The Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric

Turmeric is a perennial plant that is native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the ginger family.  Turmeric is a typically used as a cooking spice.  It is often used in the form of turmeric rhizome powder.  Turmeric possesses a unique earthy flavor.  In addition to its culinary uses, this plant also provides considerable medicinal benefits.  Turmeric has a lengthy history in Ayurvedic medicine.  It’s one of the nine components used for Navapatrika.  (Turmeric, 2017)  The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin.  Curcumin is a bright yellow compound that is produced by the rhizomatous plant.  Curcumin targets instability in the body and reduces the damage they are able to cause to our cells.

Curcuma longa roots.

The 4 A’s

Turmeric provides the unique and medicinal properties of the 4A's.  Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidants and Antiseptic.  All essential properties of medicinal plants.

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Antibacterial and Antiseptic

Turmeric also provides antibacterial and antiseptic qualities.  You can use the powdery substance to protect wounds from infections.  It has also been known to restructure the skin that could prevent scaring. 

Anti-Inflammatory

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the body.  Inflammation is the culprit for a lot of ailment. It has also been known to offer relief for arthritis.

Antioxidants

Turmeric contains powerful antioxidants.  Studies have shown some correlation with antioxidants and the reduced risk for cancer. It has also shown the ability to ease the side effects of chemotherapy drugs.

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In addition to the benefits discussed above, Turmeric has shown effectiveness with:

Turmeric Recipes

Here are a few recipes to help you incorporate turmeric into your diet

Tumeric tea with honey

Turmeric Tea

• 1c of water

• Fresh ginger shavings (about a tsp)

• 1t cinnamon

• 1t of ground turmeric

• 1 lemon juiced

• Raw honey (to taste)

Directions:

1. Peel and grate ginger over a large saucepan or pot with water.

2. Bring to a boil then turn to low heat and let simmer for approximately 10 minutes.

3. After 10 minutes, add the cinnamon sticks and turmeric and simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes; stirring occasionally.

4. Remove from heat, allow to cool and strain

5. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, sweeten with raw honey

6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Fruity Turmeric Punch

Fruity Turmeric Punch

• 1t Ginger root shavings

• 1c Watermelon

• Baking & Spices

• 1/4t  Turmeric, ground

• Drinks

• 2oz(4T) Orange juice, freshly squeezed

Directions:

1. Juice oranges until you have 2 ounces of juice.

2. Cut and cube watermelon and add watermelon chunks to a blender. Add ginger (no need to mince or grate) and turmeric. Pour in orange juice.

3. Blend until watermelon chunks have liquefied and juice is as smooth as it'll get. Pour juice through a strainer and discard pulp and ginger remnants.

4. Chill and enjoy!

Lemon and Turmeric tea

• 1c of hot water

• 1/2t of tumeric

• 1 lemon juiced

• Honey (optional)

• Pinch of cinnamon

Directions:

1. Heat the water

2. Add turmeric.

3. Squeeze the lemon and add the juice to the mixture. Then add honey and cinnamon.

4. Stir continuously as the ingredients dissolve in the liquid. Make sure to keep stirring before you drink the elixir, as turmeric will settle on the bottom.

5. Drink while warm and enjoy!!