Turmeric

Curcuma longa syn. C. domestica

This perennial herb of the ginger family has a thick rhizome from which arise large, oblong and long-petioled leaves. Turmeric grows to almost a yard high and is extensively cultivated in India, China, Indonesia, Jamaica, Haiti, Philippines and other tropical countries. The part used is the cured (boiled, cleaned and sun-dried) and polished rhizome. India is the major producer. This spice is the major ingredient of curry powder and is also used in prepared mustard.

In Samoa, natives have used the powdered rhizome to treat skin ulcers, heal the navel of newborn children, get rid of pimples and relieve the pain and itching of dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. In some cases, such as with diaper rash, the powdered rhizome is just sprinkled into the hand and then rubbed on the baby's skin. In other instances, however, some turmeric is mixed with a little coconut oil and gently applied to more severe inflammations.

In India and China, a little powdered turmeric is mixed with the juice from half a squeezed lime and a little water to make a smooth, even paste, which then is put directly onto herpes lesions, leprosy sores, measles, mumps, chickenpox and so forth with excellent results. Several crushed zinc tablets (50 mg. each) may also be added if desired. The same paste works well for snakebites, insect stings, and ringworm, too.

Among some Ayurvedic practitioners in India, it still is a common custom to use a piece of clean cloth soaked in turmeric solution for wiping away discharges of acute conjunctivitis and ophthalmia. And a little powdered turmeric is sometimes mixed with an equal amount of baking soda and then a tiny portion put into the outer ear to help dry up any fluid discharges.

A decoction of turmeric followed by 3 glasses of water is very helpful for alleviating any bleeding experienced during pregnancy. When combined with eggplant, it seems to be even more beneficial for this, and for healing wounds. Early pregnancy bleeding usually denotes threatened abortion and should, therefore, be taken quite seriously.

This remedy may be adapted for households. In 1 pint of boiling water, simmer 1 cup of diced eggplant on low heat for 45 minutes, covered. Strain into another pan and add 1/2 tsp. of powdered turmeric. Cover again and steep until this liquid becomes lukewarm. Strain through several layers of gauze and drink 1 cup at that time. Repeat this process each day for as long as needed to stop bleeding.

Turmeric has manifested remarkable anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting induced edema and sub acute arthritis in rats and mice. These positive results are comparable to the same effects achieved by popular anti-inflammatory medications like hydrocortisone acetate and phenylbutazone. Two half teaspoonfuls taken morning and evening in juice can help somewhat.

Additional relief may be obtained for this disease, contusions, sprains and fractures by mixing together 2 tbsps. turmeric with 1 tbsp. lime juice and just enough boiling water to make a nice, smooth, warm paste. This can then be applied directly to the area of swelling and pain, and then covered with some plastic food wrap to retain the heat and moisture longer. The consistency of the paste should be similar to that of creamy peanut butter so that it can be spread on the skin easily.

Turmeric is good at lowering serum cholesterol levels and preventing fatty accumulations in and around the liver. Rats fed on diets containing 10% fat colored with turmeric showed virtually no fat buildup around the liver as did other rodents on the same diet but without the benefit of this spice. Turmeric works twice as well when combined with some cooked eggplant. Mix 3/4 tsp. turmeric with 2 tbsps. cooked, mashed eggplant and 1-1/2 tbsps. boiling water until smooth. This can  be spread on a piece of rye or whole wheat bread and eaten following a meal of fatty foods to protect the liver.

Turmeric, a long-time folk remedy for liver disorders, can reduce inflammation in the liver and strengthen liver function. Today, natural healers often prescribe curcumin to people with hepatitis C, a common liver ailment. To add to its versatility, curcumin has also been used as an effective treatment for gallbladder disease.

Studies from Japan have confirmed that spices can increase shelf life of oils and fats. Turmeric and ginger, among other spices, showed significant antioxidant activity when they were added to olive, soybean or sesame oils. Interesting applications of turmeric have been found in extending the refrigerated storage life of seafood. Since turmeric is used popularly with most fish preparations, the effect of a dip treatment in turmeric, or turmeric with salt, each at 5% level for 15-30 minutes was studied by one group of scientists.

Control shrimp only had a shelf life of 13 days, developing black spots and fishy decomposition odor. But by dipping the shrimp in a turmeric plus salt dip solution, the shelf life increased another week. And when a combination of spice-salt dip plus irradiation was employed, shelf life increased to 42 days.

Parts used

Rhizome.

Uses

Traditional remedy - Turmeric improves the action of the liver and is a traditional remedy for jaundice in both Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine. Turmeric is also an ancient herb for digestive problems such as gastritis and acidity, helping to increase mucus production and protect the stomach. Turmeric also alleviates nausea.
Arthritis & allergies - Even though turmeric does not relieve pain, its anti-inflammatory action makes it useful for arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions  such as asthma and eczema.
Circulatory disorders - Due to its anti-inflammatory- blood-thinning, and cholesterol- lowering properties, turmeric is now used to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Skin conditions - Applied to the skin, turmeric is useful in treating a number of conditions, including psoriasis, and fungal infections such as athlete's foot.
Turmeric is also used to treat heel spurs.

Habitat & cultivation

Turmeric is native to lndia and southern Asia, and is cultivated  throughout southern and eastern Asia. Turmeric is propagated by cuttings from the root, and needs well drained soil and a humid climate. The rhizome is unearthed in winter.

Research

New interest in turmeric - Despite its longstanding use in India and China, the therapeutic actions of turmeric were not researched until recent decades when there was an upsurge of interest in foods and medicines that lower cholesterol levels or have antioxidant properties (neutralize harmful free radicals). Research since the early 1970s, mainly in India, has confirmed turmeric's traditional actions and revealed potential new uses for it.
Anti-inflammatory - Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Turmeric has an even stronger action than hydrocortisone, according to research studies conducted between 1971 and 1991.
Curcumin - When applied to the skin and exposed to sunlight, turmeric is strongly antibacterial. Curcumin is the constituent responsible for this action. Curcumin is also more strongly antioxidant than vitamin E.
Cholesterol - Chinese clinical trials in 1987 indicate that turmeric lowers cholesterol levels.
Cancer - Turmeric may be a valuable preventive remedy for those at risk of developing cancer, but more research is needed.
Other actions - Research has shown that turmeric has an anticoagulant action, keeping the blood thin. Turmeric also increases bile production and flow, and has a protective action on the stomach and liver.

How much to take

Many people take 400 mg of curcumin three times per day in capsules or tablets. Turmeric as a spice can also be incorporated into the diet as a way to promote health.

Side effects

Turmeric is extremely safe. Turmeric has been used in large quantities as a food with no adverse reactions. However, persons with symptoms from gallstones should avoid turmeric.

Curcumin

Curcumin is derived from turmeric, the spice that gives curry powder its distinctive yellow color. (Curcumin is not the same as cumin, which may also be found in curry powder.) Turmeric, known as the "spice of life," is widely used in Indian cooking. Today, curcumin is included in many herbal formulas designed to relieve rheumatoid arthritis. Indian studies have shown that curcumin is as strong an anti-inflammatory as many of the arthritis medicaments sold by prescription and over the counter. In fact, in double-blind studies with arthritis patients, curcumin produced significant improvement comparable with phenylbutazone, a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication. The advantage of curcumin over the NSAID is that there are no known side effects, while NSAIDs in general can cause stomach distress, bleeding ulcers, and other problems.

Scientists have begun testing curcumin as a possible treatment for skin, breast, and colon cancer. Curcumin also protects against heart disease in several important ways. First, it can lower high blood cholesterol levels, and second, it can prevent blood clots that can lead to heart attack and stroke.

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