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It is nearly impossible to think of
south-east Asian cuisine without Turmeric as a key ingredient. This
spice has an earthy flavor which is almost peppery and bitter. Its
flavor comes out best when used with food cooked in mustard oil.
Among foods, it is used in most of the vegetarian and non vegetarian
curry preparations, kebabs and main course foods. Turmeric is also
used in bakery products, sauces, curry powders, snack foods,
cereals, etc. Turmeric is also used as a marinating ingredient.
Moreover, it is used as a food additive to protect food from
sunlight. It is also added to oil based products as a preservative
and to water based products. Turmeric is also used in the making of
pickles, mustard and relish. Sometimes, turmeric is also used as a
substitute for saffron in the preparation of Indian sweets.
Cosmetic properties of turmeric
Turmeric has been used as an age old ingredient for cosmetic use.
Known for its disinfecting properties, Indian women, over
generations, have used turmeric paste scrubs before having their
bath. Turmeric mixed with cream is known to help skin with softness
and glowing. The same mixture with a couple of lemon drops is also
used to make skin and lips fair.
In Indian weddings, the bride to be is affectionately adorned with a
paste of turmeric, sandalwood and oil a few days before the wedding
since it is said to make her skin soft, blemish free and glowing.
Known for its multi-purpose cosmetic properties, turmeric is also
used as key ingredient in some cosmetic products like creams,
cleansers, soaps etc.
Ayurvedic use of turmeric
In the branch of ayurvedic medicine, Turmeric is considered to be as
the ‘Spice of Life’ for its innumerable benefits and various
medicinal properties. In Indian, it is the most commonly used home
remedy in form of antiseptic for day to day bruises, cuts or burns.
Turmeric is known for its superior digestive properties. It is
mainly added to foods which are hard to digest like beans and
chick-peas. It is also used in ayurvedic preperations for digestive
benefits. People use turmeric extract or concentrate sold over the
counter for various purposes like building resistance, improving
circulation, aiding digestion etc.
Turmeric is also used in antiseptic creams as it is considered one
of the best antiseptic agents as well. It has excellent
anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat internal and
external wounds, cuts, bruises etc. Turmeric mixed in milk is
sometimes used to treat common colds.
Use of Turmeric in allopathic medication
This spice is considered very good herbal preparation for heart
support, skin disorders. Osteoarthritis sufferers are said to use
turmeric as one of the principal herbs for some relief.
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