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Turmeric: A Powerful Herb with Tons of Benefits

It is almost impossible to talk about Indian cuisine without mentioning curries. In the same way, it is impossible to imagine an authentic curry without the use of a spice known as turmeric. The latter is the one responsible for the yellow color of the curry, and more importantly, its unique flavor. This exotic spice is also commonly used in subzi and daal, among other Indian dishes. Nonetheless, while it is known for its culinary applications, turmeric has also gained reputation because of its medicinal applications. It is considered to be an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial, which basically explains why it is a preferred choice when it comes to alternative medicine.

To fully take advantage of turmeric, it should be used in its purest form. You can also just buy the root or create a paste on your own. There are also many supplements with the right dosage of a compound known as curcumin, which is basically the one responsible for making it healthy.

Reduction of Pigmentation

There are many skin products available in the market with the promise of minimizing pigmentation. Many of them, however, can be expensive and may also contain toxic chemicals that can do more harm than good for the skin.

With this, turmeric can be a viable alternative as it can provide the skin with a more even tone and color. Simply combine turmeric with lemon or cucumber juice and apply it on the area with pigmentation. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes and finish by rinsing. If this is done daily, it will not take long before you notice visible changes on your skin.

Strengthening of the Bones

Turmeric has been also popular because of its ability to improve bone health. Turmeric juice can be consumed with milk every night. Because women are at higher risk of having osteoporosis as they age, this is one thing that can benefit them. Use a half inch of turmeric root, and have it boiled with milk until you notice the color changing into yellow.

Protects Cells from Damages

Because of the abundance of antioxidant properties in turmeric, there is no wonder it helps to maintain the health of the cells, giving it protection against the damages caused by free radicals. It triggers the stability of oxygen molecules, which helps in the prevention of different health problems, including cancer.

Fight Diarrhea

If you are having stomach problems, such as in the case of diarrhea, turmeric will surely prove to be handy. In Germany, different health authorities have endorsed the use of this powerful herb for the purpose of curing loose stool.

Getting Rid of Stretch Marks

After giving birth, most women are in a struggle in looking for ways by which it will be possible for them to get rid of stretch marks. This is another situation wherein you will be happy to have turmeric at home. Simply combine malai and turmeric and apply it on your belly. Leave it there for about 15 minutes and rinse just in time when you are about to take a bath.

Turmeric as a Health Supplement

Scientific research has discovered well over 300 active ingredients in Turmeric that have powerful effects in the body. In fact, Turmeric is considered to be the greatest of all herbs by some practitioners. In Ayurveda, the practice of traditional Indian medicine, turmeric is prescribed for just about everything — from cuts and grazes, to respiratory ailments, liver disease, gas, bloating, digestive illness, the heart, as an anti-septic and more. The active ingredients in Turmeric — Curcuma longa — are a group of plant substances called curcuminoids. Through its antioxidant mechanisms, curcumin supports colon health, exerts neuroprotective activity and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Curcumin:

is very useful in joint related concerns
helps maintain a normal cholesterol and a healthy heart.
is very helpful as a digestive support.
is extremely helpful in liver protection.
is also used in controlling obesity.
induces the flow of bile, which breaks down fats.
acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that relieves the aches and pains associated with arthritis.

Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is generally considered safe as it has been used by generations of people as both a dye and healing compound, as it is believed to be a strong anti-inflammatory agent. As a natural antibacterial and antiseptic, it can be used as a disinfectant.

It has been shown that you can speed up the body’s healing process simply by sprinkling some turmeric powder on a burn or cut. Several skin conditions, such as psoriasis, have been successfully treated with turmeric.

Many other conditions such as colic, jaundice, bruises, chest pain and menstrual pain have responded well to treatments with curcumin, an active agent that can be extracted from turmeric. Curcumin gives turmeric a number of its beneficial features. Turmeric also provides many daily-recommended nutrients, including manganese, iron, B6, fiber, copper and potassium.

Additionally, turmeric contains agents that help strengthen the immune system, lessening the chances of coughs, flus and colds. The anti-inflammatory results derived from turmeric have been compared to some prescription drugs, such as hydrocortisone and over-the-counter agents such as ibuprofen. Unlike those chemical compounds, turmeric has demonstrated no measurable toxic side effects, while side effects such as ulcers, bleeding or a decrease in white blood cell count have all been effects attributed to the prescription drugs that are comparable to turmeric.

Free radicals are chemicals that course through the body causing damage to healthy cells. They are reportedly responsible for arthritis, causing damage to joints and joint inflammation, as well as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that curcumin, with its status as a powerful anti-oxidant, can assist in neutralizing them. Other animal studies suggest that curcumin may prevent other cancers, including prostate, colon and breast cancer, as well as T-cell leukemia.

