tikta ghrita

Question

I’ve been struggling with these skin rashes that just won't go away for over a year now. They started as tiny red patches, mostly on my arms and neck, but now they’ve spread to my back too. It's not just the look of them that bothers me; they itch a lot, especially at night. I tried regular creams and even some steroids the dermatologist gave me, but the relief is temporary, and the rash keeps coming back. A friend recently told me about something called tikta ghrita, which is an Ayurvedic remedy. She said it’s some kind of ghee but infused with bitter herbs.

To give you some background, my diet isn't the best. I eat a lot of fried foods and sweets, and I know it might be affecting my health. My digestion isn’t great either; I feel bloated almost every day, and I get heartburn frequently. I read somewhere that skin issues can be linked to gut health in Ayurveda, and tikta ghrita is supposed to cleanse the system. Is that true? Can tikta ghrita actually help with chronic skin problems like mine?

Another thing is, my sleep is horrible. I stay up late scrolling through my phone and barely get 5 hours of proper rest. Could this be making the rash worse? I also tend to feel very hot internally—like, even in winter, I need to drink cold water to feel comfortable. Someone mentioned that tikta ghrita helps with heat or "pitta" imbalances. Does it work for those issues?

I’m also confused about how to take tikta ghrita. My friend said it’s usually taken on an empty stomach, but I find the idea of eating ghee first thing in the morning kind of gross. Does it taste really bitter because of the herbs? How long would I need to take it to see results? Is it safe for someone with digestion issues like mine?

Lastly, are there any side effects of using tikta ghrita? I know it's natural, but I’m worried it might not suit me or make my stomach problems worse. Should I change my diet if I start using it? Would I need to avoid fried foods or sweets completely?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

It sounds like you’re dealing with a challenging skin condition, and Ayurveda offers a potential remedy with tikta ghrita, which is indeed a clarified butter (ghee) infused with bitter herbs. In Ayurveda, skin issues like rashes are often linked to imbalances in the body’s internal systems, especially digestive and detoxification processes. Tikta ghrita is believed to have detoxifying properties, especially for balancing pitta, which is associated with heat and inflammation in the body, and it may help address your chronic skin rashes, especially if they are related to pitta imbalances. As for your digestion, Ayurveda does link poor gut health to skin problems, so improving digestion through detoxification might help reduce the rashes. The taste of tikta ghrita can be quite bitter due to the herbs used, and while it’s traditionally taken on an empty stomach, you might find it challenging, especially if you have digestive issues. If you try it, start slowly to gauge how your body responds, and consider adjusting your diet, as Ayurveda suggests that reducing foods that aggravate pitta, like fried foods and sweets, can enhance the effectiveness of treatments like tikta ghrita. The duration of treatment varies, but typically, it may take a few weeks to notice changes. It’s important to be mindful of any side effects, and consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner would be helpful to ensure this remedy is right for you. Additionally, improving your sleep and reducing stress (like excessive phone use at night) could also support overall healing.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Yeah, skin rashes can be pretty irritating, especially when they just won't go away. Sounds like you've been through the wringer with those regular creams and steroids. The thing with Ayurveda, it's really holistic, meaning, it doesn't just treat the symptoms but tries to address the root cause of issues.

You're right, Tikta Ghrita could potentially help with chronic skin problems, particularly those associated with "Pitta" imbalances, which seems to be what you're dealing with considering the itchiness, redness, and that internal heat you're feeling. The "tikta" part means bitter herbs, which cleanse the skin and soothe Pitta-related afflictions, while "ghrita," or ghee, works as a carrier to deeply nourish tissues.

But let's talk reality for a sec. Tikta Ghrita is kinda... intense. Since it combines ghee with bitter herbs, the taste can be, you know, pretty unusual at first. It's taken traditionally on an empty stomach, maybe a teaspoon in the morning. That way, it can better cleanse your system and not clash with meals. But if you're squeamish about the taste, you could start small or mix it with a bit of warm water to go down easier.

About how long it'll take to see results, well, patience is key in Ayurveda. You might notice changes anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how your body responds. Safety-wise, if your digestion is already sensitive, introducing any new regimen should go slowly. Make sure to listen to your body, and if it feels off, check with an Ayurvedic practitioner.

Dietary changes are really essential, especially with digestion issues. Tikta Ghrita can only do so much if you're still taking in a lot of fried foods and sweets. Reducing those can lessen the digestive load and might help your overall gut health – bloating and heartburn can sometimes stem from this imbalance. Sattvic foods, or those rich in fresh veggies and whole grains, can keep your digestion smoother and support the action of tikta ghrita.

And yes, the conflict with sleep is significant. Poor sleep certainly impacts skin and overall health. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and reducing screen time can stabilize both your mind and body, reducing skin flare-ups.

Remember, it's about creating balance. If you decide to give it a go, allow time and adapt lifestyle - be gentle with yourself through these changes. Oh, and maybe cut back just a little on the cold stuff & sweets while you're at it!

tikta ghrita - #2683

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