Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Curious about our ghees, ingredients, shipping, or Ayurvedic process? You're in the right place. Browse our most commonly asked questions to find quick answers and deeper insight into how we do things — with care, intention, and transparency.

About Pancha Creations

We handcraft small-batch Ayurvedic-inspired nourishment and body care — especially herbal ghee, along with spices and other traditional formulations as we continue to grow.

Every aspect of what we do reflects our commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, intention, integrity, and Ayurvedic tradition

We continuously update our selection, so be sure to check back often!

Every product is handcrafted in small batches in Colorado, in a regulated commercial kitchen, with care and attention at every step. We keep production close to home so we can uphold the highest standards of freshness, tradition, and integrity.

Pancha (पञ्च) is the Sanskrit word for “five” — representing the Pancha Bhuta, the Five Great Elements at the foundation of all creation: Akasha (space), Vayu (air), Agni (fire), Jala (water), and Prithvi (earth).

In Ayurvedic philosophy, every substance in the universe — every herb, every food, every season, every living body — is a unique expression of these five elements in relationship.

Every ingredient we select, every herb we infuse, and every preparation method we follow is guided by an understanding of these elemental energetics.

Five elements. Five commitments: to tradition, to craft, to healing, to integrity, and to care.

To learn more about our philosophy and roots, visit our About Us page.

Pancha Creations was co-founded by Anupama Vaidya, Co-Founder & Chief Product Architect, a lifelong Ayurvedic artisan, educator, and keeper of time-honored techniques whose family formulations and traditions date back to 1896 — and Lillian Vaidya, Co-Founder & CEO, whose background in biochemistry and medical research, personal journey of healing through Ayurveda, and executive vision brought this legacy to life as a purpose-driven brand.

Together, we bridge generations of ancestral Ayurvedic wisdom with modern operational excellence — making restorative nourishment and empowered healing accessible to communities around the country.

Read our full story on the About Us page.

OUR INGREDIENTS & QUALITY

Certified organic herbs, chosen for potency and purity.

Every herbal ingredient is certified organic and carefully selected to preserve its natural vitality. We use whole herbs — never extracts or flavor oils — and gently infuse them, following traditional methods that respect their energetic and therapeutic properties.

We use cultured butter — most don’t.

Made from traditionally fermented cream, cultured butter enhances both flavor and digestibility. It gives a smoother texture and richer, more complex flavor that’s noticeably different from ghee made with sweet cream or mass-produced alternatives.

This choice, rooted in both taste and tradition, sets a new standard for purity, balance, and depth — making our ghee distinctly superior to conventional offerings.

It’s a difference you can taste — and feel.

We start with cultured butter — made from traditionally fermented cream — rather than the conventional sweet cream used by most commercial ghee producers.

Classical Ayurvedic texts specify that ghee should begin with dadhi (fermented cultured curd), because fermentation makes the resulting ghee more digestible, more bioavailable, and better suited to serve as a yogavahi — a carrier substance that potentiates the herbs it carries. Most brands skip this step entirely. We don't.

Cultured butter is made from cream that has been fermented with live cultures before churning — similar to how yogurt is made from milk.

This process develops flavor complexity, supports digestibility, and creates a richer, more nuanced ghee. It is also the method specified in classical Ayurvedic ghee preparation, and the method our family has used for generations.

Every herbal ingredient in our formulations is USDA certified organic. Our cultured butter base, while not certified organic, is over 95% grass-fed, GMO-free, antibiotic-free, no rBST growth hormones, and sourced from cows on open pasture nearly all year. It was chosen specifically for its exceptional quality, nutritional richness, and close resemblance to the butter traditionally used in Indian Ayurvedic ghee-making.

Because for butter, “organic” does not automatically mean higher quality — and when it comes to nutritional profile, what matters most is what the cows eat and how they live.

Research consistently shows that butter from predominantly grass-fed cows has a meaningfully different nutritional composition than butter from grain-fed cows, regardless of organic certification.

Grass-fed butter contains significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, up to five times more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) — a fatty acid associated with anti-inflammatory and health-supporting properties — and is richer in fat-soluble vitamins including vitamins A, E, and K2.

Many certified organic butters still come from cows fed substantial amounts of grain, which diminishes these benefits even when the feed itself is organic.

Our Co-Founder & Chief Product Architect, Anupama, tested nearly every butter available — including many certified organic and locally sourced options — before selecting the cultured butter we use.

