Sadhguru says a 100-year-old food has ‘tremendous’ healing properties, can cure IBS, strengthen immunity

Ghee is a major comfort food in India. A staple in Indian kitchens, ghee is often added to dishes to enhance the flavour, or consumed along with piping hot rice or parathas. Although, ghee is often upon with skepticism by fitness enthusiasts due to its high-fat content, ghee, particularly one which has been preserved for years has immense health benefits. In a video, spiritual leader Sadhguru was seen discussing the myriad benefits of 100-year-old ghee.

During a conversation with renowned Ayurveda physician Dr. Vasant Lad, spiritual teacher Sadhguru discussed the extraordinary therapeutic value attributed to ghee that has been preserved for a century or more. He highlighted that such aged ghee is regarded as having exceptional restorative potential in traditional medicine.

Dr. Lad explained that this rare preparation is created by storing pure ghee inside a clay vessel, which is then buried beneath the earth and left undisturbed for over 100 years. Ayurveda refers to this preparation as Shata Ghrita, with "Shata" signifying one hundred years. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the prolonged ageing process leads to subtle molecular transformations that significantly alter the qualities of the ghee.


He further noted that these changes are believed to enrich the ghee with three fundamental life energies described in Ayurveda—ojas, tejas and prana. Ojas is associated with vitality, immunity and resilience, tejas represents metabolic energy and transformation, while prana symbolizes the vital life force responsible for communication and movement within the body. Together, these three energies are thought to regulate cellular metabolism, preserve cellular intelligence and facilitate communication between cells, thereby supporting healthy functioning throughout the body.

Based on Ayurvedic teachings, Dr. Lad stated that this century-old preparation, also known as Purana Ghrita, has traditionally been recommended for several chronic ailments. It has been used externally for skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis, while internal consumption under expert supervision has been associated with supporting conditions including peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and certain autoimmune disorders. Ayurveda considers the combined influence of ojas, tejas and prana essential for sustaining cellular health and longevity.

Expanding on the concept, Sadhguru explained that yogic science views ojas as a subtle, non-material form of energy that exists beyond the physical body. According to this perspective, every physical structure originates from a non-physical source. He described each cell as being surrounded by a delicate energetic layer, suggesting that strengthening this subtle field may allow the body's cells to renew themselves at an exceptionally rapid rate. Such enhanced regeneration, he said, could accelerate recovery from injuries and illnesses in ways that appear extraordinary.

An article published by Authentic Urban also distinguishes between fresh ghee, known as Nava Ghrita, and aged ghee, called Purana Ghrita. While fresh ghee is traditionally regarded as nourishing and tissue-building, aged ghee is described as possessing warming, penetrating and cleansing properties. Rather than being used as a regular cooking ingredient, it is reserved for carefully selected therapeutic applications under the supervision of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner. Ayurveda further classifies ghee that has matured for more than 100 years as Maha Purana Ghrita, an exceptionally rare preparation revered for its specialised medicinal use in classical Ayurvedic practice.