A CRITICAL REVIEW ON THE USAGE OF GHRITA IN UNMADA

Abstract

In Ayurveda, the broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders is discussed under Unmada. The affected person has a hampered higher mental function and distorted perception of reality. Among the various herbal and herbo-mineral preparations explained for the treatment of Unmada, majority are made of Ghrita (cow’s ghee/clarified butter). Ghrita, the best drug of oleation, assimilates the properties of the substance which accompanies it. Ghrita is capable of treating the disease as a single drug and in combination with several nootropic and mood stabilizing drugs. Ghrita opposes each of the etiology of Unmada at the level of constitution, diet and lifestyle. It is supposed to attenuate each stage of pathogenesis of the disease. It enhances the quality of diet. The anti-oxidant property of clarified butter is able to repair the degenerative changes in brain. The DHA, an omega 3 long chain poly unsaturated fatty acid is abundant in ghee which is seen in retinal and brain cells. The chemical changes in the brain due to the disorder are also corrected by the ghee. So Ghrita and its various combinations can be the appropriate medicine in diseases where higher mental functions and psyche is grossly impaired