Botanical Name: Curcuma longa Linn.
Parts Used: Rhizome
Energetics / Dravyaguna:
Taste/Rasa : Bitter ,Pungent
Qualities/Guna-: Dry,Light
Potency/Virya : Hot
Post digestive function/Vipaka : Pungent
Dosha Compatibility: Balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Ways to use it : Dried and powdered, Fresh root , as part of spice mixes and other oil,powder formulations.
The Plant:
The Turmeric plant is a perennial herb that belongs to the ginger family.It can grow upto 3 to 4 feet. The bright yellow spice comes from the underground stems (rhizomes).The Rhizomes are thick, branched and cylindrical. They are bright orange or yellow on the inside and have a rough brownish skin on the outside. The leaves of the turmeric plant are large and elongated.They can reach upto 2 feet in length and can give the plant a lush tropical appearance.Turmeric produces small, pale yellow or white flowers that grow ondense spike like inflorescenses.They appear at the base of the plant and flower mostly during the rainy season.
Turmeric is particularly native to South and South east Asia.It is a tropical plant that thhrives in hot, humid environments with rich,well drained soil.In the wild, it is typically found in forests,along the edges and in shaded areas where moisture is plentiful.
However most turmeric that is used in everyday cooking and in medicine is cultivated vs being harvested.Gathering of the rhizomes is done annually and are reseeded from some of the harvest for the following season!
India is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric contributing to over 80% of the global supply. Erode in Tamilnadu is oftern referred to as a Turmeric city due to its massive production and trade of Turmeric. The Salem variety is oftern credited with producing turmeric with producing a variant that has the highest curcumin content.Sangli in Maharashtra is known for the most aromatic Turmeric while there are yet other amller regions cultivating this sunshine
rhizome.
Turmeric is so revered for it’s colour, that in the English language, its name derives from the Latin word ‘terra merita’, which refers to the colour of ground turmeric, resembling a mineral pigment. If we delve into culture, even looking into the name for turmeric in Sanskrit, the name ‘haridra’ is defined as ‘one who is golden coloured’. Coming with synonyms of happy, cheerful, honey and associated with Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Parvati.
Turmeric rhizome can be dried and ground to a yellow powder which has a bitter, slightly acrid, yet sweet taste. It is used both in this dried powder form as well as fresh.
Here are some more specific ways that Turmeric can benefit us:
Mind and Soul:
Anxiety and Depression: Haridra in Ayurveda is known as a Sattivic herb- one that promotes clarity of mind, peace and mental stability.
It is believed to calm Sadhaka Pitta, which when in balance reducesanxiety, irritability and mood swings. As an adaptogen the bitter turmeric also helps balance Vata which is often linked to fear, restlessness and anxiety
Modern medicine as you may know has several studies on the benfits of Turmeric.
The chemical component of turmeric called curcumin has been found to be effective in supporting us through low mental health. The key component is said to influence neurotransmitters of serotonin and dopamine (brain chemicals that control mood and behaviour), to change parts of the brain that respond to stress and protects against damage to energy-producing structures in the cells (mitochondria).
Inflammation has a close relationship in those with anxiety and depression which is also combatted by use of turmeric. Curcumin targets inflammation in the body and may be able to reverse the damage of stress and depression to the body.
Body:
Digestion: Warming, bitter and pungent Haridra helps to regulate the Digestive fire and facilitate digestion. Improving intestinal flora, strengthening digestion, regularising metabolism and aiding in breakdown of proteins are others jobs the herb does well when taken as part of your food! This digestive tonic herb optimises the breakdown and assimilation of nutrients to the body! By protecting the mucous lining in the stomach (strengthening in other areas of the body too), the system reduces cases of irritation, inflammation and acidity. On top of this, by stimulating the liver, the process of detoxification is strong in the body avoiding buildup / ama over a longer run.
While the benefits with reference to digestion are many, another important aspect is how it helps to regulate bowel movements by restoring better balance in the digestive tract.
Caring for your Cardiovascular system: The area of the cardiovascular is vast but turmeric has a lovely affinity towards it! This wonder herb is said to be excellent in management of elevated cholesterol. The prevention of clotting blood, risk of strokes and heart attacks can be seen by lowering bad LDL cholesterol which turmeric lends a hand in. Turmeric also nourishes the heart and circulatory system by warming and stimulating the growth of new blood tissue, aiding in healthy heart function and strengthened circulation.
Infinite Immunity: When our bodies are feeling under the weather, this is because our immunity is low. This potent source of antioxidants helps to strengthen the immune system by protecting the body from free radicals and brings the body back into balance. This herb is lovely for prevention and treatment for the respiratory tract such as colds, sore throats, sinusitis etc. Turmeric nurses your body to become a strong and nurturing environment with its heating and anti-inflammatory qualities.
It is little wonder hence that Golden Milk has become so popular. Haldi doodh as it is referred to in India is something most children grew up with,especially during while struggling with cold like symptoms.
