The Different Uses of Turmeric

For thousands of years, the use of turmeric in the field of alternative medicine has proven to be effective. In fact, because of such high level of effectiveness, it is now commonly used as an ingredient for the dietary supplements in the marketplace with the promise of being able to promote better health. Its many medical applications have made it a popular choice in alternative medicine, especially considering the fact that it is free from toxic ingredients that may deliver adverse side effects. You do not have to worry about taking turmeric as it is proven to be safe and effective.

Used As Food

Before people realized the medicinal value of turmeric, it was first used as a flavoring for food, especially in Indian curries. It is the one responsible for the unique color you can see in a curry. This is used to make sweet and savory dishes, all of which are sure to provide your taste buds with a unique treat. It can be mixed basically with just any food, depending on your personal preference.

Used as Dye

Another traditional application of turmeric is as a dye, specifically in the robes of monks and Indian clothing. It is still popular in spite of the fact that the color fades quite quickly. Aside from being used as a dye for fabric, it is also known for being a good choice for natural food coloring.

Used as Ceremonial Component

In ancient traditions, turmeric plays a significant role as well. It is a major component in a lot of Hindu rites and it is considered to be sacred in India. Monks are using it as a coloring for their robes. The bright color that is produced by turmeric is similar to the yellow sun, which is indicative of the solar plexus chakra. Turmeric plants are also given as holy offerings to ancient Indian gods. When Indian couples get married, they also traditionally wrap turmeric tubers on their wrists, which functions like a wedding ring.

Used as Medicine

Among other things, this is perhaps the most popular application of turmeric to date. It is abundant with a compound known as curcumin, which is basically the one responsible for the wealth of health benefits it can provide. It is believed to be abundant in antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it do wonders for your general state of health.

In recent studies, a lot have been said about how turmeric can aid in the prevention of the growth of cancer cells, delaying visible signs of aging, prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, treatment of skin problems, enhancing the immune system, improving cardiovascular health, treatment of depression and treatment of arthritis, among others.

To be effective when used as medication, it is important to take the right dosage of turmeric. Generally speaking, the right dose will depend on what is recommended by the manufacturer. To be sure, however, a better idea is to consult with a medical professional first before taking turmeric supplements. While it can be integrated in your diet, it will be hard to enjoy its full range of benefits as its nutritional value will be minimal. To maximize effectiveness, whole extracts should be consumed, which is found in supplements commercially available.