While the monsoon rains bring relief from the summer heat, they also usher in a season of humidity, poor digestion, and reduced immunity. According to Ayurveda, changing seasons are often imbalanced, especially the transition from summer to monsoon, which disturbs both Vata and Kapha doshas. It is essential to adopt seasonal routines that promote healthy digestion and enhanced immunity during the monsoon season.

One of Ayurveda's most celebrated and respected substances for a monsoon-supportive diet is Bhadwa Ghee, a traditional form of Bilona ghee made from indigenous A2 Desi cow's milk, particularly from the Kankrej breed of cows. Full of nutrients and wisdom that date back centuries, Bhadwa Ghee can enhance our health during the rainy season beyond measure.

 

1.1 What's Bhadwa Ghee?

 

Bhadwa Ghee is described in Ayurvedic texts prepared during the Bhadrapada month in a Hindu calendar (typically in August–September) aligned with the monsoon peak. It is reported that this time, especially being the peak of monsoon season, boosts the therapeutic properties of ghee. If you prepare Bhadwa Ghee with the Bilona process, using curd made from A2 Desi cow milk, Bhadwa Ghee becomes a health tonic.

The Bilona process means that curd must be hand-churned to extract butter, and then the butter is slowly melted into ghee.

 

1.2 Why Ayurveda Recommends Ghee in Monsoon

 

Ayurveda classifies ghee as a sattvic food, one that nourishes both mind and body. During monsoon, the quality of humidity causes the digestive fire (Agni) to weaken due to the extra moisture in the air. An imbalance of Agni causes indigestion, bloating, and a buildup of Ama (toxins). While ghee is unctuous and heavy, it is also light and balancing to Vata and Pitta as it supports digestion and metabolism.

 

Find below a few ways to add Ayurvedic ghee, especially Bhadwa ghee, to your routine during the rainy season:

 

1. Ghee for immunity in monsoon 

 

Immunity is the first to weaken during monsoon due to the overproduction of pathogens and decreased gut microflora. Bhadwa Ghee assists the body naturally by:

• Keeping internal areas of the body lubricated
• Ensuring the body absorbs nutrients well
• Supporting the gut lining and gut biome

You can enhance the immunity-supporting nature of ghee by infusing it with herbs like turmeric, tulsi, or ashwagandha.

 

2. Bhadwa Ghee supports digestion

 

A strong Agni is the basis of health in Ayurveda. It is considered that Bhadwa Ghee:

• Stimulates Agni without aggravating Pitta.
• Helps with more complex processed foods.
• Relieves constipation and bloating.

A spoonful of warm ghee with hot water or simply warm ghee over rice can serve as a gentle digestive support. Ghee is perfect as a digestive aid during monsoon.

 

3. A2 Desi Cow Ghee: The Best

 

There are major differences among ghees. A2 ghee made from indigenous cows like the Kankrej cow has:

• Higher level of the beta-casein A2 protein
• Butyric acid, which helps with gut health
• Omega-3 and CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) with anti-inflammatory support

Kankrej cow ghee benefits also include improvement in brain function, lubrication of joints, and detoxification, especially when changing seasons.

 

4. Bilona Ghee for holistic health

 

Bilona Ghee is broadly "not just a fat," but rather a holistic health food. The traditional preparation method carefully preserves the micronutrients and maximizes the ghee's Prabhava (level of healing) with every use. Three benefits of using bilona ghee during the rainy (monsoon) season are:

• Joint flexibility (good for the damp and humid weather)
• Energy and stamina
• Hydration and the glow of skin
  

1.3 How to Use Bhadwa Ghee during the Monsoon

 

Here are some Ayurvedic monsoon practices with Bhadwa ghee:

 

● Morning Detox

 

Take 1 teaspoon of Bhadwa Ghee in warm water in the morning on an empty stomach. This will further stimulate the body's digestive system, eliminate accumulated toxins in the body, and improve digestive functioning.

 

● With Herbal Mixtures

 

Mix Bhadwa Ghee with turmeric, black pepper, and ginger for a wonderful anti-inflammatory remedy.

 

● Cooking

 

Use ghee for sautéing vegetables, drizzle it on top of khichdi, or include it in herbal teas to help with nutrient absorption.

