Indeed nature drops at our feet a wide range of herbs and spices which would turn our kitchens into preventive healthcare centers than disease-breeding factories. I present to you one such spice which truly makes our healthy lifestyle beyond colorful; internally and externally - the colorful turmeric.
I totally agree with Alyson Mcnutt English, the award-winning, internationally published freelance writer about home, health, business, parenting, technology and "green" topics in her assertion that, "Adding spices to your diet can curb hunger, strengthen muscles, boost your brainpower, and improve mood new research shows. Plus, you get instant, big-time flavor for a few calories and nearly zero fat."
Reading and writing about this orange wonder has been very enriching and I have no doubt you would enjoy the intellectual ride....Hop on and let's go!
Turmeric comes from the rhizome of a stately, large-leafed perennial that belongs to the same family as ginger - Zingiberaceae. It contains Proteins, Vitamins, Potassium, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc and many more. The genus name of turmeric, Curcuma, comes from korkum, a word used in ancient Rome to mean “saffron,” which is a much costlier, more subtly flavored spice. Turmeric is mentioned in the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, as being associated with purity and cleansing. Even today, orthodox Hindu brides and bridegrooms take part in a ceremony called haldi—the Hindi word for “turmeric”—in which their faces and hands are coated with turmeric paste before they take their vows. As a healing herb, turmeric has its roots deep in the medicinal traditions of India, China, and several Southeast Asian cultures. In Western herbal medicine, it has recently gained popularity as a potent but safe anti-inflammatory treatment for a host of digestive ailments and other conditions. Its most striking characteristic is its color, brilliant golden-orange.
Curcumin is the most important and active ingredient of this “super herb”. This ancient spice is one of the most intensely researched herbs in the marketplace. Researchers around the world are showing a tremendous interest in turmeric due to its natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antibiotic, antiviral, antihistamine and anticancer properties. In the United States alone, the National Institutes of Health is currently funding studies on turmeric and curcumin for a variety of conditions, including colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anorexia, Hepatitis B, and rheumatoid arthritis.
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| Fresh Organic Turmeric Root |
Low Bio-availability
Turmeric contains fat-soluble constituents that will not be fully extracted in water alone since curcumin has a low bioavailability. Bioavailability is the actual amount of an herb or a drug that reaches the circulatory system. It is the amount of a substance absorbed by the body. An herb with poor bioavailability will be poorly absorbed by the body and therefore have less healing effect. The factors behind the Low bioavailability of Turmeric are Low Serum Concentration, low tissue distribution and rapid metabolism. One effective way of increasing the absorption of turmeric is to combine with butter, coconut oil or black pepper that contains Bioperine.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Anti-Inflammatory Capacity: The active ingredients in turmeric are extensive, but a particularly crucial compound is curcumin. This substance has received considerable attention in the medical community due to its potent anti-inflammatory abilities. In fact, the strength of this substance is likened to some of the strongest pharmaceutical options for reducing inflammation. For this reason, consuming turmeric is often suggested for the reduction of arthritic pain, gout, and muscle pain following exercise or injury. Turmeric can achieve this relief in either topical form or when normally consumed. A topical salve can also be made to reduce the inflammation of hemorrhoids.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Turmeric seems to have a special affinity for reducing inflammation in the body, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. Curcumin has been shown to be beneficial for reducing symptoms in patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions are collectively referred to as inflammatory bowel disease. In studies, patients given doses of 1 to 2 g per day of curcumin experienced fewer symptoms and less systemic inflammation. Turmeric aids smooth digestion and fat metabolism. It helps in stimulating bile formation and alleviates symptoms of bloating and gas. Turmeric taken with milk is helpful in preventing Intestinal Diseases
Menstrual Issues: If you suffer from severe menstrual discomfort, cramping, bloating, excessive bleeding, or mood swings, turmeric may be precisely what you have been looking for. The anti-inflammatory and soothing nature of the herb’s natural compounds can relieve most symptoms of menstruation. It is known as a golden herb for female reproductive system. It regulates Menstruation and relieves pain during Menses. The antispasmodic action is beneficial in treating Menstrual Cramps
Cystic Fibrosis: Although this crippling, fatal disease is not discussed as often as cancer or heart disease, this particular condition attacks the lungs with thick mucus, as well as the pancreas. The curcumin found in turmeric has been shown to correct the protein-folding mutation that can cause the development of this deadly disease.
