HISTORY
The use of turmeric dates back nearly 4000 years to the Vedic culture in India, where it was used as a culinary spice and had some religious significance. It probably reached China by 700 ad, East Africa by 800 ad, West Africa by 1200 ad, and Jamaica in the eighteenth century. In 1280, Marco Polo described this spice, marveling at a vegetable that exhibited qualities so similar to that of saffron. According to Sanskrit medical treatises and Ayurvedic and Unani systems, turmeric has a long history of medicinal use in South Asia. Susruta’s Ayurvedic Compendium, dating back to 250 bc, recommends an ointment containing turmeric to relieve the effects of poisoned food.
FACTS ABOUT TURMERIC
- Turmeric is known by numerous names all over the world, but in Latin it is called Curcuma Longa.
- Turmeric is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, alongside ginger, and shares many similarities with its sibling.
- It has been used in the Himalayas in Ayurvedic medicine for over 5000 years.
- Turmeric grows to approximately one metre in height, it is gathered for the rhizomes.
- It protects against the damaging effects of free radicals. It has a high antioxidant content.
- Turmeric boasts digestive properties, and supports digestion. It is also an anti-inflammatory.
- Use Turmeric topically to cleanse, treat and heal skin concerns.
- Curcumin is the main active ingredient inside turmeric (approximately 3% of turmeric) – it’s also fat soluble.
- Turmeric brightens the skin. Mix with yoghurt and apply to your skin
USES OF TURMERIC
Medicinal uses:
Turmeric is used as an herbal medicine for rheumatoid arthritis, chronic anterior uveitis, conjunctivitis, skin cancer, small pox, chicken pox, wound healing, urinary tract infections, and liver ailments. Having turmeric milk can help one with cold and cough.It helps to boost your immune system.
Cullinary use:
When cooking with ground turmeric (sometimes called turmeric root), a little goes a long way. A half a teaspoon of ground turmeric is usually plenty for seasoning bean dishes, rice dishes, whole grains, soups, stews, sauces, marinades, and pickling brines .Ground turmeric can also be used to add appetizing color to a breakfast scramble, a creamy batch of mac and cheese, and even cakes and desserts.
Skincare :
Turmeric works as a skin lightening agent for your skin. The curcumin in it reduces the excess melanin production and lightens your skin tone. Adding turmeric to your skincare routine can brighten your skin tone and reduce any kind of dark spots and pigmentation.It can be used with honey,aloe vera gel,coffee powder,etc.
Side Effects of Turmeric:
- Turmeric in food is considered safe. However, taking large amounts of turmeric and curcumin in supplement form for long periods of time may cause stomach upset and, in extreme cases, ulcers.
- People who have gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages should talk to their doctor before taking turmeric.
