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TURMERIC


WHAT IS TURMERIC

It is an important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of various ailments. The botanical name for Turmeric is Curcuma longa Linn which belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. Turmeric is used as a spice in Asian countries especially in the southern part of India. 


What are the other names of TURMERIC in various languages

Hindi – Haldi

Telugu – Pasupu

English – Turmeric

Tamil – Manja

Kannada – Arishina

Punjabi – Haldi

Bengali – Halud

Marathi – HalaD

Arabian – Kumkum

Farsi – Zardchob

Malayalam – Manjal


ORIGIN AND SOURCE OF TURMERIC

It is originated in India. It is also found in the tropical region of Africa. It is cultivated in China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia, Phillipness, Malaysia, Madagascar, And Vietnam

Turmeric is a perennial plant that grows at a height of 1mt and the leaves of the plant are alternate, smooth, green and there are arranged in pairs of two. The false stem arises from the leaf sheath and they are about 2 feet in length. The flowers are arranged in pairs of five and the flowering appears in August.

Parts used: Rhizome

Taste: Bitter, Pungent

Potency: Hot


CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN TURMERIC

On chemical compound analysis of tamarind, it includes

Curcumene, Curcumenone, Curcone, Curdione, Cineole, Curzerenone, Epiprocurcumenol, Eugenol. Camphene, Camphor, Bornel, Procurcumadiiol, Procurcumenol, Curcumins, Unkonan A, B, D,B-sitosterol

ACTIONS:

  • Anti-oxidant
  • Hepatoprotective
  • Anti-cancer
  • Anti-diabetic
  • Anti-depressant
  • Cardioprotective
  • Anti-ulcer
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-arthritis
  • Anti-helminthic
  • Analgesic


TRADITIONAL AND MODERN VIEW OF TURMERIC

It is used in the treatment of Gallbladder problems, hepatitis, indigestion, infections, and lack of appetite, scabies, Alzheimer ’s disease, arthritis, asthma, athlete ’s foot, boils, and bursitis

In Indian medicine, a paste of turmeric is used as an antidote for snake bite

The leaves of turmeric act as a mosquito repellent

In Chinese, turmeric is used in the treatment of depression

In many states in India, turmeric is used to treat infection

The rhizome of turmeric acts as a wound healing

The fluoride in turmeric is essential for teeth\

The raw turmeric juice act as a blood purifier

In India, turmeric is used as a cleansing herb for minor wounds,

It prevents cancer, dysentery and protects the liver


DOSAGE OF TURMERIC

The dose of the drug used according to the physician

Fresh juice: 10-20ml

Powder: 1-3g


PRECAUTIONS WHILE USING TURMERIC

At high dose, the use of turmeric may cause GERD, heartburn, and stomach ulcers

The use of turmeric may cause contraction in the gall-bladder so kindly consult with the doctor if you have gallstones

Kindly avoid turmeric if you have iron deficiency, because the use of turmeric may interfere with the body iron absorption

The use of turmeric may lower blood glucose levels in the blood. So, monitoring of blood sugar levels is required in patients who are taking the anti-diabetic drug

The use of turmeric may lower blood pressure in the blood. So, monitoring of blood pressure is required in patients who are taking the hypertensive drug

The use of turmeric may low density lipoprotein levels and increase the high-density lipoprotein in the blood. So, monitoring of cholesterol levels is required in patients who are taking the anti-cholesterol drug


CONTRAINDICATIONS WHEN USING TURMERIC

Do not use this herb if you are allergic to the chemical constituents of turmeric


BENEFITS OF TURMERIC

Rheumatoid arthritis:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, Rheumatoid arthritis is called Amavata. It mainly occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha and the accumulation of toxins that occurs due to improper digestion and this toxin is carried to different parts of the body through Vata and gets accumulated in the joints. The use of turmeric helps to improve digestion and reduce the accumulation of toxins by its hot properties. This also balances the Vata and reduces the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Take the required amount of turmeric powder along with amla and nagarmotha. Boil it for 5-6 minutes and then add honey to it. Consume this after your meal

Modern view: Curcumin present in the turmeric helps to treat the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting the inflammatory protein and decreasing the prostaglandin production

Osteoarthritis:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, Osteoarthritis is called Sandhivata and it occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha which causes pain, inflammation, and joint movement. The use of turmeric helps to reduce the symptoms of arthritis by balancing the imbalance of Vata dosha

Take the required amount of turmeric powder along with amla and nagarmotha. Boil it for 5-6 minutes and then add honey to it. Consume this after your meal

Modern view: Curcumin present in the turmeric treat osteoarthritis by inhibiting the inflammatory protein like interleukin and decrease the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis

Diabetes mellitus:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, diabetes is known as Madhumeha. It occurs due to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosh and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to the accumulation of toxins in the pancreatic cells and affects insulin function. The use of turmeric control diabetes by maintaining the function of insulin normally by balancing the Vata-Kapha and improves impaired digestion by reducing the accumulation of toxins which is responsible for impaired digestion.