Cystic Fibrosis: Although this crippling, fatal disease is not discussed as often as cancer or heart disease, this particular condition attacks the lungs with thick mucus, as well as the pancreas. The curcumin found in turmeric has been shown to correct the protein-folding mutation that can cause the development of this deadly disease.
Cancer Prevention and Treatment: It seems that the whole world is searching for a cure for cancer, well they should be, and turmeric is one of the best herbal approaches to the treatment or prevention of various types of cancer. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant agent that has been directly linked with a reduction in colon cancer cells and is a direct inhibitor for a protein that is essential for tumor growth. It is a good herbal remedy for Breast Cancer. It destroys cancer cells without affecting normal breast cells. This makes turmeric a wonderful addition to any diet as a preventative measure and as a means of slowing metastasis of cancerous growth. Curcumin may protect against colon cancer. A small pilot study in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) disorder—characterized by the development of hundreds of benign tumors in the colon, eventually leading to colorectal cancer—garnered positive results. A combination of 480 mg of curcumin and 20 mg of quercetin taken orally 3 times a day reduced the number and size of tumors in patients by roughly 60 percent over a 6-month period. The most extensive research on turmeric’s cancer prevention effects has been on colon cancer, but other types of cancer research related to curcumin are underway at Johns Hopkins University.
Detoxification of the Body: Turmeric and its active organic compounds have also been found to improve liver function and reduce the levels of toxicity in the body. By stimulating the lymphatic system and ensuring that toxins are removed efficiently, the antioxidant activities of turmeric are an ideal solution for liver ailments or toxicity. Turmeric is a strong liver detoxifier so it can help with depression, frustration, and irritability that are all signs of liver toxicity.
Cardiovascular Health: There are different ways in which turmeric can boost your cardiovascular health – curcumin and vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 can efficiently inhibit the production of homocysteine, which is a negative bodily byproduct that seriously damages cell walls. These weakened walls can cause a number of complications in the heart, particularly when exacerbated by high blood pressure or plaque build-up. Secondly, curcumin directly balances your cholesterol levels by eliminating excess LDL (“bad cholesterol”) from the arteries and blood vessels. This can help to prevent atherosclerosis, so when combined with stronger blood vessels, turmeric represents a comprehensive solution for a wide range of heart issues.
Hair Health: Turmeric is a cure for Hair problems. It helps to get rid of Dandruff and prevents Baldness. It promotes the growth of hair and treats scalp problems. It enhances blood circulation to the scalp and supply of nutrients to the hair follicles. Ladies, are you looking for fair and glowing Skin? The answer is TURMERIC.
Andrew Weil, M.D. loves turmeric and he has stated that if you make one resolution he recommends you to start taking this one herb. He also stated that there are not many herbs that can help with pain, stop inflammation, kill cancer cells, get the blood flowing to the brain, and help with depression. Turmeric is indeed a colorful powerhouse where many of our healthy life needs are surely guaranteed.
How to Use @ Home
There are tons of homemade recipes with turmeric but I would not be able to share all here. In no order of preference, these are some ways in which turmeric can be used at home:
Inflammation Reduction Tea: This warm and immune supportive and anti-inflammatory tea is beneficial for our muscles, nervous and circulatory systems.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons grated fresh turmeric
1 ⁄2 teaspoon cardamom
1 ⁄2 teaspoon clove
Tiny pinch of black pepper
1 teaspoon black tea or rooibos per cup
1 teaspoon coconut oil per cup
1 teaspoon honey per cup
Steeping: Combine the ginger, turmeric, cardamom, clove, and pepper in a lidded saucepan with 4 cups water. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat. Add the tea, butter, and honey. Let sit for 5 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
Chest pain relief: Boil one glass of milk and add half teaspoon of Turmeric powder in it. Drink it sip by sip. You can also add Honey to improve the taste.
Dental Abscesses Treatment: Add Turmeric and Salt to warm water. Swish 5 to 10 times. Turmeric has antiseptic and antibiotic properties. It will help in treating the infection.
Turmeric as Liver Tonic: Turmeric is an effective Liver cleansing food. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of water and boil it. Add one pinch of Black Pepper in it to increase the bioavailability of Turmeric. Drink it twice daily for 2 weeks.
