Our Love Affair with Turmeric
Over the years, many natural remedies have become ‘celebrities’ as the general population and media, get onboard with their cure-all health benefits which makes them hot property. Many of them come and go in popularity…eg Kava, Echinacea, cod liver oil, goji berries, noni juice etc. Right now, we have good reason to have a love affair with Turmeric!
Turmeric now boasts over 7,500 scientific publications, that prove that just another ancient herbal medicine has a multitude of health benefits, one that no drug can come close to. This also explains why turmeric sales have doubled in the last 12 months…because it works!
The History of Turmeric
The medicinal and cultural history of turmeric (Curcuma longa) is over 6,000 years old. It has a history of being used in cooking, as a spice, dye, traditional medicine and also used in religious practice…a sacred herb that brings prosperity.
Turmeric originated in southern India, where most of the production around the world is done today.
What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a tropical plant grown traditionally in Southern and Eastern India, the Middle East and Asia. Very similar to ginger, since it comes from the same family. It has a root system (the rhizome) similar to ginger, where all the medicinal power lies.
Turmeric is high in protein, fibre, potassium, Iron, B6, Magnesium and Vitamin C.
Medicinal Actions of Turmeric
- Curcumin (the active constituent) acts as a plant source of phyto-oestrogen, balancing the female hormone cycle at any age.
- Anti-cancer
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-oxidant
- Mood booster
What diseases is Turmeric good for preventing and treating?
- Arthritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Cancer
- Depression
- Eczema, Rosacea, Psoriasis, Hormonal acne
- Allergies
- Menopause
- Alzheimers disease
Multiple Uses of Turmeric
In cooking:
Turmeric is a mild spice that’s earthy, warming and nurturing and goes well in many forms of cooking. Traditionally used in curries, it is only up to your imagination as to how to use it.
Here are some ideas of how to use turmeric in cooking:
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies
- Juices
- Herbal Tea
- Chutney, pickles and jams
As a Dye, Colouring & Preservative
- Has been used to dye saris and robes for hundreds of years
- Added to colour food such as yoghurt, cheeses and curries
- Preserves food
As a Spiritual Promoter
- Ancient Siddha texts reveal that turmeric has the ability to cleanse the chakra system of the body. This in turn increases intuition and psychic awareness. Turmeric cleanses the meridian channels of the body to increase the flow of energy and remove energy blockages.
- Helps you connect to the divine feminine part of your higher self.
- Associated with your awareness of prosperity, and attracting positive thoughts of wealth.
The massive amount of historical, traditional and scientific evidence cannot be denied. Turmeric will continue to be loved, trusted and respected as a medicinal food. It is a golden example of the health benefits of natural therapies.