Turmeric Herb

Turmeric or Curcuma Longa is one of the oldest spices in the world. Cultivated in the South Asian tropical regions, the earliest record of this spice dates back to around 3000 B.C. This spice requires a lot of rainfall to grow properly.

This spice is also known as Haldi in India or Kurkum in the Middle East. A small city called Sangli, in the state of Maharashtra in the Indian subcontinent is known as the largest exporter of Turmeric, not just in Asia but also in the world.

Various uses of turmeric 

Turmeric is a very versatile spice. The root stem of Turmeric can be used in its original form which is juicy and tender or in can be used in powdered form. The root stem is boiled and dried before it is crushed into fine, familiar looking dark yellow-orange powder. 

Turmeric has various uses but is commonly used in food preparations. Over and above, this spice also has various medicinal uses and is used in cosmetic preparations as well. Due to its deep yellow-orange color, it is often used as a natural dye or coloring agent too. However, it is not a fast-dye and can fade in sunlight. However, it always maintains its yellow shade. It has to be treated with some other chemicals to give it a fast color property.

Culinary applications of turmeric

Turmeric is popularly known as a culinary spice. Due to its yellowish coloring, it is also known as the saffron for the poor, since it is used as a saffron substitute due to its wide availability and because it is inexpensive.

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 make skin soft 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 drug preparations for digestive medication. People use a capsule of 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 and honey is very good to treat common colds. This spice has antibiotic properties as well, used to fight other viral diseases.

Use of Turmeric in allopathic medication

This spice is considered very good medicine for heart patients as it helps to prevent artery blockage which is the primary cause of heart attacks. Doctors also recommend administering this preparation to people with skin disorders for its blood purifying properties.

Osteoarthritis treatment also uses turmeric as one of the principal medications due to its anti-inflammatory property. It is also popular as a pain-reliever.

Recent research shows that Turmeric also helps prevent cancer and helps in cancer cure, especially in the cases of skin cancer, breast cancer and blood cancer. It is also a widely used ingredient and key medication used to treat liver disorders like jaundice, hepatitis etc.  Turmeric is also a well known anti-depressant and is used to cure depression. Scientists are also researching the benefits of turmeric to fight diseases like Alzheimer’s and other neural disorders.