Eczema Treatment: Turmeric consists of antibacterial and Anti-fungal properties that fight against Eczema. Simmer One tablespoon of Turmeric in a cup of boiling water for 8-10 minutes. Cool and drink. As well as, Use this preparation to wash the affected area. OR: Add water in Turmeric powder to make a paste. Apply the paste over affected parts. Wash with normal water after drying.
Dandruff Treatment: Take 2 to 3 teaspoons of Turmeric powder. Mix it with Olive oil. Apply it on the scalp. Keep it for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with a mild shampoo.
Treatment for Cracked Heels: Turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties reduce the Inflammation and infection in the Cracked Heels. It exfoliates the dead Skin tissues and speeds up the healing process. Take 2 to 3 teaspoons of Turmeric powder. Add few drops of Coconut Oil to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the Cracked Heels. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash with soap and lukewarm water. Repeat it 2 times a week.
Turmeric for Hyper pigmentation: Mix one tablespoon of Turmeric and two tablespoon of Lemon juice. Apply it over the face for 15 minutes and wash it off.
Muscle Sprains Relief: Mix a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of hot milk and drink.
Treatment for Sore Throat: Boil one teaspoon Turmeric in one glass of water. Gargle with lukewarm turmeric water twice a day. OR: Boil One teaspoon Turmeric powder in a cup of hot Milk for 2-3 minutes. Drink warm.
Herbal Treatment for Digestive Disorders: Brew 1 sliced Ginger, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 Cinnamon stick in 200 ml of water for 15 minutes. Turn off the flame and steep it for 5 minutes. Strain it off. Drink this decoction regularly to keep your Digestive System healthy.
Treatment for High Cholesterol: Boil 1 teaspoon of Turmeric, 1 sliced Ginger and 1 Cinnamon stick in 2 cups of water. Boil it for 10 minutes. Stop heating it and steep it for 5 minutes. Add a teaspoon of Lemon juice into it. Strain it off. Drink a half cup of this decoction once daily.
Beauty Remedies: The wonders that turmeric does for your skin are enormous- improves skin texture, reduce skin inflammation, fights bacteria that causes pimples and acne, brings out its glow -so I will focus on a few recipes.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric and 1 tablespoon of milk in a bowl. With the tips of your fingers, massage the mixture all over your face and leave it on for 20 minutes until it is dry. Wash if off and pat dry. Repeat this process about 3 times a week. This helps to fight free radicals and cleanse the impurities from the skin for a young, clean and nourished look.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a bowl into a paste. Massage the mixture all over your face and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and rinse your face again with cold water to tighten your pores. Repeat this 3 times a week. It helps to retain the moisture of the skin and improve its elasticity for a young and fresh look.
- Take ¼ cups of avocado pulp and mash until you get a fine paste. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric and 1 tablespoon of yogurt; mix them until you get a fine paste. Apply the pack evenly on your skin and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and follow with cold water. Repeat this process once or twice in a week. Yogurt contains lactic acid that removes dead skin cells while the fatty acids in avocado moisturizes and nourishes your skin.
- This recipe is for a tanned skin or one with dark spots to improve the skin color. Lemon contains citric acid, which gently bleaches your skin as turmeric imparts a natural glow. Thus, mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric and ½ tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice in a bowl. Apply this paste evenly on your face or areas with discoloration and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash it off and pat dry with a soft towel. Repeat this 3 times a week.
Please make sure the ingredients you use are as natural as possible to avoid the harsh effects of chemicals.
Sometimes we need to make a wall around us. Not like a brick wall but to secure ourselves from various bacteria or viruses. As it is commonly said that, "All big things come in small packages". Similarly, the same thing happens with this formula. A small formula cures almost all the diseases and makes you healthy. It builds up strong immunity to fight against the invaders.
Ingredients
Turmeric Powdered 2 teaspoons
Ginger Dried and Powdered 1 teaspoon
Clove Powdered 1/2 teaspoon
Cinnamon Powdered 1 teaspoon
Cardamom Powdered 1 teaspoon
Take one liter of water in a pan. Add all the above-mentioned ingredients. Put on a low flame. Boil for 10 minutes. Strain and have a cup of this tea daily.
For more recipes with turmeric, please join us on our WhatsApp platform as soon as possible! As always, you are welcome to join our WhatsApp Group – Organic Life Family. The raison d’être of this support group is to build a community of healthy life enthusiasts, gardeners and clean/organic eaters. We believe that, by journeying this least-traveled path here in Ghana, we can begin to champion preventive health habits in our daily nutritional choices.
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