Turmeric- The Golden Miracle Spice

Turmeric otherwise known as “Indian Saffron” is a popular Indian spice well known for its bright yellow colour and slightly bitter astringent taste. The exact origin of turmeric is unknown but it believed to originate from South East Asia, most likely from western India. It is used through out history as a condiment, a healing remedy, a textile dye, in beauty therapy and also in coloring foods. The use of turmeric in the Indian and Chinese medicine can be dated as early as the 7th century AD. Turmeric has a long history of medicinal use in South Asia, and is widely used in Ayurvedic and Unani systems. Susruta's Ayurvedic Compendium, dating to 250 BC, recommends an ointment containing turmeric to relieve the effects of poisoned food. In the tradition of the Asian folk medicine it is believed that turmeric can be used to treat diseases such as diarrhea, fever, bronchitis, colds, parasitic worms, leprosy, and bladder and kidney inflammations. The Indians and the Malaysians have a custom of applying turmeric paste on their skin, which has now been found out to be a good practice to prevent skin cancer.

Turmeric is commonly known as Haldi in North India. An important ceremony of the North Indian weddings is the application of turmeric on both the groom and bride, which is believed to make them look good with glowing skins and also to ward off evil eye. Another common practice is the sprinkling of sea- water mixed with the crushed turmeric roots in order to remove the negative influences from places, persons and things during ceremonies. As for the South Indian women the Friday oil bath routines with the application of turmeric or Manjal, which is the secret of their hairless beautiful bodies. Hindu women wear a bright red mark on their forehead, which is made by mixing turmeric with limejuice. The turmeric plant is tied around the vessel used to make Sweet Pongal for the harvest festival, which is celebrated universally on 14th of January, every year by the South Indians. Newborn babies are rubbed with turmeric on their foreheads to bring them good luck. Hence it is considered a very auspicious material amongst both the Aryans (North Indians) and the Dravidians (South Indians) and thus plays a great role in the cultural heritage of India.

Cuisine Uses

Turmeric is cultivated for its rhizomes, which are used as a bright yellow orange culinary spice. It is known as a poor man’s saffron as it offers a cheaper alternative for yellow coloring and thus often used as a substitute for saffron. It is an important flavoring and coloring condiment used in Indian Cuisine. It is extensively used in commercial curry powders, canned beverages, dairy products such as ice creams, yogurts, cheese etc. It is also used in yellow cakes, biscuits, popcorns, cereals, sauces and gelatins. Turmeric as a food additive is used to protect food products from sunlight. Curcumin is the food coloring pigment found in turmeric, which gives desserts and other dairy products such as butter, cheese, margarine the lemon/ banana colour. Turmeric finds use as a food preservative in Indian pickles.  Turmeric is added at higher levels to sausages, pickles, relishes, sauces, dry mixes, and fish due to its original usage as a spice.

Medicinal Properties

Turmeric is considered as an amazing healing plant valued for its therapeutic properties in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It also plays a significant role in the West in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases. Turmeric has beneficial effects on the liver, which include stimulating the flow of bile, protecting against damage from toxins and improving the metabolism of fats. Turmeric helps to cleanse the blood of toxins and impurities by improving the liver function. Turmeric has the ability to shrink engorged hepatic ducts hence is useful to treat hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice.

Turmeric also aids in digestion especially proteins and thus promotes absorption as well as regular metabolism. It is believed to have weight losing properties as well. Apart from being a natural antibiotic in itself, it is useful to regulate the intestinal flora during or after a course of antibiotics and also for those suffering from Thrush.

Turmeric is prescribed frequently for digestive problems such as indigestion, heartburn, wind, bloating, and diarrhea. It has a soothing effect on the mucosa of the gut and increases the stomach defenses against excess acid, drugs and other irritating substances. It alleviates effects of stress, thereby reducing the risk of gastritis and ulcers. It is believed to lower blood sugar in diabetics.

Turmeric has long been popular as a remedy for treating respiratory infections such as colds, sore throats, coughs and fevers, skin problems such as acne and psoriasis, and kidney and bladder problems. The itching and inflammation that accompanies hemorrhoids and anal fissures can be reduced by the use of turmeric. It is useful for the treatment of certain types of eye disorders. It is even a quick remedy for simple cuts and wounds.

It has an excellent anti-inflammatory effect, improving morning stiffness, joint swelling and pain with movement experienced by sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. Its antioxidant properties have health-promoting effects on the cardiovascular, skeletal and digestive systems and also protects against cervical, colon, breast, and skin cancer. Its anti-inflammatory combined with its antioxidant property prevents the occurrence of the Alzheimer’s disease.

Turmeric lowers the cholesterol levels by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol) thus prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaque which otherwise can cause the blockage of arteries leading to a heart attack or a stroke. Turmeric also prevents platelet build up along the walls of an injured blood vessel, which forms a blood clot that can block the arteries as well. It is advisable for women who experience monthly menstrual cramps to use turmeric extracts twice daily for two weeks prior to the menstrual date. It can reduce the pain, as it is an antispasmodic which smoothes muscles to reduce menstrual cramping. Consumption of turmeric on a regular basis helps to slow down the aging process and promotes youthfulness. It is believed that turmeric has some magical property linked to the fertility of humans and animals.

Beauty Benefits

Turmeric is an inexpensive and indigenous beauty aid. It is used in formulations of sunscreens and face packs. Its antiseptic property aids in the cure of pimples. It is a good remedy for chapped lips during winter. Turmeric is believed to work wonders on the skin. Applying a paste of it mixed with milk or sandalwood gives a radiant glow to the skin. Neem leaves mixed turmeric is a good remedy for all skin infection. Turmeric powder or paste is an effective treatment for leprosy, chicken pox, and small pox. Turmeric is a good hair growth stimulator as well as fighter of dandruff. It is used as a hair colorant or dye imparting a yellow to deep orange colour.
The cream of milk (Malai) mixed with turmeric powder helps reduce dark circles, fine lines, and crow’s feet around the eyes. A massage with coconut or castor oil mixed with turmeric on the heels and between the toes prevents cracks and roughness of the feet. Brushing teeth with a mixture of turmeric, ash and salt helps to prevent tooth decay. Inorder to diminish the scars left by acne and lighten skin discoloration; a paste of pounded turmeric roots and tender coconut water may be applied on the affected area. Applying a paste of turmeric powder in warm coconut oil on your skin is believed to arrest the growth of superfluous hair and give you a petal soft skin.

Other Uses Turmeric is useful in gardening as a pesticide to repel ants.

Word of Caution:

Turmeric is not recommended during pregnancy. Person’s suffering from gallstones or obstructive biliary tracts should also avoid turmeric. The excessive oral use of turmeric can cause gastrointestinal problems. It is best to avoid high doses of turmeric when taking blood-thinning drugs.

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