Native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia this plant has been used by Asia for thousands of years. Turmeric or Curcuma longa is a major part of Ayurveda, traditional medicine, Unani etc.

Turmeric is a rhizome which is bright orange or yellow in colour and has an earthy taste.

It has been extensively used not only in the kitchen but also as a household fix to various health issues. It has been a part of sacred Hindu texts suggesting that it was used even my Lord Rama, for various reasons and the very famous “Haldi ceremony”.

In India Turmeric is an integral ingredient in most of the Vedic rituals. It is an essential ingredient in many medicines prepared under the Indian systems of medicines such as Ayurveda, Siddha and also many ethnic and folk medicinal practices. In many communities Turmeric has always been part of rituals and ceremonies related to fertility and wellbeing for human beings and nature. Many Indian traditions believe that Turmeric is a “divine plant” given to human beings by Gods.

In the great Ayurvedic medical text books such as Charaka Samhita, Susrutha Samhita, Vaagbhata Samhita and Haritha Samhithas Turmeric is recommended in a number of medical preparations. Though, Turmeric has been used as a favorite antibiotic and de toxic agent to cure burns, cuts and to eliminate foreign substances from the body, it is highly recommended to use it in the cooking for daily intake as a disease prevention measure, for adding color and taste to the food. A daily intake of food with turmeric is something almost every Indian tradition recommends to control for the prevention of many body disorders and diseases. 

It has an incredible list of benefits and healing properties antioxidant, anti-viral, anti- fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic etc. because of its main constituent known as “cur cumin” chemically containing diaryl heptanoids.

Turmeric shows anti-inflammatory actions and is hence used to treat mild joint pains, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Raw turmeric is consumed by people suffering from a digestive problem and it is applied on wounds to aid in the healing process because of its anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties.

The lipopolysaccharide component of turmeric helps in boosting immunity and hence was added to milk consumed by children and adults.

Studies and ongoing research shows us that turmeric has anti-cancer properties and can be used to cure this fatal problem.

Incorporating turmeric in ones every day diet in food as well as dairy items, shows overall health benefits by improving body functions and preventing diseases and ill health.

How to take:

Dr. Palep’s House of Health Turmeric capsules

One capsule twice daily

Blog credit: Miss. Bhairavi Palep

#bhairavipalep