Turmeric

Turmeric is a plant of the ginger family, which is known for its extraordinary healing properties. It is used as a food coloring, an independent seasoning, added to various sauces, and is also used in folk and modern medicine and cosmetology. Turmeric is native to Southeast India. This spice has been cultivated for over two millennia. At first it was used as a dye and an attribute for ritual ceremonies. Over time, the spice began to be used for medicinal purposes. In the Middle Ages, turmeric was brought to Europe by Arab merchants. It was then that the spice acquired the name “Indian saffron”, surprising the Europeans.

Since then, turmeric has been one of the favorite spices in Europe and America. It is worth noting that this spice is often confused with saffron. Their difference lies in the fact that turmeric is obtained from the rhizome of a herbaceous plant, and saffron is obtained from the dried stigmas of crocus flowers. In its original wild form, it grows in India, but in a cultivated form it is grown in many countries of the world, such as China, Taiwan, Cambodia, Japan, Peru, Indonesia and the Philippines. This spice can also be grown at home.

In the East, it is generally accepted that turmeric is a symbol of fertility, has great energy power and brings good luck. In India, this spice occupies a leading position among women’s spices. In Sanskrit, turmeric is called haridra. Even in Ayurveda, the ancient science of health and longevity, the healing properties of spices were described.

General characteristics

Turmeric is a perennial tropical plant up to 90 cm high with oval-shaped leaves and a rounded rhizome. The roots and leaves of the plant contain the natural yellow dye curcumin, as well as various essential oils. Thanks to these components, a fragrant bright yellow spice is obtained from the rhizomes of the plant.

In nature, there are about 40 types of turmeric. In greenhouse conditions, the following varieties of spices are grown:

• citric turmeric;
• turmeric round;
• long turmeric (homemade);
• Sumatran turmeric.

The most popular among these species is long turmeric, which is used as a seasoning. Almost all recipes of oriental cuisine use homemade turmeric – one of the favorite spices of the East. Turmeric starch is made from turmeric round. Turmeric roots are used in the production of liqueurs ^[1].

Composition

The spice contains a number of useful vitamins and minerals. The composition of the rhizome of the plant includes vitamins B, C, K and P, antioxidants, as well as calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine and essential oils containing terpene, sabinene, borneol, cineole, tumerone, curcumin and many other components. ^[2].

Among the important components, curcumin occupies a special place. It is used to make food additive E100, which is widely used in the food industry. Thanks to the addition of this substance in the manufacture of mayonnaise, margarine, cheeses and yoghurts, products acquire a beautiful yellowish-orange hue. Scientists have discovered the incredible properties of curcumin, which is able to destroy tumor cells without damaging healthy ones. ^[3]. Cineol helps to improve the functioning of the stomach and get rid of parasites. Tumeron also has an antiparasitic effect and kills pathogenic bacteria. Vitamin P helps in the treatment of psoriasis, dermatitis, asthma and sclerosis. Antioxidants help to rejuvenate the body and prevent the development of malignant tumors by blocking the appearance of free radicals.

Useful Properties

The beneficial properties of turmeric have been known since ancient times. In Hindustan, this valuable spice was used to cleanse the body. According to studies, it stabilizes blood pressure and thins the blood. ^[4]. In addition, the spice helps to lower blood sugar levels and has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system of the body. The substance curcumin improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), restores the menstrual cycle, regulates blood cholesterol levels and helps with appetite disorders.

The plant has a beneficial effect on metabolism, eliminates irritation, dermatitis and allergies. Thanks to the essential oils that make up the spice, liver function improves. It is widely believed among the people that turmeric is able to treat better than antibiotics, without harm to the gastrointestinal tract. This spice is an excellent prophylactic against senile dementia (Alzheimer’s disease) ^[5]. The plant effectively helps during rehabilitation after serious illnesses, supporting the body and purifying the blood. For people suffering from obesity and diabetes, it is also recommended to include turmeric in the diet. With the regular addition of 0,5 teaspoon of this spice to food, after a certain time, the condition of those suffering from arthritis improves. The spice is actively used to prevent cancer and prevent the development of tumors.

Many women use the plant for cosmetic purposes, as well as for weight loss. Curcumin, as one of the components of the spice, effectively fights the formation of fatty tissues. Thanks to the regulation of metabolism, excess weight is actively lost. If you systematically add this spice to food, then the body will spend more calories and remove excess water. The oil of the plant is effectively used in aromatherapy as an antibacterial agent.

Treatment

Turmeric is widely used for medicinal purposes as it is an excellent natural antibiotic. For skin diseases, it is used as follows ^[6]:

• dilute turmeric powder in a glass of boiled water and stir until a homogeneous thick mass is obtained;
• applied to affected areas of the skin;
• wash off with warm water until irritation and redness of the skin appear.

The resulting mixture effectively helps with furunculosis, eczema, itching and the presence of black spots and acne.

Turmeric has a healing effect on burns. To prepare the medicine, a spice paste based on boiled water with the addition of aloe juice is used. The resulting product has a calming effect on damaged skin.

The plant is also effective in helping with gum disease. For rinsing, use a solution of boiled water and one teaspoon of spices. With a regular procedure, the inflammatory process is removed and the gums are strengthened.

In the treatment of colds, spice is added to boiled milk and taken at least four times a day. Burnt spice aromatherapy helps get rid of a runny nose.