It comes from cows that graze on open pasture up to 312 days a year on small, family-run farms, and is over 95% grass-fed. This butter most closely matches the taste, texture, and quality of the ghee she grew up making in India — a tradition passed down from her mother and grandmother.

The qualities that matter most for exceptional ghee are defined by how the cows are raised and fed — not by a certification label alone. The butter is non-GMO, and there are no rBST growth hormones or routine antibiotics used on the cows.

Each creation is prepared by hand in small, intentional batches, and minimally processed for purity — crafted with no artificial ingredients, preservatives, or stabilizers. Our herbal ghee, our most labor-intensive formulation, takes nearly twelve hours to craft from start to finish.

Our products are crafted from special family formulations, dating back to 1896, and only using carefully selected, high-quality herbs — delivering rich flavor and robust benefits. This approach allows us to maintain the highest standards of freshness, quality, and care at every step.

In our tradition, the kitchen is as sacred and healing as any clinic or pharmacy. What you receive is more than a product — it’s a rare expression of season, craft, and care.

We believe nourishment should never come at the planet’s expense. We strive to be as environmentally responsible as possible: small batches, minimal packaging, recyclable materials, and sustainably sourced ingredients.

As we grow, so does our responsibility — and our promise is to evolve with transparency, integrity, and care for the earth that sustains us.

PRODUCT-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

Our products are truly small-batch — made by hand with whole herbs and natural ingredients. While we uphold rigorous standards in every batch, subtle variations in the herbs, butter, or the roasting process itself can occasionally create minor differences in color, aroma, or flavor.

These variations are uncommon due to our careful process, but when they do occur, they reflect the handcrafted nature of the product — not a difference in quality or formulation.

Every batch meets the same high standard before it reaches you.

Most likely, yes. Ghee is a pure butterfat with no stabilizers or emulsifiers, so it naturally responds to temperature — similar to natural peanut butter. In warmer conditions, ghee may become softer, more liquid, or appear to separate slightly. In cool environments, it firms up and may develop a slightly grainy texture.

All of this is completely normal and does not affect quality or safety. Simply stir thoroughly before use.

However, if your ghee has an off or rancid smell, visible mold, or has been contaminated with water or food particles, it may have spoiled and should not be consumed.

Always use a clean, dry utensil, and keep the jar sealed when not in use.

The rich, distinctive color of each ghee variety comes entirely from the natural herbs infused into it — no dyes, colorants, or additives are ever used. Our Manjistha Ghee has a deep crimson hue from the anthraquinone pigments naturally present in Manjistha root. Our Shatavari Ghee carries a warm golden tone.

Each blend has its own visual character shaped by the herbs within it. The depth of color reflects the potency and quality of the ingredients in every jar.

The raw honey in this formulation is incorporated after the ghee has cooled, specifically to preserve all of its enzymes, antioxidants, and beneficial properties. Heating honey above approximately 104°F alters its chemistry and, in Ayurvedic tradition, is considered to diminish its beneficial qualities.

To honor everything that makes this product special, enjoy it as a spread, stirred into warm (not hot) drinks, or as a gentle sweetener — rather than for high-heat cooking.

DIETARY & ALLERGEN INFORMATION

All of our products are Gluten-Free and Nut-Free. Our ghee is virtually Lactose- & Casein‑Free: the clarification process removes the milk solids where lactose and casein are found, leaving behind pure butterfat — typically under 2.9 mg per 100g, compared to butter’s nearly 700 mg.

This process makes ghee a lactose‑friendly choice that is commonly well‑tolerated, even by those sensitive to dairy. Those with a severe dairy allergy should consult their healthcare provider before use.

Our products are made in a shared facility with strict cross-contact controls. Despite rigorous precautions, trace amounts may exist.

Please review each product label carefully and reach out with any specific questions.

Our products are naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and compatible with a wide range of dietary approaches — including keto, paleo, and Whole30 (ghee is explicitly recognized by Whole30 as a compatible cooking fat).

If you have a specific allergy or health condition, we encourage you to review the full ingredient list on each product label and consult your healthcare provider before use.

Our products are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition, where ghee has been valued for centuries as a deeply nourishing food that supports digestion, vitality, and overall well-being. The herbs we use — such as Shatavari and Manjistha — have long histories of traditional use for supporting the body’s natural functions.

Modern research has also explored many of the properties of these ingredients, and we share relevant references on our individual product pages and on our Research & Sources page.

