Turmeric belongs to the
zinigiberaceae family of the class
Liliopsida and the division
Magnoliophyta. Turmeric is very closely related to ginger. This plant is widely grown in India, China, Indonesia and some other countries of Asia and also part of Africa. In India and Pakistan, it is commonly called
“Haldi”. Turmeric is an herbaceous perennial plant with pulpy, orange, tuberous rhizome. Rhizome is a stem which is underground and this part is used to make powder or extracts from turmeric. The aerial part of the plant attains the height of 2 to 3 feet. Most of it is lily like leaves, central flower spike with funnel shaped yellowish white flowers.
For centuries, it has been commonly used in India and China. In India it is a revered plant and commonly used in religious ceremonies and weddings.
Ubtan, which is made of turmeric and some other herbs and oils, is often rubbed on the skin of girls to make their skin lighter and smoother. It produces a glow on the skin and protects skin from infections and environmental pollutants.
Turmeric has been used to preserve food as well as to add color to food. Buddhist monks used to dye their robes with turmeric. It is a part of religious and spiritual Hindu activities and holds a place of honor in Ayurvedic medicine. Also used commonly in Unani medicine. It is one of the main ingredients of curry powder and gives yellow color to the curry. Cooked curry is not only tasty but very beneficial for your health. In the words of David Frawley, “If I had only a single herb to depend upon for all possible health and dietary needs, I would without much hesitation choose the Indian spice turmeric”.
This herb has enormous benefits and is now being researched all over the world including the United States. Its main ingredient is a compound called curcumin. It has been purified and available commercially. This chemical extract of turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and responsible for most of the beneficial qualities of this wonderful herb. Turmeric is a good source of vitamin C and E. It is being actively investigated for the cure of skin, breast and colon cancer. It is good for your cardiovascular system and useful in preventing blood clots and reduces high cholesterol. It protects you from Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Turmeric also relieves you from all kinds of arthritis.
Turmeric is added in food to increase digestion, reduce gas and bloating. It acts as a carminative, stimulates bile production in the liver and encourages excretion of bile via the gall bladder. If I had gall stones, I would cook lots of curries and go heavy on the turmeric. It is beneficial for people who feel tired after consuming meals or who have gas and bloating problems. This herb has similar liver protective properties as milk thistle and artichoke leaves. Turmeric preparations are very useful to treat hepatitis, cirrhosis and jaundice. Turmeric has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties. It is now known to stop the multiplication of the HIV virus. It stops synthesis of topoisomerase enzyme and also encourages apoptosis.
Regular use of turmeric can be a cure for colitis, Crohn’s disease, diarrhea, and Giardia or Salmonella infections. The itching and inflammation that accompanies hemorrhoids and anal fissures can be reduced by use of turmeric. It is good for skin problems and can be helpful in conditions like eczema psoriasis and acne.
It is said in the Hindu religion that turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity of health. Turmeric purifies the chakras, as well as cleans and purifies the path of the subtle body.
Turmeric can be taken as capsules or in form of infusion. For an infusion, put ½ to 1 teaspoon full of powder in a glass of warm milk and drink up to 3 cups a day. People of India and Pakistan revere turmeric and use it liberally in their cooking. I guess that is one of the best way to take your medicine.
What a fantastic herb that has so many uses and an exhaustive list of curing many diseases. It produces radiance if you use it as a tonic for the skin. It is also believed that if pregnant women use this herb in the last month of pregnancy, the baby will be healthier and have lighter and glowing skin. One herb and so many cures, it is just amazing. There is more focus now on this herb and my belief is that the uses of this herb will increase many folds in the near future. Keep your eyes open to harvest the benefits.
Grow with knowledge and make the best use of the resources God has provided us. Keep in touch with your physician and brief him/her up of all the things you use. Your physician is your best guide.
Soon, I plan to post articles on Ginger and Garlic. Until then, take care of your optimal health with knowledge.
Ali M. Jafri, Ph.D.
