Desi Ghee

Does Desi Ghee Help Relieve Joint Pain?

In the Indian households, the first cure recommended for joint pain is cow ghee. Even doctors advise desi ghee for joint pain. Here is why…

What is joint pain?

Joint pain can strike at any age. But the prevalence of pain is higher among the older people. Joint pain is caused by arthritis, which is swelling or inflammation of body joints. There are various types of arthritis. But the main two are: osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

*OA is caused by wear and tear of the cartilage, a bone-protecting tissue. It’s the most common form of arthritis. It occurs in hands, knees and hips. It causes reduced movement and can lead to disability. OA is more prevalent among older people. Women have more chances of developing OA than men. Early detection and treatment can help relieve the pain.

*RA is auto-immune disease in which immune system attacks healthy cells of a body. It can strike at any age. But older people are more vulnerable. RA attacks joints in hands, wrists and knees, damaging the tissues.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), arthritis is on the rise world over due to lifestyle changes. Globally, 9.6% of men and 18% of women over 60 years are suffering from OA. In India, OA is the most common joint disease and affects 22% to 39% of the population.

Cow desi ghee and joint pain

Cow’s desi ghee has always been known for its healing powers. In the Indian households, the first cure recommended for joint pain is desi cow ghee. Even doctors advise desi ghee for joint pain. And it’s not without a good reason. Desi cow ghee a natural painkiller with miraculous powers to heal and cure. According to Ayurveda, Desi cow ghee even acts as an aphrodisiac!

Desi ghee components

To understand why ghee works as a medicine for joint pain, we first need to know its composition. Desi cow ghee is 99.5% fat. But it’s good and healthy fat. Desi cow ghee contains fatty acids, saturated fat, mono-unsaturated fat (MUFA), poly-unsaturated fat (PUFA), omega fatty acids and vitamins A, B, D, K and E.

Desi cow ghee’s saturated fat is made of easily digestible fatty acids, prompting researchers to declare desi ghee ‘a good fat for body.’ There is no protein, minerals or carbohydrates in desi ghee.

Desi ghee nutrition value per 100 gm

Fat: 99.5 g
Saturated fat: 61.9 g
Monounsaturated fat: 28.7 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 3.7 g
Trans fat: 4 g
Omega-3: 1447 mg
Omega-6: 2247 mg

Here are the desi cow ghee components that make it good for bones:

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Desi ghee contains CLA, a fatty acid. The CLA has anti-cancer and anti-inflammation properties. Various studies have shown the CLA to be effective in reducing inflammation and relaxing joint stiffness. According to an international study, the CLA improves bone formation and prevents bone resorption among the elderly. The CLA is also beneficial in post-menopausal bone loss among women.

There are many foods that contain CLA buy desi ghee is recommended because of the additional health benefits.

Butyric acid

Cow ghee contains butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid. Short-chain fatty acids are good for our body. The name ‘butyric’ comes from an ancient Greek word which means ‘butter,’ the stuff in which it was found first in the early 19^th century. Various research works have proved the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects of the butyric acid. Butyric acid also improves the immune system of a body and boosts digestion

Omega-3 and Omega-6

Desi cow ghee also has a good combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have proven anti-inflammation properties. In 100 gm of desi ghee, Omega-3 is 1447 mg and Omega-6 is 2247 mg.

Desi cow ghee in your daily diet

Anything done or consumed in excess can be harmful. It applies to desi ghee also. Since desi ghee is fat-rich, it should be consumed in moderation. Desi ghee is more effective if you exercise or do yoga daily.

According to experts and doctors, one spoonful of home-made desi ghee can be consumed with food daily to relieve the joint pain and reduce inflammation in the most natural and healthy way. According to Dr Vikas Gupta, a Ludhiana-based rheumatologist, you should include one spoon of desi cow ghee in your diet to avoid problems related to knee joints.

Desi cow ghee with turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory component. The mixture of turmeric and desi cow ghee is great for relieving joint pain, reducing inflammation of the joints and easing the joint stiffness. The combination is very good for the bone health. You can mix half a spoon of turmeric, a spoon of desi ghee in lukewarm water and drink it in the morning.

You can also add a dash of black pepper powder in it. Or you can consume desi ghee and turmeric in milk. Pour a spoonful of ghee and half a spoon of turmeric powder in warm milk, mix it properly, and then drink in the morning. Besides good for the bone health, this drink also helps the bowel movement.

Desi cow ghee massage

In Ayurveda, desi cow ghee is the base of almost all formulations due to its health benefits and one unique quality: It gets fully absorbed into the body tissues. Desi ghee easily penetrates through the body tissues and can take the medicine to the targeted body organs effectively.

This is primarily why body massage or abhyanga with desi ghee has been promoted in the Ayurveda too. Many experts have suggested that daily massage of joints with desi ghee can also be highly beneficial to those suffering from various forms of arthritis.