Take the required amount of turmeric powder and mix amla juice along with that. Consume this drink after your meals.

Modern view: Curcumin in turmeric decrease the blood glucose level by increasing the level of insulin and it also prevents cell damage such as wounds, ulcers by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Irritable bowel syndrome:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, inflammatory bowel disease, is called Grahani. It occurs due to the imbalance of Agni. Turmeric helps to improve the digestive fire by its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) activity

Take the required amount of turmeric powder and mix it with amla powder. Mix it with lukewarm water consume this after your meals.

Stomach ulcers:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, ulcer occurs due to the imbalance of Pitta. The use of turmeric helps to reduce the stomach ulcer and balance the Pitta and it also heals the wound quickly by its healing properties

Take the required amount of turmeric powder and licorice powder.    Mix it with a glass of milk. Consume it on an empty stomach.

Modern view: Curcumin in turmeric inhibit inflammatory enzymes like COX -2, lipoxygenase, and iNOS. It helps to reduce the stomach ulcers

Depression:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, all the movements of the body and nervous system are balanced by Vata. The depression occurs due to the imbalance of Vata. The use of turmeric helps to control depression by calming the nervous system

Take the required amount of turmeric powder and add it to a glass of warm milk. Consume this milk before going to bed.

Modern view: Due to its anti-inflammatory property, it helps to decrease the serotonin in the brain which is responsible for depression

Cholesterol

Traditional use: According to Ayurveda, high cholesterol occurs due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). This impaired digestion occurs due to the accumulation of toxins in the body which leads to the accumulation of cholesterol and causes obstruction in blood vessels. The use of Turmeric helps to improve the improper digestion by its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) produces which remove the accumulation of bad cholesterol and main normal cholesterol level

Modern view: Due to anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory property it helps to lower the blood and bad cholesterol and triglycerides. The use of turmeric also helps to increase the good cholesterol in your body

Alzheimer’s disease:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, Alzheimer’s disease occur due to the imbalance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. The use of turmeric helps to reduce the risk of nervous system disorders by balancing the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas

Modern view: Patients with Alzheimer's disease, there is an increase in the protein production called amyloid plaques which is present in the brain. The use of turmeric reduces the amyloid plaque formation in the brain and increase the memory functions

Acne

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, acne occurs due to the imbalance of Kapha which increases the production of sebum which clogs the pores. The use of turmeric clear the clog and inflammation by balancing the Kapha and Pitta

Take the required amount of turmeric powder and mix it with lemon juice or honey. Add rose water and make it a paste. Apply this paste on your face for 15 minutes and wash it with tap water.

Modern view: Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria and treats acne


HOW CAN YOU ADD TURMERIC IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

The Turmerics comes in various formulations include

Turmeric powder:

Take the required amount of turmeric powder and add it to a glass of warm milk. Consume this milk before going to bed.

Turmeric juice in coconut oil:

Take the required amount of turmeric juice and mix it with coconut oil. Apply this on an affected area before going to sleep

Turmeric powder:

Wheat flour:

Take the required amount of wheat flour and mix it with turmeric powder, milk, or yogurt, and honey. Make it a paste and apply this paste on your face. Wash it with tap water

With rose water:
Take the required amount of turmeric powder and mix it with lemon juice or honey. Add rose water and make it a paste. Apply this paste on your face for 15 minutes and wash it with tap water.


SIDE EFFECTS OF TURMERIC

  • Stomach upset
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

  • Diarrhea


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON TURMERIC

Is Turmeric available in the market?

Yes, it is available in the market and it can be brought from online websites or ayurvedic medical stores.

How to store Turmeric?

It should be stored in an airtight container and keep the medicines away from the heat and light and Do not keep the medicines reaching out to children

Is it safe to apply turmeric milk on the face daily?

Yes, it is safe to apply turmeric milk on the face daily it helps to improve the skin texture and complexion. It also removes the excess oil and acne