Medicinal values of turmeric - the golden spice
Do you know turmeric is known as the spice of life? Are you wondering what are the medicinal values of turmeric? Find it here in this article.
Turmeric is a perennial herb closely related to ginger. It belongs to the ginger family - Zingiberaceae and is a native of South Asia. Its botanical name is Curcuma longa. The golden spice is derived from the rhizome, is dried and powdered for use. The deep orangish yellow color of turmeric is the striking characteristic of the herb. It is used as a basic ingredient in Indian curries and is commonly used as a food colorant in many of the Asian countries . Due to its strong color, it is also used as a natural dye. The plant grows wildly in the tropical forests. It is widely used in Indian traditional medicine due to its high medicinal values. Medicinal values of turmeric
Turmeric is widely used as a nutritional supplement. Due to its medicinal values, turmeric is commonly used in traditional Indian medicines like Ayurveda and Siddha. Some of the key medicinal values of the spice include purifying / cleansing blood, cleansing liver and enhancing circulation. It also improves the skin complexion and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It contains a compounds called curcuminoids of which curcumin is an active ingredient. The small percentage of curcumin present in turmeric has high therapeutic value. Curcumin is a strong anti-oxidant and is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory compound. The medicinal values of turmeric include its ability to heal wounds, reduce inflammation, slow down aging, ease out menstrual cramps in women, prevent cancer, relief from gas trouble and bloating, reduce depression, treat digestive disorders, treat skin problems etc.Beneficial for skin
Since time immemorial, turmeric is used by the Hindus in the Indian sub-continent in all religious activities. It is believed to generate divine energy coupled with vermilion. It is widely used in traditional Ayurveda and Siddha medicines. Turmeric powder is extensively used by Indian women for retaining the natural facial glow.
Disclaimer:You are advised not to use it as a facial treatment unless you know for sure that it suits your skin type.
Turmeric is an effective detox and helps in curing certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne when used in the right way.Turmeric as an antibiotic
Since ages Indians use turmeric as an external application for wounds / injuries. Curcumin is a substance present in turmeric which has powerful anti-oxidant properties. It is one of the best antibiotic and helps in preventing bacterial infections on the wounds.For menstrual cramps in women
Since olden days turmeric extract is used for treating menstrual cramps in women. It helps in reducing the severity of the cramps and may not completely get rid of the cramps.For treating / curing cancer
As per recent researches, curcumin present in turmeric is effective in treating cancer. It helps in reducing the growth of cancerous cells. It is said to be used for treating pre-cancerous skin conditions and also effective in treating skin cancer.Turmeric lowers the risk of heart diseases
According to many scientific studies it is said that curcumin present in turmeric helps in improving the function of endothelial tissue - the single layer of lining of the blood vessels. It helps in preventing blockage of arteries and improves blood circulation. It helps in regulating blood pressure, blood clotting and other such factors. As many of the heart ailments are related to blood circulation, curcumin which helps in improving blood circulation is effective in reducing the risk factors of heart diseases. Turmeric helps in preventing blockage of arteries
Curcumin present in turmeric is a fat soluble compound which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing inflammation and oxidation which are the main risk factors of heart diseases. Turmeric for curing digestive disorders
Since time immemorial is used in Indian cuisine as it cures various digestive disorders. Mostly turmeric extract combined with the extract of other bitter herbal extracts found to be effective in curing digestive disorders and other health problems too, thereby it increases the digestive ability. Turmeric helps in reducing gas problem and bloating.Turmeric for treating osteoarthritis
Curcumin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory substance helps in reducing the inflammation of joints. It has the ability to reduce joint pains and gives relief to the arthritis patents.Curcumin reduces depression
Curcumin helps in correcting mood swings, anxiety and brings down stress levels when taken in the prescribed way.Turmeric used in many home remedies
In addition to the above mentioned medicinal values of the golden spice, turmeric is extensively used by Indian in various home remedies since age old days. Turmeric powder is one of the best and commonly used home remedy for seasonal cold, running nose and nose block. Turmeric extract along with neem leaves extract is one of the commonly used home remedy for treating various skin allergies including chicken pox.A word of caution
When turmeric is consumed in large quantities it may have side effects on the body which include dizziness, nausea etc.
Follow