What the texts say
Ghee appears in the verse joined to sugar in one word, ghṛtaśarkaram, literally "ghee-sugar". The edition we opened lists the two as separate choices, and our translation follows it, but the word could also be read as ghee and sugar taken together. Charaka gives no reason for naming ghee. The next verse, 7.62, lists illnesses that follow when the curd rules are ignored.[1][2]
The modern view
We found no study of curd eaten with ghee. Our search was broad but not fully screened, so a study may exist that we did not find.
Classical text only
Related
Curd and sugar (dahi-chini)
Charaka names sugar as one of the things curd should be eaten with. We found no study that tests this rule.
FoodCurd (dahi) at night
Charaka and the Ashtanga Hridaya both say not to eat curd at night. The one bedtime-yogurt trial we found measured blood sugar, not this rule.
FoodHoney and ghee in equal parts
Charaka and Sushruta say honey and ghee in equal amounts are incompatible. Two rat studies disagree, and neither tested people.
FoodCold water after ghee
Charaka says taking cold things after drinking ghee is incompatible. The rule is about ghee, not every meal, and no study we found tests it.
Sources
- Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 7.61 (Naveganadharaniya Adhyaya).
- Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 7.62 (Naveganadharaniya Adhyaya).
Awaiting review by The Good Vaidya Medical Board. Prepared from the sources below and checked against each one.
Published 4 November 2026 · Last updated 4 November 2026