Turmeric

Other Names of Turmeric: Curcuma, Haldi, Khamin, Kunyit, Yu. Chin, Kaha

Useful Parts of the Plant: Rhizome or the Underground Stem

Turmeric is also called as the golden spice or the golden spice of life. This is because of the numerous health benefits it is associated with. This is a tropical perennial herb and is known to be first cultivated in India thousands of years ago. The herb can be traced back to 3000B.C. during the time of the Harappan Civilization and is known to be native to Indian and Indonesia.

Nutritional Properties and Information:

Turmeric is known to be highly beneficial to the body and filled with nutrition. With almost negligible calories the spice is rich in Vitamin B6 and fiber content. Besides this it also has minerals such as iron, manganese and potassium. It also has traces of Vitamin C and Vitamin K.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses

One of the health benefits of turmeric is that it is known to be very beneficial in treating type 2 diabetes as turmeric helps in lowering the levels of blood sugar. Typically in type 2 diabetes the pancreas do not produce sufficient insulin resulting in high levels of blood sugar. The curcumin present in turmeric is known to help in stimulating the production of insulin thereby resulting in the absorption of glucose in the various cells which is then used for energy.

The medicinal uses of turmeric also include it being used to treat medical issues related to digestion and the stomach. Turmeric is used in the natural treatment of stomach pains and infections, colitis and indigestion on account of its antiseptic as anti-inflammatory properties.

Another one of the health benefits of turmeric include it being used to lower the levels of bad cholesterol as well as the overall cholesterol levels in an individual. Thus turmeric is known to be effective in the treatment of heart disease.

The medicinal uses of turmeric also include it being used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric is known to help in improving the mobility and flexibility of movements in individuals who suffer from arthritis as well as minimizes the pain and swelling associated with arthritis.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric also result in the use of turmeric for the treatment of Alzheimers disease which is characterised by inflammation in the brain.

Similarly the health benefits of arthritis on account of its anti-inflammatory properties also result in it being used in the treatment of asthma. While using turmeric as a home remedy for asthma , one should add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm milk and then consume this mixture on a daily basis for best results.

The medicinal uses of turmeric also extend to it being used to treat cancer as research has shown that turmeric when combined with a nutritious diet is known to help in destroying as well as preventing the growth of cancer cells.

One of the oldest known health benefits of turmeric is it being used in the treatment of colds and flu because of its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. While suffering from the flu or cough it is also advisable to drink plenty of water so as to prevent dehydration.

Turmeric is also known to be very good for the skin on account of its antibacterial properties and hence it is used in the treatment of skin infections such as boils and for overall healthy skin as well.

Another one of the health benefits of turmeric is that it tends to increase the flow of bile which is a very important component that is required for the breakdown of fat. Hence consuming a teaspoon of turmeric powder on a daily basis is known to promote weight loss especially when combined with an exercise program and a healthy diet.

Precautions/ Side Effects/ Warnings

Along with the various health benefits, turmeric is also known to result in liver distress or stomach related issues if consumed for a prolonged period of time especially in high doses. Turmeric should also not be consumed by those who are suffering from gallstones and bile obstructions as well as those who are on blood thinning medications. Excessive consumption of turmeric is also known to result in constipation and dehydration.