Remember, There are a variety of products on the market and sorting through them and selecting the best one for your needs can be confusing. Many companies trying to cash in on trends do not really care about the quality of their product, therefore their products may be ineffective.

Why Turmeric is Superior to Medications

Scientific research has discovered well over 300 active ingredients in Turmeric that have powerful effects on the body. In fact, organic Turmeric is a very potent herb with a vast number of health benefits. Turmeric is considered to be the greatest of all herbs by some practitioners. In Ayurveda, the practice of traditional Indian medicine, turmeric is prescribed for just about everything — from cuts and grazes, to respiratory ailments, liver disease, gas, bloating, digestive illness, the heart, as an anti-septic and more. The active ingredients in Turmeric — Curcuma longa — are a group of plant substances called curcuminoids. Through its antioxidant mechanisms, curcumin supports colon health, exerts neuroprotective activity and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

A great deal of research has even reported that using curcumin is more advantageous than prescription drugs. When examining the research, turmeric benefits extend beyond that of these 10 drug/types of drugs:

Anti-inflammatory drugs
Anti-depressants (Prozac)
Chemotherapy
Anti-coagulants (Aspirin)
Pain killers
Diabetes drugs (Metformin)
Arthritis medications
Inflammatory bowel disease drugs
Cholesterol drugs (Lipitor)
Steroids

Now let’s look closer at Turmeric benefits and why medications often pale in comparison to Turmeric when it comes to reversing disease. Remember that one of the most powerful advantages curcumin has over traditional medical approaches is the lack of side effects.

1. Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets

In addition to common side effects like bleeding, the risks associated with anticoagulants include everything from back pain to headaches to difficulty breathing. Turmeric, has no known side effects.

2. Anti-depressants

Turmeric is especially effective in easing depression in laboratory animals. At this time it is only recommended to treat mild depression.

3. Anti-inflammatories

Turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory. In fact, curcumin, is among the most effective anti-inflammatory compounds in the world. .

4. Arthritis management

A study was conducted on 45 rheumatoid arthritis patients to compare the benefits of curcumin in turmeric to arthritis drugs (diclofenac sodium). The curcumin group showed the highest percentage of improvement in overall scores.

5. Cancer treatment

In the words of global authorities like Cancer Research UK,

A number of laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin does have anticancer effects. It seems to be able to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing. It has the best effects on breast cancer, bowel cancer, stomach cancer and skin cancer cells. A 2007 American study that combined curcumin with chemotherapy to treat bowel cancer cells in a laboratory showed that the combined treatment killed more cancer cells than the chemotherapy alone.

6. Diabetes management

Turmeric is excellent for lowering blood sugar and increasing insulin resistance.

In 2009, Biochemistry and Biophysical Research Communications published a study out of Auburn University that explored how supplementing with turmeric can help reverse diabetes.

7. Gastrointestinal treatments

Many IBS, Crohn’s disease, and Ulcerative Colitis patients were able to stop taking their prescribed corticosteroids because their condition improved so dramatically by taking curcumin.

8. Cholesterol regulators

A study done by Drugs in R & D found that curcumin was equal or more effective than diabetes medications at reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the treatment of high cholesterol.

9. Painkillers

One of the more widely accepted properties of curcumin in scientific communities is its ability to manage pain. The trend is quite clear at this point. Therapeutic use of turmeric and other curcumin-rich plants are displacing conventional medical treatments.

10. Steroids

Turmeric benefits the many conditions normally treated by corticosteroids such as:

Psoriasis
Lupus
Rheumatoid arthritis
Scleroderma
Chronic pain

Turmeric Side Effects

A slim number of people have reported allergic reactions to turmeric, especially after skin exposure. High doses of turmeric may cause:

Diarrhea
Increased risk of bleeding
Increased liver function tests
Hyperactive gallbladder contractions
Hypotension (lowered blood pressure)
Uterine contractions in pregnant women
Increased menstrual flow

Benefits of Turmeric Milk

Turmeric is a delicious herb often used in east asian cultures and cooking. Turmeric is loaded with antioxidant compounds, including its primary active constituent curcumin which is believed to neutralize age-accelerating free radicals. Used for thousands of years in Asian culinary and wellness traditions, Turmeric has many benefits including aiding in joint comfort, promoting razor-sharp brain health, boosting immune performance and more. Turmeric may be consumed in your diet but, for best results should be taken as a health supplement.

