| A native to India and other parts of | | | | dried and used for medicinal preparations. An |
| Southeast Asia especially Indonesia, turmeric | | | | excellent natural antibiotic, it strengthens |
| is integral to Asian cooking. A member of the | | | | digestion, prevents the formation of gas and |
| rhizome family, besides imparting a yellow | | | | helps to improve large intestinal flora. |
| colour and a characteristic flavour to food, | | | | |
| it has a long history of use in India | | | | It purifies the blood, aids digestion of |
| Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. | | | | protein, promotes proper metabolism in the |
| | | | body, correcting both, excess and |
| Health Benefits of Turmeric | | | | deficiencies. It is used in treatment for |
| | | | fever, mild stomach upset, infection, |
| Botanically known as Curcuma longa, derived | | | | arthritis, dysentery, jaundice and other |
| from the Arabic name for kurkum plant, known | | | | liver problems. Ancient Chinese physicians |
| as saffron, turmeric is often confused and | | | | used turmeric to treat chest congestion, |
| substituted with the same. Totally unrelated | | | | menstrual discomforts and many more ailments. |
| to saffron, a member of ginger family, the | | | | Turmeric may help to relieve carpel tunnel |
| root of the turmeric plant in its dried form | | | | syndrome, joint inflammation and prevent |
| is used as spice. Mildly aromatic with a | | | | cancer. Add a pinch or two of turmeric to |
| pungent bittersweet flavor, it was called | | | | warm milk to soothe respiratory aliments such |
| "Indian saffron" as its shares the deep | | | | as cough or asthma. |
| yellow orange color of the saffron. Turmeric | | | | |
| is used as a condiment, textile and culinary | | | | Sprinkle a bit of turmeric with honey |
| dye. | | | | (optional), on cuts, bruises, or scrapes |
| | | | after a thorough wash, as the anti bacterial |
| Turmeric is used extensively in Indian, | | | | action will prevent wound infections. One |
| Middle East, Moroccan, African and Southeast | | | | should be careful while using turmeric since |
| Asian cookery, especially in curries, | | | | its deep color can easily stain. Quickly wash |
| vegetables, rice, fish and meat dishes to add | | | | the soiled area with water to avoid further |
| color and flavor. For the traditional | | | | staining. Turmeric powder should be kept in a |
| ayurvedics, turmeric is a very important | | | | tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and |
| herb. Considered a cleansing herb for the | | | | dry place. Fresh turmeric rhizome should be |
| whole body, it gives energy and grants | | | | kept in the refrigerator. |
| prosperity. The finger like stalk is scalded, | | | | |