⚑  Link to Research & Sources page once live.

While our products are crafted to support wellness as part of a nourishing, balanced diet, they are offered as traditional food-based support — not as medical treatments.

We do not claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you are managing a health condition or taking medications, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before incorporating any herbal product into your routine.

Product Care & Storage

Store all products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and avoid exposure to extreme heat.

Refrigeration is not necessary for ghee — the clarification process removes all moisture and milk solids, making it naturally shelf-stable at room temperature. Refrigerating ghee can actually make it too firm to use comfortably.

Always use a clean, dry utensil never introduce moisture, water, or food particles into the jar, as this can compromise the product’s freshness and shelf life. Keep the lid sealed when not in use.

Shelf life varies by formulation. Check the “Best By” or “Use By” date printed on your safety seal label for guidance.

To maintain freshness, and prevent spoilage, always use a clean & dry utensil every time you enjoy your products.

USING OUR PRODUCTS

Use herbal ghee as a nourishing alternative to regular butter or cooking oil — add to warm rice, soups, or stews; sauté with veggies or meat; spread on toast; stir into warm drinks, and more. Each blend has its own unique flavor profile and purpose, so explore what feels right for you.

You’ll also find more ideas on our Recipes & Blog page.

ORDERING & PAYMENTS

We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay where available at checkout.

When you place an order, your bank may place a temporary authorization hold on your card to verify that funds are available.

This is a standard banking practice — not an actual charge. The real charge is only when your order is processed. If you have questions about a hold appearing on your account, please contact your bank directly.

We occasionally offer promotions through our email list and social channels. The best way to stay in the loop is to join our newsletter. Discount codes can be applied at checkout.

Not yet — but it's on the way! We're working on a Subscribe & Save program for our bestselling products. Join our email list to be the first to know when it launches.

SHIPPING & DELIVERY

We currently ship to all 50 U.S. states.

We do not offer international shipping as a standard option at this time; international requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please contact us at info@panchacreations.com for details.

For full shipping information, see our Shipping Policy.

Orders are processed within 5 business days (Mon–Fri). U.S. orders typically arrive 2-7 business days after shipment. Expedited options may appear at checkout.

For more information, please see our Shipping Policy.

Yes — if you're local to the Colorado Front Range, you can select Local Pickup at checkout. We use Harbor Lockers — a secure, 24/7-accessible smart locker network — for all local pickups. Our primary location is in Superior, CO, situated in a convenient public shopping center. Locker location and timing may vary depending on availability.

Here's how it works: once your order is ready, we'll load it into a secure Harbor Locker and send you an email with your locker location and pickup instructions. No appointment needed — lockers are accessible any time, day or night.

Important: You must download the Harbor Pilot app (available on the App Store and Google Play) to access your locker and retrieve your order.

You have 3 calendar days from the date of your pickup notification to retrieve your order. Orders not picked up within 3 days will be removed from the locker and returned to us. A refund will be issued to your original payment method, minus any applicable fees. For more details, see our Shipping Policy.

If your item arrives damaged or defective, email us within 48 hours of delivery at info@panchacreations.com with your order number and clear photos of the shipping box and the damaged item(s).

We’ll work with you on a replacement or refund, as outlined in our Return and Refund Policy.

Returns & Refunds

Due to the perishable and handcrafted nature of our products, we have a strict return and exchange policy for safety and quality. Please review our Return and Refund Policy for eligibility criteria and full instructions, and Contact Us with any questions or concerns.

Wholesale & Partnerships

We do not currently offer a dedicated wholesale portal. However, if you’re interested in discussing wholesale or retail opportunities, please visit our Wholesale & Retailer Opportunities page or email us at info@panchacreations.com with your business name, location, and what you’re interested in carrying.

RESEARCH & TRADITION

We're building a dedicated Research & Sources page where you'll find references organized by ingredient and topic — covering ghee, individual herbs like Shatavari and Manjistha, foundational Ayurvedic principles, and more. 

You can also find detailed information about each herb on our individual product pages.

⚑  Link this to the Research & Sources page once it is live: https://panchacreations.com/pages/research-sources

Contact & Support

For any questions, concerns, or feedback, please refer to our Contact Us page or email us at info@panchacreations.com. We strive to respond within 1-2 business days.

We are a small, hands-on team and monitor our inbox regularly. While we don't maintain formal "hours," we do our best to respond to all inquiries within 1–2 business days, Monday through Friday.