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