Turmeric
Turmeric is one of most famous medicine in the entire world especially used in Aayurveda. Turmeric has a medicinal properties and it is somewhat bitter in taste. Regardless of its taste, Indian food recipe cannot be completed without use of turmeric powder. It becomes a rule to use turmeric powder during food making and also in many regional celebrations like wedding ceremony.
Turmeric is a tropical plant perennial herb, curcuma domestically cultivated in India since ancient time. As early as 3000 B.C., the turmeric plants were cultivated by Harappan civilization. Turmeric belongs to ginger family Zingiberaceae.
Sanskrit Name
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हरिद्रा(Haridra),गन्धपलाशिका(Gandhapalazika)
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Scientific Name
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Curcuma longa
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Local Name
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Haldi
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Habitat
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All over India
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Height
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Small bush
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Use
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Multiple uses
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Turmeric is cultivated in India as a regular crop. The plant of Turmeric is a herbaceous perennial, which is 60 -90 cm high. It has a short stem. The plant is generally planted during September to October. Turmeric is harvested after 10 months of planting.
Turmeric powder is made by grinding dried rhizomes. These rhizomes are harvested from the field and dried in the sun rays. After complete removal of water and moisture, these rhizomes are grind and fine powder is produced which can be then used for many purposes.
Uses of Turmeric
In case of fever and cough, if we drink a cup of milk with one spoon turmeric, it will immediately start working and we will get relief. But when taken excess will taste like bitter.
Turmeric is a very good antiseptic and is dusted on the wound, which stops blood flow and clots the injury. Turmeric acts as an antibacterial and antifungal medicine and stops growth of bacteria in the wound. Now a day’s also I used turmeric to apply on the injury when blood flow can’t stops over a longer period. During ancient days, in the wars, people use turmeric to apply on the wounds of the soldier. In case of very deep injury, old ghee (clarified butter) which is generally stored more than 100 years is used to fill the deep injuries due to which the injury gets cured quickly.
In case of sticking the leech to human body, turmeric is powdered on the leech due to which leech immediately leaves the body.
Turmeric is used in manufacturing of cosmetics. It is a very good medicine in case of facial problems. Turmeric can also benefit skin conditions including: eczema, psoriasis and acne, for those it is potent detoxifier.
Turmeric also protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. Studies have shown that turmeric may help reduce cholesterol and also prevent the internal blood clots that trigger heart attack and strokes and inhibited the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol). Oxidized LDL deposits in the walls of blood vessels and contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Turmeric may also prevent platelet build up along the walls of an injured blood vessel. Platelets collecting at the site of a damaged blood vessel cause blood clots to form and blockage of the artery as well.
Researchers found that turmeric restrain the growth of various types of cancer. Turmeric is used for the treatment of skin cancer or pre cancerous skin conditions. Both topical and internal uses are beneficial.
Turmeric is used in many diseases like,
Anemia, Burns, Conjunctivitis, Complexion, Diabetes, Dental problems, Diarrhea, Pain, Weak stomach, poor digestion, Dyspepsia etc
Besides the medical uses, Turmeric is a very good color property. Turmeric powder is widely used to color food. It is used as a strong yellow color in many applications.
So finally I would like to say, “Eat turmeric and stay healthy”.
