocol for cleansing stones?
Thanks.
Vacheslav says
water melon is your best bet, you can add to that curcumin, black pepper with honey and don’t forget to pray
Dr.Music says
There is no necrodestination.
Melissa says
Hi, I just ordered the herbs and cannot wait to do the short home cleanse! This is my first time so should I just be having the kitchari for dinner? I plan on having the “all fruit meals ” for breakfast 2 of the days, but what are your other suggestions for breakfast and lunch? Thanks so much for all the great info and videos on your site!
John Douillard says
Hi Melissa,
It sounds like you are planning to do the Nourish Meal Plan which is perfect for your first cleanse.
While the base of this Meal Option is still ideally kitchari, if you need a change, you can substitute with a different small bean (please note that split yellow mung dahl beans are much more digestible than whole or sprouted mung beans) and a whole grain cooked together into an easily digestible, porridge-like consistency. You are also welcome to vary the spices used in your kitchari with blends like Southwest, Caribbean, Thai, and Cajun or to add simple herbs like cilantro or dill. To the kitchari base, you can add steamed seasonal vegetables and lean protein.
If you prefer not to eat kitchari for breakfast, you can eat oatmeal or another gluten free whole grain porridge. All fruit meals are also an option – particularly for breakfast – if you have stable blood sugar.
There are more specific meal inspirations in the Colorado Cleanse book as well.
heather says
A quick question in reference to your comment above: I love to use essential oils, even for cooking – would I be able to use cilantro or dill essential oil with the kitchari without ruining the fat burning mode? Thanks much!
leilah Be says
i have the same question !!
Santhy says
We’re currently doing the 4 day cleanse, thank you so much for making that easily accessible. I have a doubt. “By not having any fat in the diet during the cleanse, the body quite naturally stays in a fat metabolic state.” Can you please explain how not having fat helps the body stay in a fat metabolic state? There are carbs in the kichdi, right? Won’t the body be using that?
John Douillard says
Hi Santhy,
Drinking ghee in the morning puts your body into fat metabolism. If you do not take in more fat during the day, your body is going to burn stored fat in between meals.
Eating 3 meals of kitchari keeps your body from going into starvation mode which would halt the cleansing process and trigger fat storage. If you eat fat at your meals, your body will slowly burn that fat in between meals instead of using stored fat.
I hope that helps.
Enjoy your cleanse!
aman says
Hi,
I was on bed rest with OXyY;s and now i am good but My guts giving me pain.
Can I take ghee neat, Will it effect my health.
Regards
AA
John Douillard says
Hi Aman,
If you are having gut pain, you may want to find out why before embarking on a ghee cleanse.
josh's says
I was having bad stomach pains for a long time, and ghee actually cured it. How do I know? My plan is simple: ghee/organic grass-fed butter is the last thing I eat in the day, before I go to bed. I load up on it. Allows my body to process it through sleep into the morning and “fast” on the ghee and fuel. It really works for me.
Saurabh says
Hi,
Can having ghee along side with Lentil at dinner create bad digestion ?
I usually experience nauseating in the morning and usually don’t have good digestion as such. It takes time for me to digest food. Although i have been having ghee along side lukewarm milk in the morning
Thanks,
Saurabh
Dhyana says
Great article. My question is, as ghee is a SCFA and is able to be used immediately as energy in the gut and doesn’t have to be broken down by bile, how does this relate to the answer regarding using a vegan oil source, and that ghee works the gall bladder, whereas coconut oil doesn’t? It sounds contradictory to me. If you could clarify this point a bit further, I’d appreciate it. Thanks!
John Douillard says
Hi Dhyana,
Great question.
Ghee is comprised of full spectrum short, medium and long chain fatty acids, both unsaturated and saturated. Ghee contains Omega 3 and Omega 9 essential fatty acids along with vitamins A, D, E and K. Ghee, made from organic butter of pastured cows, is one of the highest natural sources of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid). There are 9 phenolic anti-oxidants, as well as numerous other minerals are present in ghee.
So to answer your question is that it does both. It delivers energy directly while also engaging the gall bladder.
Hope this helps.
Be well,
John
sirish kumar srivastava says
what is the Caucasus of incises p.value of ghee and effect on ghee quality
Arletta says
If ghee engages the gall bladder, then, should people who have had their gall bladder removed avoid it? I recently learned t hat all this time, since I had gal bladder surgery decades ago, I should have been told to go on an extremely low fat diet.
I wasn’t told this, but, mostly I wasn’t eating that much fat. But, I tried the ketogenic diet and ended p gaining a lot of weight and having severe gut pain, which is what led to the research which told me that I sholuld have been having a severely low fat diet, all this time.
From what I read and heard, eating fat will cause the bile to spill out where the gall bladder shold be, but, is not and it irritates the bowels, from there being too much spilling into the one area, instead of being regulated in output, as needed, by the gall bladder.
Ghee sounds like it has some great benefits. But, I am wondering if the benefits would outweigh the problems, if one were to do the cleanse mentioned? Or, iif there is some modified version of the cleanse for persons with no gall bladder? Or, what exactly are the Ayurvedic recommendations for people with no galll bladder?
Are there any relevant articles you can direct me to?
Thank you for your time
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Arletta,
Ghee when taken in small quantities as in cooking or 1 tsp a day will not detox you or cause any gall bladder concerns in fact just the opposite. It is the primary food for the colon cells, gut immunity and the microbiome and easily digested by folks without a gall bladder.
Be Well,
Dr. John
Ashley says
I’ve been vegan since October but am having severe digestive issues as of late. I feel like I need to do your Short Home Cleanse but do not know what I could use instead of the ghee in the mornings. Could I use coconut oil?
John Douillard says
Hi Ashley,
Coconut oil isn’t exactly ideal for oleation because it is so easy to digest. It doesn’t work the gallbladder as much as other oils would. We usually suggest coconut oil to cleansers that have had their gallbladder removed or if they have major issues digesting fat. You will still have an effective cleanse with coconut oil, but it just won’t be as powerful. Other options that are as effective as ghee are: flax seed oil, olive oil, or rice bran oil.
Hope this helps,
Jen @ LifeSpa
Richard says
I use coconut oil on each solstice/Equinox for minimum of three wake ups
Works marvelous with no discernible differences to this layman
129 lbs 69″ 2.7.1962
Thank you
Raquel says
Hi,
I am interested in participating in this cleanse but i do not have a gallbladder. May I still do it?
John Douillard says
Hi Raquel. I have walked many patients through the cleanse who have no gallbladder. Coconut oil can be a good substitution. For more support feel free to email [email protected]
Johann Nepgen says
What about cod liver oil?
Neya says
Hi
always as I take ghee, I get constipated.
Normaly my bowel movements are excellent, but with ghee after 3-5 days everything stops. I drink Triphala in the evenings. I also take prunes juice… nothing helps. I am not from USA and I can not buy your supplements here.
When I was in ayurvedic clinic, they have been adding some plants and I have had bowel movements every day. I was taking large amounts of ghee for 14 days (stating from 50ml to 200ml). If I would take this amount at home… OMG… intestine stops immediately.
As far as I understand the process, I need to make internal oleation and not take some extra supplements to make bowel movements. At the end excrement should be oily, but if I take like prune juice every day, I actualy do “small virechana” every day.
Can you suggest what I can do?
Best wishes
Neya
Dr.Music says
Get out of veganism asap you idiot. You aren’t a cow or a goat.
Stupidity is not a one way street….you can reverse. So get out of veganism before it’s too late for your body to dial back the ill effects of veganism. It’s ok to go to a safe place and cry for being called an idiot rightly but that’s the dictionary meaning for vegans.