Turmeric

Species Name: curcuma longa, Indian turmeric, tumeric, and curcuma rotunda

Turmeric is a perennial shrub native to India and parts of Asia. Turmeric is made by grinding the roots from the curcuma plant. The root of the curcuma plant resembles that of the ginger root.

Turmeric has been around for centuries and has long been known for its health benefits in India. It is used in many curry dishes and has a mild fragrance. Currently it is in the spotlight and being researched as a strong antioxidant to protect against free radicals and anti-aging conditions, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

It has been suggested that curcumin the active ingredient in turmeric, may possibly help fight cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Home Remedies using Turmeric:

Benefits of Turmeric:

Ayurvedic practitioners have long known about the healing properties of turmeric. Only recently have scientists began to research the healthy benefits of turmeric. Some of the findings have shown that turmeric is an excellent natural antibiotic with anti-bacterial properties.

Turmeric has also been shown to strengthen digestion and helps to improve the intestinal flora associated with some stomach issues.

Other beneficial properties still under research are:

  • Benefits liver health
  • Promotes good metabolism
  • Lowers cholesterol
  • Stimulates digestion
  • Helps alleviate arthritis
  • Cancer prevention
  • Prevent heart disease

Turmeric contains vitamins and minerals such as iron, manganese, and trace amounts of Vitamin B6 and potassium.

Uses of Turmeric:

Upset Stomach:

Turmeric acts as a digestive aid in calming the digestive system by easing gas and bloating.

To relieve an upset stomach, try drinking some turmeric tea.

Anti-Aging:

Add a little spice to your dish. Eaten regularly or taken as a daily supplement, it is believed to help lower your chances of some age related illnesses.

Alzheimer’s Disease:

UCLA reports that curcumin the active ingredient in turmeric, may help in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

As curcumin has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties it is thought this will enhance the function of the immune system and help to protect the brain against the build-up of plaque. Plaque is thought to be one of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

Read the UCLA article here: UCLA Report on the Study of Alzheimer's Disease

Although studies have not been conclusive and are still ongoing, we cannot discount the health benefits of using turmeric. This versatile spice can be used in foods, it can be found in juice and teas and as a nutritional supplement that can easily be incorporate into your daily diet.