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Turmeric
Turmeric or Curcuma longa is a widely cultivated plant of the Indian subcontinent. The large aromatic deep yellow rhizome of the plant is valued as a spice and dye. The plant has been known since times immemorial in the subcontinent. Apart from its commercial importance owing to its large scale usage as a seasoning and a dye it has great medicinal value too. The ancient texts of India dating back to several thousands of years mention the various medicinal properties of the turmeric.
The Turmeric Plant
The turmeric plant belongs to the ginger family- Zingiberaceae. This perennial plant grows 3 to 5 feet in height in the tropical regions. Though it is grown all over India it is especially cultivated in the regions of Bengal, Bombay and Tamilnadu. The aromatic rhizome or root of the plant is the product used.
Turmeric being used as a spice in cooking
The spice turmeric has been an essential ingredient of Indian cuisine for over thousands of years. People from any corner of India cannot just imagine cooking most of their dishes without turmeric. Turmeric’s usage as a condiment in dishes involves using it as a paste or as a powder. Using the powder is more convenient and this is prepared on a large scale, packaged and marketed. Turmeric powder is prepared by boiling the rhizomes, drying and then powdering. It seasons and imparts rich natural color to dishes.
Usage of Turmeric in Medicine
The active ingredient of turmeric is the chemical component curcumin. This being a strong antioxidant reduces histamine levels and thus reduces inflammation. Curcumin has been known to protect the liver and reduce cholesterol. It significantly prevents internal blood clotting and thus prevents heart attacks and damages to liver tissue.
Turmeric finds a special place in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. The texts of this system mention turmeric as having the characteristic pungent and bitter taste and yet mention it to be beneficial for skin, respiratory and liver disorders. It is also considered to act as a blood purifier. Regular usage of turmeric has been found to help stimulate the immune system. It acts as a treatment for arthritis too. Researchers opine that the turmeric may also help prevent some forms of cancer, heart diseases, liver problems and cataract formation. Chinese physicians have also prescribed turmeric for treating various medical problems.
The antibacterial properties of turmeric come of use in its use as a wound dressing. It accelerates the healing process while readily reducing pain and inflammation of the affected area. Usually a thick paste of turmeric is applied on wounds.
An age old nostrum is to use half a teaspoonful of turmeric with warm water daily preferably in mornings. This is considered to rejuvenate the liver and expel toxins. Ayurvedic preparations for diabetes include turmeric as a component for its property of lowering blood sugar and increasing glucose metabolism.
Though turmeric is safe yet there ought to be some precautions taken regarding its administration to persons having gallstones, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers and obstructive jaundice.
Cosmetic use of Turmeric
Turmeric is widely used in cosmetics. In India brides (and even grooms) are smeared with turmeric at the wedding eve. It not only brings a golden glow to the skin but also keeps skin healthy and beautiful by reducing inflammation, smoothening and treating and preventing skin ailments like pimples rashes, acne, blackheads and blemishes. A whole range of creams, lotions, pace packs etc. are also including turmeric as an ingredient.