Well, let me write a short blog about the benefits and uses of turmeric, said no one ever.
Until recently, turmeric did not get much attention other than as a coloring for mustard. It was widely used as a condiment hot dog but rarely known for its healing properties.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa-rhizome) is a close cousin to ginger. In Sanskrit, this plant is called Haridra, literally means “yellow”.
In modern times, most health-conscious people know about the benefits of turmeric or have been taking a form of turmeric of some kinds. Taken as a whole root, turmeric is one of the most powerful herbs with numerous healing benefits.
Turmeric treats and reduces inflammatory or any ‘-itis’ conditions in the body such as gastritis (heartburn), colitis or even dermatitis.
Turmeric, when used regularly as a culinary spice, improves immune function and resists invading microbes, thus preventing any seasonal illnesses.
Turmeric enhances digestion because it is mildly warming to the digestive tract. It is also known to destroy toxins (ama) in the digestive system when consumed as tea, capsule, or powder as a culinary spice.
Turmeric is antimicrobial (anti-viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic) and is ideal for skin health. Turmeric, when used topically as herbal bathe or paste, is a skin remedy for eczema, urticaria (allergic rashes), psoriasis and acne. It can turn your skin temporarily yellow but the yellowing of skin usually resolves within a couple of days.
Turmeric increases blood flow to the liver and promotes bile flow, and thus preventing and dissolving gallstones.
Turmeric helps detoxify the liver and removes waste materials from the body when taken in small amounts over time.
Turmeric supports levels of blood fast (cholesterol and triglyceride) and regulates blood pressure.
Turmeric supports heart health by reducing fatty deposit in the cardiovascular system.
Turmeric supports oral health with its antimicrobial quality. It treats gum diseases, canker sores, any inflammation or infection in the mouth. It can be used as a mouth gargle.
Turmeric is used to treat dementia. Numerous researches have shown that there is a connection between the lowest of dementia cases and the regular consumption of turmeric in India. Sure, there are many possible reasons. Turmeric is believed to reduce inflammation in the brain; therefore, reduce brain damages.
As you can see, it is almost impossible to find one herb with all these amazing benefits.
Keep in mind, turmeric is a relatively mild herb which means turmeric has very small active ingredients in it. In order to get the benefits, the dosage is quite high.
As a maintenance dose, one teaspoon daily as a culinary amount is adequate.
To treat acute conditions such as sprained ankles, back or shoulders, a dosage of 1 ounce (about 28 g or 4 tablespoons) can be divided and taken in several doses. This can be mixed with water and taken as a shot.
However, if you are particularly looking for an anti-inflammatory remedy, go for a “Curcumin Extract”.
Curcumin is the most well-known constituent and one of the more than 300 active ingredients in turmeric. Curcumin has been thoroughly researched in scientific studies for its antioxidant benefit for cellular health and anti-inflammatory quality. It is the curcumin that gives turmeric its yellow color.
Curcumin represents about 5-8% of most turmeric. This means taking curcumin extract is more efficient in treating inflammatory conditions than taking a whole turmeric.
Remember, you won’t get all the other wonderful benefits of turmeric when taking curcumin extract.
Turmeric used as a culinary spice goes well with any savory or sweet dishes. I have grown to love the flavor of turmeric and use it daily as a culinary spice.
My turmeric indulgence includes turmeric rice, dahl soup, yellow curry, kitchari, golden milk, granola, turmeric and ginger tea (available commercially), and my very own that lifechangingTM nut butter and savory spices.
Thank you for reading this far.
Now….get your turmeric shakin’
EAT | LIVE | LOVE AYURVEDA
Reference:
Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, Yogaraj (Ayurveda), A.D.
Ayurvedic Medicine, Sebastine Pole
The Yoga of Herbs, Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad
Dr. John Douillard’s Lifespa
California College of Ayurveda