Traditional Uses: A gorgeous herb, well-known to India and now worldwide, has plenty of uses traditionally. Turmeric is one of the oldest herbs cited in ancient Ayurvedic texts, widely used in the management of several dis-eases. Texts suggest Turmeric as a solution to,
-Haridra Pramehaharaanam/Mehanut - Most useful in cases of diabetes and urinary tract infections
-Kanduhara - Relieves itching sensations from allergies
-Ksuhtahara- Used in variety of skin diseases
-Vranahara - Useful for quick wound healing
-Vishodhini - Natural detoxifier
-Pinasa nashini - Useful in upper respiratory tract issues/infections
-Vishothajit - Natural anti-inflammatory herb,
all of course under and with the constant guidance of a qualified Vaidya / practitioner.
Beauty:
Healing the Skin: Turmeric is a warrior within the body for every means of our body’s health - even skin! The anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and cleanse the skin, means that turmeric helps relieve the skin of excess vata, pitta or kapha in conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The natural cleansing qualities of turmeric (traditionally used as an anti-microbial cleanser) helps to prevent dirt from spreading which can lead to infection! Turmeric helps fight blemish prone skin by reducing swelling and reducing redness of excessive pitta dosha.
Sunshine Skin: This striking antioxidant herb helps to rejuvenate dull-looking skin and improves overall skin complexion to help you shine! Combining the soothing properties of turmeric with the act of stimulating circulation helps reduce puffiness and under-eye darkness! Another magical property of turmeric, is by bringing kapha back into balance, it can deeply hydrate the skin which revitalises it and alleviates dryness! This is due to the herb encouraging the process of removing dead skin cells to reveal soft and healthy skin.
Best ways to use Turmeric: Only the Rhizome is used, when it comes to turmeric. The dosage varies considering what you choose to use it for. Intent drives the dose.
Internally
Golden Milk: Traditionally Turmeric milk has been a favourite of many since its ancient roots as a comforting and ‘superfood’ drink. The reason it is so effective is because when you combine turmeric with a fat, curcumin becomes readily available as it needs to be used within a fat substance, i.e milk. This method increases its absorption and bioavailability.
If you choose to use a vegan alternative, a pinch of black pepper in your Golden Mylk will facilitate absorption.
Within your Food: Another glorious advantage to turmeric is that it’s a readily available kitchen herb; both fresh and dry. The benefits of cooking turmeric into food are reflected above as it is very similar to taking turmeric with milk.
Capsules: Convenience sometimes becomes key. The smallest good deed is better than the granded good intention. If capsules are a quick and easy way to bring Ayurveda into your dinacarya (daily routine), so be it. It is a good idea however to consume the capsule at the right time and in the right way.
Externally
Fun with Facemasks:You can mix turmeric with dairy, almond or coconut milk to form a paste to apply to dry skin! Once it is left for a while, it can be rinsed off and followed by your usual moisturiser. Methods like this can be followed once or twice a week for softer and more hydrated skin. Please contact your Ayurvedic Practitioner and test patch before beginning this treatment. Facemasks are an easy to access technique which links us to the world of ancient use of ‘lepa’ (external skin applications). These soothing masks help to plump the skin and minimise pores. These combinations usually include turmeric, milk and honey applied as a thin layer, to be rinsed off shortly. Please contact your Ayurvedic Practitioner and test patch before beginning this treatment.
Other ways of using turmeric externally would be over burns with honey, or wounds to help them heal faster.
A few Earthen Living products containing Turmeric :
Pure Turmeric : for pure premium quality unadulterated turmeric for use in everyday cooking or consumption
Stay Strong Supplement : as an everyday supplement with a blend of herbs that facilitates absorption and sets the tone for the day supporting immune health, especially through Autumn and Winter.
Shine on : Our Kumkumadi taila which uses turmeric in combination with Saffron and other skin herbs to bring a warm glow and radiance to your skin while providing deep hydration.
Cautions: At Earthen Living, your health and well-being are our utmost priority so we encourage you to take these precautions seriously. Also get in touch with an Ayurvedic Practitioner if you have the slightest doubt with anything.
Pregnancy: Cooking amounts as spice in food is safe. However larger amounts are advised against during pregnancy. This is because is may cause a period or stimulate the uterus, putting the pregnancy at risk.
Gallbladder: Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse - do not use if you have gallstones or bile duct obstructions.
Liver: Excessive amounts of turmeric can damage the liver. Be especially cautious in cases of swelling (inflammation) of the liver (hepatitis) or reduced/blocked flow of bile from liver.
Bleeding Disorders/Surgery: Turmeric may slow blood clotting which can increase bruising and bleeding in those with bleeding disorders. When it comes to surgery, its use may cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. It’s advised to limit or stop use of turmeric at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Please write to us if you have any questions in general or with our products. You must consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner especially before consuming a product for a longer period of time.
References:
^^ botanics, traditional uses, general facts
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