It is a common notion that ghee is used only orally. But in Ayurveda, it is extensively used for skin care. A special but very simple ghee preparation is used in many skin conditions like burns, wound scars, skin marks, burning sensation etc. This traditional remedy is called Shatadhauta ghritham.
Shata Dhauta Grita for skin
How To Use Ghee For Skin?
This ghee remedy is called as Shata dhauta ghrita in Ayurveda.
- Shata = 100
- Dhauta = washed with water
- Ghrita = ghee or clarified butter.
Ingredients
What do you need?
Ghee – 10 ounce
Water – sufficient quantity.
In this home remedy for skin care, we are taking ghee, adding with equal quantity of water, mixing it thoroughly with hand or a machine for 3 – 5 minutes, letting out the water. Then again we add fresh water and continue mixing. Like this, we repeat it for as many times as possible. In Ayurveda, it is advised to repeat the procedure for 100 times. But in practice, it is usually done for 20 – 30 times.
If you are doing it in summer, then you need to refrigerate it for 10 minutes, and then wash and drain the water.
Spring water, mineral water, rain water or tap water can be used for washing.
You cannot completely get rid of water in this remedy. Some minimal amount will be left in the final product. You can store it in refrigerator.
If water is left in the product, it will be spoiled in about 2 weeks time. With refrigeration, it can be stored for 4 – 6 weeks time.
Changes –
The ghee turns white in colour. It will be smoother to touch and will have butter like consistency.
When you touch it, you can appreciate that it is a lot cooler.
I bought SATADHOUTAGHRITAM from kottakkal. the ingredient list says it has Kshirivrikshatwak 2.5 gm, ghritam 5 gm. What is Kshirivrikshatwak.
Ksheerivruksha refers to bark of five trees including banyan tree, Bodhi tree. Its decoction is used for washing the ghee.
Ghee skin benefits
This Shata dhauta ghrita is used to relieve burning sensation, to relieve burn wounds, wound scar, herpes wounds, chicken pox scars, etc.
It acts as a natural skin moisturizer, if used daily. It can be applied over the face, left for 10 minutes, washed with warm water.
In pregnant woman, with unexplained bleeding or spotting, traditionally, it is advised to apply this Shata dhauta ghrita around the umbilicus.
In Ayurvedic leech therapy, after the treatment, to reduce the burning sensation and to check further bleeding, this ghee is applied over the affected area.
It can be used as a lip moisturizer during summer and fall seasons.
It can be applied under eyes.
Partially useful in skin pigmentation and tanning
It is NOT very useful in
pregnancy stretch marks
Acne with clogged pores
Shelf life
4 – 6 months.
Because this ghee eventually contains some remnant moisture inside, it is not ideal to store it for more than six months.
It should be stored in a clean, dry air tight container.
Over exposure to air will cause foul smell.
If you cannot find time to make it by yourself.
Usage in herpes
Usage of Shata Dhauta Ghrita in herpes:
While treating herpes and erysipelas skin disorders, if the symptoms are associated with Vata and Pitta aggravation, then bitter herbs are mixed with Shatadhauta ghrita and applied externally over the skin lesions. (Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 21st chapter).
How to apply?
Apply a thin layer of shat dhaut ghrit over the skin area. Leave it on for 30-60 minutes and then wash off with cold water.
Can it be left overnight on the skin?
Yes, only in severe cases of sunburn, burning sensation etc.
Applying on palm and feet:
For people with severe burning sensation in palm and feet, as in case of diabetes, or in people with naturally high Pitta Dosha, it is advised to apply over palm and feet during afternoon or at night.
FAQs
Can Shata dhauta ghrita be consumed orally?
No.
Shat Dhaut Ghrit is processed with cold water for numerous times.
The final product, however carefully you may filter it, will contain some amount (5%) of moisture in it. This moisture along with the ghee is not an ideal combination for oral intake. The final product will be extremely cold and oral intake may cause severe indigestion and Ama formation.
The final product does not contain all the properties of ghee.
The final product stands between the qualities of butter and ghee.
Should we chant any Mantra, while making this product?
