Turmeric
Turmeric
Turmeric
Turmeric is a
flowering plant, Curcuma longa of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, the roots
of which are used in cooking.
History
Turmeric has been used
in Asia for centuries and is a major part of Ayurveda, Siddha medicine,
traditional and the animistic rituals of Austronesian peoples. It was
first used as a dye, and then later for its supposed properties in folk
medicine.
Turmeric was found in
Farmana, dating to between 2600 and 2200 BCE, and in a merchant's tomb in
Megiddo, Israel dating from the second millennium BCE. It was noted as a dye
plant in the Assyrians Cuneiform medical texts from Ashurbanipal’s library at
Nineveh from 7th century BCE. In Medieval Europe, turmeric was called
"Indian saffron".
Anti-inflammatory properties
The Arthritis Foundation
cites several studies in which turmeric has
reduced inflammation.
This anti-inflammatory
ability might reduce the aggravation that people arthritis feel in
their joints.
The foundation suggests
taking turmeric capsules of 400 to 600 milligrams (mg) up to three times per
day for inflammation relief.
Pain relief
Turmeric is thought of
as a pain reliever. The spice is reputed to relieve arthritis pain as well.
Studies seem to support turmeric for pain relief, with one study noting that it seemed to work
as well as ibuprofen (Advil) in people with arthritis in their knees.
Though dosing recommendations seem to vary, those who
participated in the study took 800 mg of turmeric in capsule form each day.
Improving liver function
Turmeric has been
getting attention recently because of its antioxidant abilities.
The antioxidant effect of turmeric appears to be so powerful
that it may stop your liver from being damaged by toxins. This could be good news for people who take
strong drugs for diabetes or
other health conditions that might hurt their liver with long-term use.
Turmeric for skin lightening
A recent study found that turmeric essential oil in a lotion formulation can brighten skin within three weeks with results that last just as long.
These glowing benefits are likely the result of powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds working together to heal and bring out the natural health of skin.
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