Turmeric is a herbaceous herb (also known as
Curcuma longa) that is a member of the ginger family,
which has been used throughout India and the Orient
for thousands of years. Historical records note that
ancient Polynesians took turmeric with them when
they sailed across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii where
the spice is still used today and known as ’olena.
In India, this golden spice has long been called “holy
powder,” and is used extensively to treat infections,
wounds and a myriad of other health problems. Its
healing power was once thought of as only a folktale;
however, modern research is now confirming what the
people of India and many parts of Asia have known for
thousands of years — turmeric is a spice you don’t
want to pass up.
Scientists are finding an astonishing array of
antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antibiotic, antifungal
and antibacterial properties. As an immune system
booster, turmeric is 5 to 8 times stronger than vitamin
C and E.
Studies show that curcumin, the principal curcuminoid
of turmeric, inserts itself into cell membranes where it
does a little house-cleaning and reorganizing, adding
vibrancy to the cell itself. Suddenly a disorganized cell
becomes organized, allowing information to flow
through it so it can function more effectively. The
result of this action increases the cell’s resistance to
infection and malignancy, which can keep a number of
serious conditions at bay, including the following:
Gallstones
Crohn’s disease
Psoriasis
Acne
Rheumatoid arthritis
Cataracts
Inflammatory bowel disease
Diabetes
Cancer
Cases of the four most common cancers found in
America are very low in India where turmeric is a food
staple. These cancers include colon, breast, prostate
and lung, occurring ten times less frequently in India
than in the U.S. Prostate cancer, which is the most
commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United
States, is hardly ever found in Indian men.
Studies that have examined the medicinal impact of
curcumin have found that it keeps cells from changing
from normal to cancerous and stops the spread of
existing cancerous cells.
Furthermore, it works in conjunction with the body to
destroy existing cancer cells so they are unable to
spread to the rest of the body. Liver function is
enhanced in those that use curcumin regularly, and it
appears to prevent additional blood from reaching
cancer cells, which retards their growth.
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center,
reports that curcumin blocks the pathway in the body
that is required for melanoma and other cancers to
develop. In a laboratory setting, curcumin actually
causes cancer cells to commit suicide. In addition, it
has been found to shut down the protein needed to
induce an inflammatory response.
Inflammation (turmeric reduces pain and swelling)
Curcumin is probably best known for its strong anti-
inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a normal and
beneficial process that occurs when white blood cells
and chemicals in the body join up to protect you from
foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. So, some
level of inflammation is good and required for health.
However, the inflammatory response often gets out of
control.
This happens when the immune system triggers an
inflammatory response without a real threat. This can
easily cause excess inflammation to stay in the body; a
condition that is linked to allergies, heart disease,
autoimmune disease, cancer (discussed above) and
other serious medical conditions. Excess inflammation
can also cause irritation to tissues, which translates
into the pain, swelling and redness so often seen in
people suffering from osteoarthritis.
According to one study, patients who suffered from
osteoarthritis who added 200 mg of curcumin daily to
their treatment plan, had a significant decrease in pain
and much improved mobility. The control group, who
received no curcumin, had no improvements.
In another study, turmeric extract blocked the
inflammation pathways which prevented the protein
responsible for swelling and pain from triggering.
So many people with inflammation-induced pain take
non-steroidal medications such as Tylenol for relief,
however, chronic use of these medications has been
associated with some rather serious side effects, such
as cardiovascular problems, kidney and liver damage as
well as gastrointestinal problems.
More benefits of turmeric
Besides those I have mentioned above, turmeric has so
many other benefits it is often referred to as the most
powerful spice on the planet. Here is just a glimpse at
what it can do:
Powerful antiseptic
Natural liver detoxifier
Slows the progression of Alzheimer’s
Supports eye health
Supports female reproductive health
Cleanses the skin
Helps with sugar digestion
Slows the progression of multiple sclerosis
Assists in fat metabolism
Purifies blood
Fights depression
Reduces the ill effects of chemotherapy
Protects against radiation
Eliminates parasites
Promotes healthy digestion
Thins gut mucus
Protects against heavy metal toxicity
Aids in wound healing
Fights yeast
Promotes healthy circulation
Restores damaged skin
Relieves pain from leech bites
Fights infection
Protects from free radicals
Supports healthy bones, ligaments, joints and
skeletal system
Boosts the immune system
Protection from food poisoning
Fights aging
Not just alternative
Even mainstream health circles recognize the power of
turmeric. Web MD cites that the herb is useful for the
following conditions:
Heartburn
Stomach pain
Kidney problems
Sprains
Intestinal gas
Gum inflammation
Bloating
Jaundice
Bronchitis
Burns
Upset stomach
Worms
Colds
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Hepatitis
Colic
Ulcers
Hardening of the arteries
Fibromyalgia
Menstrual problems
Indigestion
Mastitis
Swimmer’s ear
Childhood leukemia
Bad cholesterol
Other amazing uses
I have personally used turmeric for a number of
things, including as a natural dye for Easter eggs, t-
shirts and play dough. When combined with aloe vera,
it can help to ease the pain and itch caused by poison
ivy, bug bites and chicken pox.
I love to make a super delicious dip for veggies using
organic yogurt, turmeric, dried onion, and salt and
pepper. I have also combined turmeric with raw honey
for an amazing facial exfoliator paste. Living out in the
west and loving my sandals like I do, my feet take a
beating. To relieve dry and cracked heels, I mix
coconut oil and turmeric and let it sit on my feet for
about 15 minutes before having a shower.
Here are some more ways you might consider using
this highly versatile and potent spice:
As a tea to ease sleep problems
As a facial wash to even out skin tone
As a natural skin bronzer
As a scalp conditioner
As a hangover reliever
As a stress reliever
As a natural foundation
As a weight-loss tonic
As a healthy addition to homemade soap
As a homemade toothpaste
As a dark circle reducer
As a hair thinning agent
As a healthy addition to any smoothie, soup, stew,
vegetable or fruit dish, and even baked goods.
Arthor- Susan Patterson
Hakuna maoni:
Chapisha Maoni