The spice of the fair sex was appreciated for its ability to influence breast size. Not without reason it is believed that this is a female spice. In folk medicine, there is a healing drink with turmeric to increase breast size. To prepare it, you need to pour one teaspoon of spice without a slide with warm raw milk. The resulting drink should be drunk before meals (preferably in the evening) for 31 days. To get a good result in parallel, you must adhere to several rules:

• Exercise regularly
• do not take a hot bath;
• do not slouch;
• wear the right bra;
• give up a diet with a quick effect.

Spice perfectly helps restore the strength of damaged and brittle hair. To do this, prepare a balm using the following ingredients:

• the floor of the banana;
• turmeric;
• juice of two oranges;
• applesauce from half an apple.

Grind the ingredients in a blender and apply the resulting slurry to washed wet hair for 30 minutes, wrapping your head in a towel. After this procedure, wash your hair in warm water.

A unique remedy for many diseases is obtained by combining spices and honey. This mixture is used in the treatment of problem skin. The combination of spices with milk and honey helps to improve the structure of hair and nails. To do this, daily you need to drink a glass of milk with honey and turmeric.

Turmeric in Ayurveda

In the ancient Ayurvedic system, turmeric occupies a special place. It was believed that the spice brings prosperity, gives vitality and clears the channels of the energy body. ^[7]. In addition, it increases the elasticity of the ligaments, which is useful for those who practice yoga.

In Ayurvedic literature, it is noted that the spice perfectly cleanses the blood and favors the formation of new blood cells. The spice is useful when eating heavy meals, reduces cravings for sweet and fatty foods. It also contributes to the natural cleansing of the body of toxins. To do this, prepare a mixture of equal parts of gentian, barberry and turmeric and take 1 g three times a day with honey ^[8].

The spice is used to eliminate energy blockages, which manifest themselves in the form of depression, tension and constriction. It is enough to add spice to dishes to increase the tone and cleanse the energy channels.

Turmeric powder with the addition of heated butter and unrefined sugar is recommended during allergic asthma attacks.

It is useful to use the spice for children and people over 65 years old. For the elderly, a therapeutic bone tonic is a mixture of 4 parts comfrey root, 2 parts turmeric, 2 parts licorice, and 1 part cinnamon. ^[9].

Weight loss recipes

Turmeric is used to speed up weight loss during a diet. Spice is added to smoothies, salads, cocktails, drinks and other dishes.

Smoothies

Ingredients:

• 1 orange;
• 1 banana;
• 200 ml of non-fat yogurt without additives;
• 1 tsp turmeric;
• 1 tsp liquid honey.

Technology of preparation:

• peel orange and banana, chop in a blender;
• add spice, yogurt and honey to the mixture;
• mix the ingredients.

Take as an independent dish.

Turmeric tincture with cinnamon and honey

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp turmeric;
• 0,5 tsp cinnamon;
• 0,5 tsp freshly grated ginger;
• 1 tsp. honey;
• 0,5 L of water.

Technology of preparation:

• bring the water to a boil;
• mix spices and add boiling water;
• insist 15 minutes;
• strain and add honey;
• to stir thoroughly.

Take one glass of tincture before meals.

Turmeric tincture with milk and honey

Ingredients:

• 1 st. l. turmeric;
• 100 g boiling water;
• Xnumx g of milk;
• 1 tsp honey

Technology of preparation:

• pour boiling water over the spice and insist 20 minutes;
• add milk and honey to the infusion and stir.

Take a drink before bedtime.

Обертывание

Ingredients:

• 1 st. l. turmeric;
• 0,5 tsp cinnamon;
• 8 drops of grapefruit (or orange) essential oil;
• 100 g diluted cosmetic blue clay.

Usage Technology:

• mix the ingredients;
• apply to problem areas on the body;
• wrap with cling film and a warm blanket;
• after 45 minutes, unwind and rinse the mixture with warm water.

It is recommended to wrap 2-3 times a week.

Contraindications and side effects

Turmeric is a powerful spice and it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking it. Excessive consumption of spices is fraught with diarrhea.

It is not recommended to self-medicate, consuming spice without consulting a doctor, people suffering from diabetes and low blood pressure.

The use of turmeric is contraindicated in the following cases ^[10]:

• the presence of stones in the gallbladder;
• hepatitis;
• pregnancy (the tone of the uterus increases);
• spice allergy.

The recommended daily intake of spices is 1–3 g (a teaspoon without a slide) ^[11].

Cooking application

In cooking, turmeric is used as a seasoning for various dishes and drinks. Moreover, it is added to products to extend their shelf life. A small dose of spice gives any dish a unique aroma and exquisite taste, especially in marinades, sauces and hot drinks. A popular Indian curry is made from turmeric. Curcumin is used in the manufacture of bulk mixtures, liqueurs, mayonnaise, sauces and other products. As a full-fledged spice, turmeric has a large number of useful properties, therefore it is successfully combined in meat, fish and vegetable seasonings. Many people like to add spice to egg omelettes, soups and tea.

In the confectionery industry, spice is actively used to make ice cream and various sweets.

At home, spice as a natural food coloring is added in the manufacture of pasta or to decorate dishes.

Storage conditions

Storage of turmeric has some peculiarities. Initially, storage conditions depend on the type of plant. The spice root should not be damaged and soft. It is important that outwardly it is bright yellow and dense. When choosing a root, you need to pay attention to its smell: a fresh product has a sharp and spicy aroma.

Ground spice must be hermetically sealed and not expired. The estimated shelf life of ground turmeric is 2-3 years. The spice must be stored in a glass container with an airtight lid.

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