Turmeric
You may know Turmeric (Curcuma longa) as the spice that gives curry its yellow color and imparts a slightly bitter or astringent taste. Practitioners of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have for thousands of years, largely sought after for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties.
Today it is garnering more attention in the West for prevention and treatment of a wide range of modern health conditions. It is an excellent natural antibiotic, and one of the best detoxifying herbs by virtue of its beneficial effect on the liver, a powerful antioxidant with health-promoting effects on the cardiovascular, skeletal and digestive systems. People who practice Hatha Yoga know it for its benefits it has on ligaments.
Beyond these impressive health benefits, it is suspected that the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, can be helpful in treating pancreatic cancer, Alzheimer's and colorectal cancer. The United States National Institutes of Health is conducting four clinical trials to substantiate this. Curcumin has been used for thousands of years as a safe anti-inflammatory and may be an effective treatment for psoriasis.
Turmeric is a perennial plant from the same family as ginger with large lily-like leaves that can grow to nearly 3 feet high. The herb is generally ground into a powder and used as a spice and dye, most commonly in curry powders.
Ayurvedic practitioners state that it is a cleanser for all parts of the body as it can also be used for digestive aids, in treating infection, arthritis, jaundice and fever. It is believed that the herb can also cure liver health issues, prevent bad cholesterol and block tumors. A recent preliminary research states that turmeric is useful in preventing and blocking the growth of cancer such as melanoma tumor cells, breast cancer, colon cancer and other cancers.
Turmeric not only enhances the flavor of food but also aids digestion, particularly of protein, promotes absorption and regulates metabolism. It is an excellent spice to add to cooking if concerned about weight. Turmeric helps to regulate intestinal flora and is well worth taking during and after a course of antibiotics and by those suffering from Candida or thrush. It has a long history of use for eradicating worms.
Pigmentation: Apply little turmeric mixed with cucumber juice or lemon to the affected area to reduce pigmentation. Leave on for fifteen minutes or more, and wash off. For better results do this everyday until you regain your tone colour.
Strong Bones: To strengthen bones add turmeric to the boiling milk and drink before going to bed at night. This will help in curing numerous ailments. Ayurvedic doctors, especially recommend this to women as it reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Pregnancy Stretch marks :To prevent unsightly stretch marks due to pregnancy, apply a mixture of turmeric and malai or turmeric and curd to your stomach and waist before going for a bath. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, and wash off.
Wounds : Sprinkle a bit of turmeric with honey (optional), on cuts, bruises, or scrapes after a thorough wash, as the anti bacterial action will prevent wound infections.
Arthritis : Turmeric can also be used in reducing pain associated with arthritis. Warm a cup of milk. Before it boils, remove it from the heat and add in a teaspoon of turmeric powder in it. Stir and drink it for up to 3 times daily.
Reduce Fats : Regular use of turmeric reduces fats, aids blood circulation and purifies it.
Cosmetic use : make a paste of milk cream (if dry skin), gram flour and turmeric and apply it daily to your face to owe glowing skin without any marks. Make sure to scrub it well as it helps in removing black heads too.
