Turmeric is one of the best known and most used spices since ancient times.
Turmeric is a perennial herb with long oval-shaped leaves that can reach over 40 centimeters and yellow spike inflorescences with white green and sometimes purple bracts.
The phytotherapic and alimentary part is the rhizome that is found underground, which is not the root but the underground stem that has changed and once harvested, boiled and dried it can be transformed into the famous yellow orange powder called "turmeric powder" .
Turmeric powder is a spice, also known as the " saffron of the Indies " due to its similarity with saffron and its uses.
Its typical color, in addition to being a color for many ethnic dishes, is also an excellent natural dye for fabrics.
In India, turmeric has been known for over 5000 years and already the ancient texts indicated the food, healing and beneficial uses for the body.
Properties and benefits of turmeric
Turmeric as an antioxidant
Turmeric is an excellent antioxidant thanks to the presence of a particular active ingredient, curcumin . This substance is able to reduce free radicals and thus slow down cellular aging, the first step to counteract the emergence of any abnormalities at the cellular level, including the tumor.
Turmeric as an anticancer
Turmeric has in fact been studied for its anticancer properties and this has led to confirm its benefits that contrast as many as 8 different tumors that in fact affect the mouth, the prostate, the skin, the kidneys, the breast, the liver, the colon and lungs.
Turmeric as a healing agent
Another exceptional property of turmeric is its healing capacity, which sees it as an excellent first aid remedy for burns, dermatitis, insect bites and wounds.
In hot and humid countries like India, the land of origin of turmeric, it is an excellent remedy because the powder is well positioned on the wounds and helps the healing of the skin without the use of liquids or protections that often lead to moisture infect the wound rather than heal it.
Turmeric as an immunostimulant and anti-flu
Known for some time as a basic remedy against flu and joint pain, it sees these effects as being anti-inflammatory, analgesic and pain-relieving.
Turmeric is used as a natural antibiotic (antibacterial and antihistamine) and is an immunostimulant ie it helps strengthen the immune system. It also has an excellent purifying power that helps to bring out toxins from the body in both acute and chronic states of maleness.
Turmeric as a digestive
Turmeric has choleretic and cholagogue properties, therefore it is able to improve the production of bile and the flow in the intestine . This allows both intestine and stomach functioning for better general digestion.
It also becomes an aid against meteorism and slow digestion . Finally, turmeric is useful for reducing cholesterol, again thanks to these properties which act to improve the digestion of fat in circulation.
Turmeric in Ayurvedic medicine and Western medicine
How and when to take turmeric
Turmeric can be purchased directly as a spice powder or it can be found as a food supplement in herbal medicine or other specialized stores.
The recommended dose for the powder is 2 teaspoons a day to be added to the dishes. Usually spices are put to the end of cooking to preserve the flavor and properties of the plant.
In the kitchen, even natural it is possible to add it in soups, creams, sauces, yogurt or fresh cheeses, even of vegetable origin such as tofu.
The preparation as a hot drink with only turmeric or combined with other spices and herbs is an excellent herbal tea that brings its multiple benefits to the body.
We always remember that even if the turmeric is a food, a natural spice, care must be taken not to overdo the dosage and not to abuse this aroma: any food taken every day can lead to illness and it is therefore always good to vary the spices too and follow the seasonality of foods.
Turmeric is not recommended for those suffering from gallstones as it could overload the kidneys. It is also better to limit its use in pregnancy and for people with hemophilic disorders .