 

● Nasal application (Nasya)

 

Bhadwa Ghee is effective when you put a drop of warm ghee in each nostril every morning. It will lubricate the nasal passage and help alleviate sinus issues that are prevalent during the monsoon.

 

1.4 Ayurvedic Diet Recommendations for Monsoon

 

Like previously stated, combining Bhadwa Ghee with suitable Ayurvedic foods can maximise its potential. Below is a basic Ayurvedic diet plan for the monsoon season:

 

•  Breakfast: Warm herbal tea, accompanied by either a plate of steamed idlis or steamed moong dal chilla.
  
•  Lunch: A bowl of moong dal khichdi with a spoonful of ghee, in addition to steamed vegetables.
  
  
•  Dinner: A light soup, containing ghee, with rice or roti. 
  
  

Try to avoid:

• Cold, old or oily food,
• Too much dairy (ghee is acceptable)
• Leafy greens (these attract insects as well as water)
  
  

Desi Ghee for Seasonal Transition

 

Making a seasonal transition requires a stable internal environment. Desi ghee (especially Bhadwa Ghee) provides:

 

• A stabilising quality to errant Vata,
• Nourishment for the dhatus (the body's tissues)
  
  

Natural immunity is supported in Ayurveda.

 

Other than ghee, Ayurveda recommends:

• Chyawanprash (may be taken with warm milk/ghee)
• Herbal decoctions (the term in Ayurveda is kadha; the herb is boiled, perhaps with ginger, tulsi, black pepper)
• Pranayama & Yoga (for pulmonary capacity and immunity)
  
  

When Bhadwa Ghee is combined with other remedies listed and used above, the ghee provides a vehicular benefit to herbs by transporting them into tissues very deeply. 

1.5 Final thoughts:

If we look closely, as modernity places distance between us and the rhythms of nature, remedies such as Bhadwa Ghee offer us a path back. Dosing your body with this Ayurvedic superfood can revive your natural defences and take you closer to living a more vibrant and balanced life this monsoon.

Let the rain cleanse the world around you, while Bhadwa Ghee nourishes your world inside.

1.6 FAQs

1. What is Bhadwa Ghee, and why is it special?

Bhadwa Ghee is a traditional Ayurvedic ghee made during the Bhadrapada month (monsoon peak) from A2 Desi cow milk using the Bilona process. This timing and preparation enhance its therapeutic potency, making it ideal for supporting immunity and digestion during the rainy season.

2. Why is ghee recommended during the monsoon season in Ayurveda?

During monsoon, the digestive fire (Agni) weakens, leading to bloating and toxin buildup (Ama). Ghee helps by stabilising Vata, supporting Agni, and enhancing nutrient absorption, making it a key sattvic food during this season.

3. How does Bhadwa Ghee support immunity?

Bhadwa Ghee supports the immune system by:

• Lubricating internal tissues
• Enhancing nutrient absorption
• Supporting gut flora and lining
  Infused with herbs like turmeric and ashwagandha, its immunity-boosting effects are even stronger.

4. What makes A2 Desi Cow Ghee healthier?

A2 Desi cow ghee, especially from Kankrej cows, contains:

• A2 beta-casein protein (easier to digest)
• Butyric acid for gut health
• Omega-3s and CLA for anti-inflammatory benefits

5. What is the Bilona method?

The Bilona method involves hand-churning curd made from A2 cow's milk to extract butter, which is then slowly heated into ghee. This traditional process preserves nutrients and enhances the ghee's healing properties.

6. How can I use Bhadwa Ghee in daily monsoon routines?

• Morning detox: 1 tsp in warm water
• Cooking: Use in sautéing or on khichdi
• Nasya (nasal drops): A drop of warm ghee in each nostril
• With herbs: Mix with turmeric, pepper, or ginger

7. Can Bhadwa Ghee help with skin and joint issues?

Yes. Its unctuous, nourishing properties help maintain joint flexibility and hydrate the skin, especially beneficial in humid, damp monsoon weather.

8. What should I eat during monsoon, according to Ayurveda?

• Eat: Warm, fresh, light meals like moong dal khichdi with ghee
• Avoid: Cold, oily, stale foods and raw greens
  Adding ghee enhances digestion and balances doshas.