Washed Ghee: The Ayurvedic Superfat for Skin and Immunity
Blog/Washed Ghee: The Ayurvedic Superfat for Skin and Immunity

Washed Ghee: The Ayurvedic Superfat for Skin and Immunity

Harish·30 Nov 2025
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Discover the ancient Ayurvedic practice of washed ghee—why it is cherished for skin nourishment, deep ojas support, and internal immunity.

What Exactly Is Washed Ghee?

Washed ghee, also known in Ayurveda as Shata Dhauta Ghrita when washed 100 times, is one of the oldest and most revered skin and rejuvenation preparations. Unlike regular ghee, which is used primarily for cooking and internal nourishment, washed ghee undergoes a repeated process of being cooled, softened, and purified with clean water. This transforms the ghee into a luxurious, creamy, almost butter-like superfat that carries unique coolness, lightness, and deep absorption capacity.

Each wash changes its structure—reducing lactose and residual milk proteins while enhancing its cooling (Sheetala), nourishing (Brimhana), and rejuvenating (Rasayana) qualities. By the final stage, the ghee becomes exceptionally soft, silky, and gentle enough even for delicate facial skin or sensitive Pitta conditions.

How It Differs From Regular Ghee

Regular ghee is warm, unctuous, and excellent for digestion and internal health. However, it can be too heavy for direct facial application or for people with inflammatory skin conditions.

Washed ghee differs in key ways:

  • Cooling instead of heating: Suitable for Pitta-type skin and inflammation.
  • Lighter texture: Absorbs quickly without clogging pores.
  • Protein-reduced: Safer for people with dairy sensitivity.
  • Ultra-soft cream consistency: Works as a moisturizer, balm, or massage cream.
  • Better for skin rituals: Used in many classical Ayurvedic beauty formulas.

Ayurveda considers washed ghee one of the purest topical rejuvenators due to its ability to penetrate deep into skin layers (known as vyavayi and vikashi qualities).

Skin Rituals: Using Washed Ghee for Abhyanga & Glow

One of the most powerful uses of washed ghee is in Abhyanga—the ancient practice of daily oil massage. While sesame and coconut oil are commonly used, washed ghee offers a unique blend of cooling nourishment and deep oleation that makes it ideal for sensitive, dry, or mature skin.

How to Perform a Simple Abhyanga Routine With Washed Ghee

  1. Warm the ghee lightly by placing the jar in warm water. Do not heat directly.
  2. Sit comfortably in a warm and calm space.
  3. Start with the scalp and massage in circular motions.
  4. Move to the face: Apply a thin layer and gently massage upward.
  5. Massage the limbs with long strokes and the joints with circular movements.
  6. Focus on the feet—washed ghee deeply nourishes the soles and helps ground Vata.
  7. Leave on for 15–30 minutes to allow deep absorption.
  8. Take a warm bath or shower.

With regular use, the skin becomes softer, more radiant, and visibly calmer, especially during dry seasons or stressful periods.

Other External Uses

  • Night Cream: Apply a pea-sized amount for deep hydration.
  • Lip Balm: Provides long-lasting softness.
  • Under-Eye Moisturizer: Helps reduce fine lines and dark circles.
  • Post-Sun Cooling Balm: Soothes redness and irritation.
  • Scar & Spot Support: Traditionally used to help even out texture.

Internal Benefits: A Gentle Daily Rasayana

If your diet and digestion allow, one teaspoon of washed ghee daily can support immunity, digestive strength, and ojas—the subtle essence responsible for vitality, radiance, and emotional stability. It nurtures tissues from within and works beautifully alongside warm meals, herbal blends, or morning rituals.

Because proteins and heavier compounds are reduced through the washing process, many people find washed ghee gentler on the stomach than regular ghee.

Cooking Safely With Pure Ghee

While washed ghee is primarily a skin and wellness preparation, pure clarified ghee remains one of the safest fats for cooking due to its high smoke point and stable nature. Ayurveda encourages cooking in ghee for gut strength, enhanced nutrient absorption, and brain nourishment. For high-heat cooking, use regular ghee; use washed ghee for skin and therapeutic use.

The Purity Matters: Why Choose Handcrafted Washed Ghee

Authentic washed ghee is made slowly, mindfully, and in small batches. Every wash transforms its texture and energetics. We use grass-fed cow butter, artisanal clarification, cool pure water, and traditional hand-stirring techniques to ensure purity. Packed in a glass jar with a wooden lid, our washed ghee retains its natural vibrancy without plastic contact.

Shop premium washed ghee and elevate your skin and immunity routines with this timeless Ayurvedic superfat.