Turmeric and Its Many Uses

Today, turmeric is no longer just an addition to a dish, but also a supplemental treatment to various ailments. In the kitchen, this spice is used often as a substitute to saffron as it provides the same musty flavor and yellow color as the saffron does. For medical purposes, turmeric proves to be beneficial to those who have dental problems, cough, colds, and stomach problems. It is also used to treat more serious illnesses like arthritis, jaundice, and anemia.

Turmeric and Its Many UsesWhere Did Turmeric Come From?

Turmeric belongs to the Zingiberaceae ginger group and is indigenous to Southeast Asia. However, it is more cultivated India, making them the biggest turmeric producer in the world. Other countries like Taiwan, Peru, Pakistan, Thailand, and some Central and Latin American countries have already started cultivating this herb, as well.

Why is Turmeric Medicinal?

You can say that turmeric is a super herb as it contains a lot of medicinal properties that can prevent and treat numerous illnesses.

It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents that could give could natural remedy to rheumatism and osteoarthritis. In addition, it is also said that turmeric can help lower down unhealthy cholesterol levels and aid in type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, turmeric is also a good supplement when you are trying to lose weight.

This herb can also minimize the risk of having cancer as it works as a powerful antioxidant. With its detoxifying properties, free radicals that damage our body cells are killed and destroyed.

In 2009, one study showed that turmeric is very useful for preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s. Combining curcumin, an active ingredient found in turmeric, and Vitamin D is believed to be helpful for Alzheimer’s prevention. Added to that, this herb is also known for making immune system stronger. Furthermore, there are also claims that turmeric can help in curing some eye problems and getting rid of intestinal worms.

This herb has also become a popular choice for curing common ailments like heartburn, bloating, gas, and indigestion because of its anti-spasmodic properties. With that, you can also try taking turmeric if you often suffer from menstrual cramps as it could very well soothe cramped muscles. Other people also used this herb as part of their beauty regimen to lessen skin pigmentation, pimples, and cure skin infections and boils.

Turmeric and Its Many UsesHow to Use Turmeric as Medicine?

Here are some ways you can use turmeric as cure for some illnesses:

  • For coughs and cold, you can add and mix a pinch of turmeric in a cup of warm milk. You can also add honey if you like.
  • To treat Eosinophilia, mix in a teaspoon of turmeric and an ounce of honey and take it three times in a day. Do this for three months.
  • If you suffer from bleeding gums, rinse your mouth with water and a pinch of turmeric and salt. You can also do this if you have bad breathe.
  • To get rid of annoying mouth blisters, boil water with some turmeric and then, gargle.
  • For people who have asthma or bronchitis, mix in aloe vera juice (30ml) with turmeric and consume. Better take this with lukewarm water. Do this every morning in an empty stomach for ten days to a month.

Safety Precautions

Taking in excessive amount of anything is bad; this also applied with turmeric. Consuming too much of this herb in one go can cause diarrhea, nausea, and ingestion. It is advisable to seek your doctor first if you are pregnant and would want to take medicinal turmeric as it is not advisable during the course of pregnancy. Medicinal turmeric is also not recommended for children under 2 years old.