Turmeric is a wonderful herb valued for its medicinal properties and warm peppery flavour. It comes from the root of the curecuma longa plant. Turmeric has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Asia. Turmeric contains curcuminaids (plant-basted nutrients) and curcumin that are anti-inflamatory ingredients and decrease risk of forming chronic diseases. It inhibits free radical damage of fats including cholesterol. Turmeric's ability to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol may be beneficial for our heart. It inhibits tradition, including chromosome damage.
Ancient ayurvedic scriptures mention the use of turmeric as a versatile medicine to increase bile flow, making it a liver cleanser. It rejuvenates liver cells and recharge their capability to break down and support formation of healthy tissue.
Turmeric increases the body's resistance and supports treatment of arthritis, cancer and Alzheimer's and relieve arthritis pain and stiffness.
It is quite surprising that regular intake of turmeric inhibits the proliferation of cells from normal to tumours and helps our body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot spread throughout. A study in biochemical pharmacology found that curcumin can slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs. It also prevents the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer.
Turmeric is extremely good for those having skin ailments of any type. It helps to reduce irritation of tissues and stimulates the formation of new blood tissues characterised by its properties. It is considered best for rashes, itches, ring worms, blood boils and psoriasis.
Evidence suggests that the spice is beneficial for promoting proper metabolism and correcting both excesses and deficiencies. This wonder drug improves the body's ability to digest fats and the elimination of waste and toxins. This reduces gas and bloating also.
External application: Turmeric volatile oils also have external bacterial action. As such they may help prevent bacterial wound infection and accelerate wound healing. Johnson and Johnson even sells a curcumin-containing Band Aid in India. The therapeutic potential of turmeric and curcumin do not end there. Evidence suggests that the spice maybe beneficial for cystic fibrosis, type 2 diabetes, chronic diseases, cataracts, gallstones, muscle regeneration and inflammatory bone disease.
Cookery hints: In India, turmeric has been widely used for cooking such purposes as curry and pickles. It not only gives good taste but also enhances flavour. For best result, choose a pure turmeric powder rather than a curry powder because curry powders tend to contain very little curcumin compared to turmeric powder. Turmeric is also available in is a more convenient method to obtain the health benefits discussed above, especially if they are from a high-quality organic source and if one doesn't particularly enjoy the taste of curry.
In combination with other things: One teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with one cup of neem leaves juice does miracles for skin problems such as utcheria, eczema, pimples, etc. Apply directly on the skin and leave it on for half an hour.
• One teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with one teaspoon of rock salt and mustard does miracles for joints pains. Apply directly and massage smoothly on the affected area.
• Take 1/4 tea spoon of turmeric and 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder, add 1/2 teaspoon of pure honey in a cup of warm water. Drink it two to three times. A real medicine for sore throat.
Turmeric is a herb that one should get to know and live with. It can filter up to two litres of blood per minute and easily break apart toxio molecules to reduce their toxcing. It is a good scrubber and exfoliates our skin. Mixed with gram flour, turmeric does miracles and bleaches our skin in a natural way.
A housewife is cautioned to use pure and unadulterated turmeric. A microscopic study reveals that only pure turmeric is yellow, big and has an angular structure, while foreign added starches are colour less and small compared to pure turmeric starch. Some common adulterants found in turmeric powder are sawdust, starch of maize, wheat and tapioca.
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