About Turmeric

Origin Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belongs to zingiberaceae family, and its botanical name is curcuma longa L. It is believed that turmeric is originates from South or Southeast Asia. Turmeric Powder is a spice made from grinding the roots of the Curcuma longa plant, also called curcumin. It is a prime ingredient in curry powder and figures heavily in Asian cuisines. Because it imparts a vivid yellow color to the food it is cooked with, it is often used to color as well as flavor condiments, rice dishes and sauces. Turmeric's active ingredient is curcumin. It is thought to be an anti-inflammatory, as well as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that are thought to help prevent aging by inhibiting the breakdown of cells by oxidation.

Classification

Uses

• Food
  • Turmeric is a mild aromatic stimulant used in the manufacture of curry powders.
  • Turmeric is used in products that are packaged to protect them from sunlight.
  • The oleoresin component of turmeric is used for oil-containing products.
  • The Curcumin solution or curcumin powder dissolved in alcohol is used for water containing products.
  • Sometimes in pickles and mustard, turmeric is used to compensate for fading.
  • Turmeric is also used for coloring cheeses, salad dressings, margarine, yoghurts, cakes, biscuits, popcorn, cereals, sauces, etc.
  • Turmeric also forms a substitute for mustard in the cattle feed.
• Medicinal
  • Turmeric is used for treating digestive disorders.
  • Raw turmeric juice is used to treat hyper acidity and indigestion.
  • The juice of raw turmeric also acts as a blood purifier.
  • Curcumin - an active component of turmeric, has anti–oxidant properties and so turmeric is used in alternative medicine.
  • Turmeric is used for cuts and burns as it is believed to have antiseptic effects and promotes healing.
  • Curcumin also has an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing histamine(hormone) levels.
  • The flouride present in turmeric is essential for teeth.
  • Turmeric also has a protective effect on the liver and also in atherosclerosis.
  • Turmeric can be used internally to assist with digestive problems and Skin complaints, circulatory disorders as well as tumors in the uterus and menstrual problems.
  • It is also indicated to help with painful menstruation.
  • It is used to treat Liver disease and Jaundice, as well as Colon Cancer,
  • It is Used as an anti-inflammatory for asthma and eczema, and to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
• Cosmetics
  • The juice of raw turmeric is applied to the skin as a paste, kept for around thirty minutes and then washed off. It adds glow to the skin.
  • It is an essential ingredient of the traditional bathing ritual of Indian marriages where it is applied along with sandal wood paste before the bath.
  • It is believed that regular bathing in water containing turmeric reduces growth of body hair.
  • Regular turmeric use is said to make the skin fair, soft and smooth.
  • Turmeric is used for spots caused due to pigmentation or blotches and also for diseases like eczema.
• Miscellaneous Uses
  • Ayurveda states that turmeric is poisonous for crocodiles. So anyone swimming in crocodile infested waters should apply turmeric paste to protect himself.
  • Turmeric is also believed to ward off snakes and the presence of turmeric plants around the house acts as a barrier for them.
  • The turmeric paste is used in Indian medicine for snakebites.
  • The leaves of turmeric are said to act as mosquito repellents.
  • Turmeric is used as a coloring agent for filter paper used in scientific tests.
  • It has been recently discovered that in water cooled type of radiators, a spoonful of turmeric added to the water, plugs any leaks.

Composition Turmeric contains up to 5% essential oils and up to 5% curcumin, a polyphenol. Curcumin is the active substance of turmeric and curcumin is known as C.I. 75300, or Natural Yellow 3. The systematic chemical name is (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione. Health Benefits

• It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns
• When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer
• Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice
• May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide
• Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia
• Is a natural liver detoxifier
• May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain
• May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer
• It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects
• Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice
• Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor
• May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management
• Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression
• Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects
• Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer
• Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma
• Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors
• Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin
• May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions