Turmerics ('Haldi' in hindi)

Turmeric is the most powerful anti-inflammatory herb that is used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It is also the most important spice of India. It is one of the most studied herbs in science.

Turmeric is yellow in color and is mainly used as powder. The powder is also used as coloring agent in South Asian cuisines. The leaves of turmeric plant also impart a distinct flavor and are used to wrap and cook food.

Turmeric contains numerous bioactive compounds that provides several medicinal benefits. The most active and versatile compounds is the curucuminoids , especially curcumin. The other compounds that are present in turmeric are volatile oils, vitamins(B&C), Potassium, Sodium, Iron, omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, etc.

These compounds provide turmeric with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, analgesic, thermogenic properties and many more.

Health Benefits of Turmeric are:

·        The main organs that turmeric treats are the skin, heart, liver and lungs.

·        Turmeric is used for epilepsy and bleeding disorders, skin diseases, to purify the body-mind, and to help the lungs expel kapha.

·        Tumeric works as antiseptic, appetizer, astringent, cardiovascular, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, etc.

·        Therapeutic uses of turmerics are Anemia, cancer, diabetes, digestion, food poisoning, gallstones, indigestion, parasites, wounds, etc.

·        Turmeric reduces fevers, diarrhea, urinary disorders, insanity, poisoning, cough, and lactation problems.

·        Tumeric helps to regulate the female reproductive system and purifies the uterus and breast milk, and in men, it purifies and builds semen.

·        Turmeric is used to treat external ulcers.

·        Turmeric is also used to remove mucus in the throat, watery discharges like leucorrhea and any pus in the eyes, ears, or in wounds.

According to Ayurveda, Tumeric helps to:

·        Detoxify the liver

·        Balance cholesterol levels

·        Fight allergies

·        Stimulate digestion

·        Boost immunity

·        Enhance the complexion

Uses of Turmeric

·        Anemia: Take a dose of 1 tsp of turmeric juice mixed with honey, everyday.

·        Asthma: Boil 1 cup of milk with 1 tsp of turmeric powder, drink warm.

·        Diabetes: ½ -1 tsp of turmeric should be taken 3 times a day.

·        Complexion: Apply a paste of turmeric on the skin before bed, and wash it after few minutes. And also aplly with paste of chickpea flour(besan) and milk

·        Burns: Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with 1 tsp of aloevera gel and apply to burnt area.

·        Pain:  Add 1 tsp of turmeric to 1 cup warm milk and drink befor bed. You can also make a paste of turmeric with lime (‘chuna’ in hindi) and apply on the affected area. 

·        Piles: Directly apply a mixture of mustard oil, turmeric and onion juice.

Burning turmeric can repel insects. Inhaling the smoke can assist in coughs, asthma and congested nasal passages. Turmeric is also a ingredients to cosmetics as it is beneficial for skin.

Note:  Pregnant ladies, people suffering from gallbladder obstructions. people who are in high risk of kidney stones,etc should avoid consuming high amount of turmeric.