As per my knowledge, no specific Mantra is mentioned. You can recite your own favorite Mantra / Shloka, praying for the welfare of the people who would use the Shata Dhauta Ghrita that you are preparing. 🙂
This rule applies to all the medicine preparations.
Can this be used for under eye care?
It can be applied under the eyes to remove dark circles & fine lines under the eyes.
With rose water, sandalwood water
Can I make Shatadhauta Ghrita with Organic Rose water ? Is there any reference in ayurveda to make Shatadhauta Ghrita with Rose water ? And is there any reference in Ayurvedic text to add pure Sandalwood powder to Shatadhauta Ghrita or to make it with sandalwood water instead of plain water ?
Answer:
There is no reference of making it with rose / sandalwood water. But you can surely make it with any of these liquids. Because both are coolants and the net effect of Shata dhauta ghrita is styptic and coolant, useful in burning sensation in skin, burn wounds, etc. So, there is no problem in using any of the two mentioned liquids.
Detergent for washing the vessel?
I am using a copper vessel to make Shata Dhauta Ghrita. If I use detergent to wash the vessel, will the remnant minute detergent particles harm the product when I make it next time?
Answer by Dr JV Hebbar
I think you are exaggerating. You have to use detergent to wash the copper vessel after finishing the Shata dhauta ghrita otherwise, the remnant fat mixed water molecules will spoil your next batch. After washing the copper vessel, rinse it thoroughly with hot water so that no part of the detergent remains.
If you are still concerned, then wash the vessel with lemon juice and hot water.
Bleeding During pregnancy
शतधौत सहस्रधौताभ्यां सर्पिर्भ्यां अधो नाभे: सर्वत: प्रदिह्यात सर्वतश्च गव्येन चैनां पयसा
सुशीतेन मधुकाम्बुना वा न्यग्रोधादि कषायेण वा परिषेचयेदधो नाभे: उदकं वा सुशीतं
अवगाहयेत ।
śatadhauta sahasradhautābhyāṃ sarpirbhyāṃ adho nābhe: sarvata: pradihyāt sarvataśca
gavyena caināṃ payasā suśītena madhukāmbunā vā nyagrodhādi kaṣāyeṇa vā
pariṣecayedadho nābhe: udakaṃ vā suśītaṃ avagāhayet | – charaka samhita shaareera
sthaana 8/24
In case of bleeding during pregnancy, one should apply shata dhauta or sahasra dhauta
ghrita (washed a thousand times) on the area below the level of umbilicus.
Lip moisturizer
Can Ghee washed water (Shata dhauta ghrita) be used as a lip moisturizer?
Ghee itself is a good skin and lip moisturizer. Shata dhauta ghrita is a natural coolant and is used in treating burns, as a sun protection cream. During summer, it is a good idea to apply it on your lips.
Can Coconut oil be washed with water to prepare similar product?
Coconut oil – water mix is quite similar to the ghee-water remedy, though I have not found the classical reference for the coconut oil one. Coconut oil itself is very cool. Washing with water may make it highly cooling, which could be undesirable. Better to avoid it.
Can essential oils be added to it?
Cooling essential oils such as chamomile oil, lavendar oil, jojobe oil – 2 drops per 100 ml, can be added to it.
Is it useful in acne with clogged pores?
Keep in mind that the water washed ghee acts entirely by the rules of physics. It is a coolant and is useful to relieve heat, useful in burn wounds, sunburn, to stop bleeding etc.
There is no big medicinal component in it, apart from the humble ghee. In clogged pores, a medicinal cream with bitter herbs such as neem, Vasa, patola etc., like Mahatikta lepam or six c ointment can be useful. Humble shata dhauta ghrita, having a cooling effect might worsen the clogged pores.
Can it cure brown spots on skin?
Depends on the nature of the skin disease. The answer is no. Probably Kumkumadi oil is a better bet.
Can Swarna bhasma or silver Bhasma be added to it?
There is no real need to add gold and silver Bhasma to Shata dhauta ghrita.
There is no traditional reference that I know, which prescribes external application of gold and silver Bhasmas. I feel it as a waste of money.
