Both seasonal flu and seasonal colds affect many people around the world, but they are especially common during the cold season. Today, there are ready-made solutions such as medicines and vaccines, but the majority of society does not abandon traditional methods of improving health and combating symptoms. One such treatment option that has been used since prehistoric times is buffalo ghee, or clarified butter made from buffalo milk.
Buffalo ghee has been used for many generations in Indian homes as a massage oil and in Ayurvedic medicine. In addition to its use as a cooking medium, it can be used to prevent and treat several illnesses, such as the common cold and the flu. We’ll look at how buffalo ghee can be used in home remedies for colds and the flu in this post.
Preparation of Buffalo Ghee
Rich in flavor, buffalo ghee is a clarified butter derived from buffalo milk and has a distinctively higher fat content than cow milk. Buffalo ghee is more of a butter-thick substance characterized by the following stages in the preparation process:
- Milk Collection and Detaching the Cream: Buffalo’s fresh milk is first brought in and then boiled, after which the milk is cooled. After cooling, some of the cowbell cream, i.e., ghee, is skimmed off, or, in some cases, the separator is used since some milk and fat constituents are still present.
- Fermentation: The collected cream undergoes storage for a few days. Or else the cream could be churned, but this time around, it’s done with ghee, which smooths things out, and the ghee’s flavor is enhanced.
- Churning into Butter: This cream was buttermilk/cultured, and after it has been fermented, it is fully churned in an electric or traditional wooden churning device; thus, milk particles and fets from maize cots have also been separated into particles in buttermilk.
- Clarification: Cold, firm butter is placed on low heat while the cooking pot is well set, preparing a firm dish, as well as some ghee is employed for goodness into scrambled eggs.
- Straining and Storage: This ghee is important in cuisine along with typical Indian foods.
Because of its high energy content, nutritional value, and endurance, it is well-combined with butter.
Buffalo Ghee: What It Is and How It Is Used
Buffalo ghee is made by boiling buffalo butter until all the water is gone and the milk proteins and curd separate out and only the pure fat, which is now golden butter, remains. When one compares cow ghee, which is light in texture, to the thicker, more vitamin-packed content of buffalo ghee, the difference becomes striking. It has omega oils, vitamins A, D, E, and K, and other nutrients such as antioxidants, which promote health.
Today, we focus on using buffalo ghee to combat cold because of the following:
- Increases Resistance
Butyric acid, found in ghee, is beneficial for intestinal flora. The gut contains nearly 80% of the immune system, making it evident why, with a completely functional gut, immunity too would be versatile.
- Protracts Respiratory Irritation
Caster oil coats and protects the mucosal linings of respiratory tracts and is especially useful in cases of sore throats, stuffy noses, and persistent dry coughs.
- Analgesic Properties
Buffalo ghee’s antioxidants work to lessen inflammation, which is a common component that aids in the expression of cold symptoms or flu.
- Stress Remover
Extreme weather or climatic conditions can often be stressful, which leads to the occurrence of energy depletion. It is during times like these that the fats in ghee can be beneficial, as they are a reliable source of energy when in recovery.
- Nutritional Properties
The vitamins and nutrients found in buffalo ghee, especially vitamin D, help the body to maintain or support its immune system.
Look at our article on Buffalo Ghee: Health Benefits of Desi Ghee to gain some more insights!
Buffalo Ghee for Seasonal Flu and Cold Relief: Home Remedies
Buffalo ghee, or ghee made from buffalo milk, has been traditionally and culturally used in Indian homes to improve the health of the buffalo species and the general population. It is derived from milk and is a rich source of fat, and it has been thought to have a higher nutritional value than cow ghee.
Some examples of how buffalo ghee can be used as a household remedy are as follows:
Sore Throat with Ghee and Black Pepper Mixture
Preparation:
- 1 teaspoon of buffalo ghee.
- A pinch of black pepper powder.
Procedure:
- Heat the ghee until warm before adding the black pepper and combining.
- The mixture should be used twice daily to relieve sore throats and inflammation of the throat.
Benefits:
Black pepper increases nutrient absorption and has an antibacterial effect, whereas ghee soothes and coats the throat.
Ghee with Warm Milk Promotes Sleep and Recovery
Ingredients:
- One glass of warm milk.
- One teaspoon of buffalo ghee.
- A pinch of turmeric (optional).
Method:
- Combine the ghee and warm milk, stirring thoroughly.
- This should be consumed shortly before going to sleep.
Benefits:
This aids in sleep, which is critical during recovery. Turmeric has some additional anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
As a Cold Remedy, Use Ghee Nasya on Stiff, Congested Noses
Ingredients:
- Two drops of melted buffalo ghee.
Method:
- Heat the ghee to a lukewarm temperature.
- Tilt your head back as you lie down and apply one drop of ghee to each nostril.
Benefits:
This Ayurvedic Nasya practice helps to lubricate the nasal passages and eliminate snottiness, soreness, and dryness.
Ghee Mixed with Honey is Used as an Adjuvant in Cough Management
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon of buffalo ghee.
- One teaspoon of honey.
Method:
- Make a paste of melted butter oil and honey.
- Use this remedy twice per day.
Benefits:
Ghee is a great soothing relief for a dry, persistent cough and, when combined with honey, provides excellent nutrition.
Combine Ghee with Ginger Tea to Boost Immunity
Ingredients:
- Ginger tea made with one cup of ginger and water
- One teaspoon of ghee.
Method:
- Make ginger tea by boiling ginger slices in water.
Benefits:
The combination of ginger and ghee helps to treat flu symptoms.
Also, check out our article Benefits of Buffalo Ghee for Bone Health.
Precautions for Using Buffalo Ghee
Buffalo ghee is generally safe, but certain precautions should be taken.
- Moderation is Key
Because buffalo ghee is high in fat, it can lead to obesity or cholesterol issues; thus, it should be consumed in moderation.
- Allergies
Patients who have a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance should consult with their doctor before using buffalo ghee.
- Quality Matters
Remember that man-made ghee is harmful, so use organic buffalo ghee instead.
- Steam Inhalation
Inhale steam after mixing eucalyptus oil with hot water. It complements ghee nasya perfectly.
- Rest and Recovery
Infection cannot be treated solely with medications; it also requires rest so that the body can heal.
- Balanced Diet
To get all of your vitamins and minerals, eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals.
Conclusion
Buffalo ghee is a rich source of nutrients, bioactive compounds, and medicinal qualities that make it more than just a cooking ingredient or food additive. It may significantly reduce the symptoms of colds and seasonal influenza when used in home-based treatments. Because of its immunomodulatory qualities, calming effect on the respiratory system, and contribution to an individual’s general health, it is a crucial part of the health and wellness toolbox.
