Ghee (clarified butter) is one of the most respected natural fats in traditional diets and classical Islamic medicine. In Tibb-e-Nabawi and Unani medicine, pure ghee is regarded as a strength-giving, digestive-friendly, and deeply nourishing food when consumed moderately and correctly.
Unlike ordinary butter, ghee is clarified to remove milk solids, making it lighter, purer, and easier to digestāa quality highly valued in traditional healing systems.
Ghee in Islamic & Classical Medical Tradition
Classical Muslim physicians such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna) described ghee as:
Nourishing for the body and brain
Beneficial for dryness and weakness
Supportive of digestion when used properly
Although ghee is not named explicitly in hadith as a remedy, clarified dairy fats were known and used in early Muslim societies. Its use aligns with the Sunnah principle of pure, simple, and beneficial nourishment.
Temperament (Mizaj) of Ghee
According to Unani medicine:
Temperament: Warm & Moist
Best for: Dryness, weakness, low energy
Caution for: Excess heat, obesity, overconsumption
This temperament explains why ghee is powerful yet must be used with moderation.
Health Benefits of Ghee
š§ 1. Strengthens the Body
Ghee provides:
Concentrated natural energy
Support for physical strength
Nourishment for muscles and tissues
It is traditionally recommended for people with fatigue, weakness, or physical exertion.
š§ 2. Nourishes the Brain & Nerves
Healthy fats are essential for:
Brain function
Memory and focus
Nervous system strength
Classical medicine considered ghee beneficial for mental fatigue and dryness of the nerves.
š½ļø 3. Improves Digestion (When Used Correctly)
Ghee is lighter than butter and:
Helps lubricate the digestive tract
Supports smooth bowel movement
Enhances absorption of nutrients
Small amounts improve digestion; excess can slow it.
𦓠4. Supports Growth & Recovery
Traditionally used for:
Children (in very small amounts)
The elderly
People recovering from illness
Ghee provides nourishment without harsh stimulation.
š„ 5. Enhances Absorption of Food
In Unani medicine, ghee is considered a carrier āit helps the body absorb the benefits of other foods and herbs more effectively.
Best Way to Consume Ghee (Sunnah-Aligned Wisdom)
ā Use pure, traditionally prepared ghee
ā Consume in small quantities
ā Best eaten during daytime
ā Combine with simple foods (rice, barley, bread)
ā Avoid excess, especially at night
Islamic medicine teaches: what nourishes in balance harms in excess.
Ghee vs Butter (Brief Comparison)
Ghee: Lighter, longer shelf life, easier digestion
Butter: Heavier, more moist, harder to digest
This is why classical scholars often preferred ghee for regular use.
Who Should Be Careful?
Ghee should be limited by:
People with weak digestion
Those with excess heat or obesity
Individuals who overconsume fatty foods
Each body is differentāTibb-e-Nabawi always considers individual condition.
Spiritual & Lifestyle Reflection
Ghee reminds us of a core Sunnah lesson:
Purity, moderation, and intention transform food into nourishment.
Islam teaches us to choose pure foods, eat mindfully, and avoid excess.
Conclusion
Ghee is a pure, powerful, and time-tested natural fat with a respected place in classical Islamic and Unani medicine. When consumed moderately and correctly, it strengthens the body, supports digestion, and nourishes the brain. When overused, it burdens the systemāonce again affirming the wisdom of Sunnah balance.