Turmeric may also be drank as a milk. In fact, many people take turmeric with milk for general health benefits. When you combine it with milk, turmeric is used as a drink, lotion or even a face mask.

Turmeric Milk

This is an all natural cure for various ailments is extremely safe to use with no side effects. Milk contains calcium and strengthens bones. When combined with turmeric it provides additional benefits to bone health. Milk and turmeric are both known to be anti-oxidants.

One user said:

One of the biggest benefit of turmeric milk to me personally has been during cough and cold. I prefer taking turmeric milk rather than any other medication for this. I have noticed that since the time I started taking it recurrence of cold / cough has decreased. This is firsthand account of how turmeric milk has benefited me!

Recipes

There are several different ways to prepare turmeric. milk. Read on to learn some of the best recipes.

Basic Turmeric Milk Directions — Heat a ½ to 1 inch piece of turmeric for up to 15 minutes along with 8 ounces of milk until the milk is reaches an almost boiling point. Strain out the turmeric and drink this milk after allowing it to cool for a few minutes.

Turmeric Face Mask Directions — This is great for acne. To use as a mask or wash, take ¼ cup of whole milk and add to this ½ teaspoon ground turmeric. Take a clean washcloth, soak in the mixture and apply to affected skin. Leave it for 10 minutes before washing off.

Sore Throat Elixir Directions — Add ½ teaspoon turmeric and 1 teaspoon ginger (minced) to a ¼ cup of water and mix well. Top off the cup with milk. Microwave or boil the mix for a few minutes until the milk almost boils. Let this mixture stand for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to blend well with the milk. To this you can add honey, jaggery, sugar or cane sugar to taste. Mix and re-heat for a few minutes. Strain the mixture to get rid of pieces of ginger and turmeric. Drink this while hot. For variation, several peppercorns can be added along with turmeric and ginger. Peppercorns help improve absorption of turmeric by the body.

Turmeric Golden Milk Directions — Take one teaspoon of turmeric paste and combine with a cup of organic milk. The milk can be soy, goat, cow, coconut, almond or any other milk of choice. Let this mixture boil well. Take off the stove and add some honey or maple syrup to taste. To this add ½ teaspoon of organic sesame or almond oil or ghee (clarified butter).

Turmeric Relieves Arthritic Inflammation

The plague of life style-related diseases is beginning to take toll everywhere, East and West. The Middle East, despite its hot climate is not exempted from psoriatic, rheumatoid, and osteoarthritis. In Israel for instance over 16% of its population is affected by various forms of arthritis. In the UAE over 19% of its population is equally affected. However, these Eastern statistics are lower compared to that of their American counterparts that is standing at over 21% of its populace.

But as the count is getting higher, it is a good sign that people are waking up to the reality of alternative medications. One such herb that has attracted such attention is the turmeric herb. No longer remaining an Eastern treasure, turmeric is slowly attracting the attention of Western populations, learning and medical institutions and their dons as well.

Just read this

This is a true account of a lady, recounting her husband’s experience. This is what she says, “Do you like turmeric as a smoothie? This is the way my spouse gets his share of turmeric’s medicinal benefits. After being discontinuing his conventional anti-inflammation treatment, it was my turn to scout around and get a herbal alternative to offer him relief in his paining hands. My hubby suffers from psoriatic arthritis. Though both of us are acquainted with herbal medicines, we had to read a bit wider in regard to this subject. Although the ability of turmeric to fight cancer is common knowledge to some of us, this time round we learned something completely new”. She is not alone, but a part of the larger population that is waking up to this reality.

An auspice of hope

Despite the unpleasant figures above, there is some ray of hope. These days medical institutions are riveting their attention on curcumin, one of turmeric’s ingredients as a tool in controlling these ravaging diseases. A Thai study in late last decade concluded that curcumin was just as good as many prescription drugs in managing the knee osteoarthritis pains.This review of preclinical and clinical trials is just one of many publications confirming curcumin’s anti-inflammatory capabilities.

An array of dosage forms

You can take turmeric in the following forms.below is a list of the available options that you can take in order to benefit from its immense health-enhancing capabilities:

Take it as a smoothie: chop a small piece of turmeric’s roots.Go on and mix it with a glass milk, one spoon of cinnamon to make it taste,or you may still add honey.You may add a little cream if you wish. A smoothie on a daily basis will do just fine.
You may also grind and take it dry: it is better when you mix it with warm milk and serve it before it cools.
Or just take supplements: adults need an average of two grams of dry powder on a daily basis.

Exemptions from dosage

Curcumin thins blood. This can hinder blood from clotting normally hence people such as pregnant mothers or those preparing to undergo a surgical process within a fortnight should avoid it.