Turmeric Root Extract
Species Name: Curcuma longa
Also Known As: Curcuma domestica, Indian saffron, curcumin, jiang huang, curcuma, gauri, haldi
The turmeric plant is a tropical perennial native to India. In the same plant family as ginger and its rhizome bears a resemblance to the root of ginger.
It grows wild but now is cultivated in the tropics around the world.
This plant grows to a height of about three feet.
Turmeric is cultivated for its rhizome and root which is used as a culinary spice and coloring agent. The orange-yellow powdered spice is commonly used in curries and other South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
It is also used to dye cloth and to provide the coloring for mustard condiments. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin and the spice has a distinctly earthy, slightly bitter with a mustard smell.
What is turmeric root extract? Turmeric root extract is made from the dried, ground root of the plant. It is available in powder, capsule, tea, tincture or liquid extract form. It is used both internally and externally in poultices or paste, and washes for use on the skin.
Home Remedies Using Turmeric Root Extract:
Benefits of Turmeric Root Extract:
Turmeric is traditionally used as a blood tonic and also as a feature for important ceremonies. Many of today’s uses for this extract stem from its older traditional use in Ayurvedic Medicine which has a long history concerning health of all types.
Ayurvedic practices utilize turmeric as a readily available antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises.
When used historically it was noticed to have certain qualities that seemed to work for health problems. Ayurveda uses turmeric as its main anti-inflammatory herb. Today through research and technology it has been studied as an anti- inflammatory regarding arthritis and its symptoms. It was found to negatively affect arthritis in rats and then to also lessen the symptoms.
It has been found that turmeric contains curcumin which is an antioxidant. This powerful antioxidant is said to block certain types of cancer and restrict the damage caused by destructive free radicals.
Topically it can be used as a paste to improve skin tone, for its anti mircobal qualities and to remove facial hair.
Side Effects of Turmeric Root Extract:
Like most herbs, turmeric should be used in moderation.
The known side effects are few.
Prolonged, heavy use may result in stomach distress.
If you are taking anticoagulants, turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding.
It may cause diarrhea, gall bladder contraction and reduce blood pressure.
Although commonly used in food items please consult with a doctor before using as a medicine.
