Turmeric - Spice Up Your LifeTurmeric is an herbaceous and perennial plant. It belongs to the same plant family as ginger. It’s a native plant of Southern regions of Asia. The plants thrive at temperatures ranging from 20 to 30º C. It grows best in places having a significant amount of yearly rainfall. These plants are harvested annually. Therhizomes are boiled for several hours, and then dried in hot ovens after which they are ground into a deep orange-yellow powder. It is widely used in Indian cooking and references are found in far eastern recipes. It is also used as an organic coloring agent in food products and cosmetics. It not only adds up to the taste of food, but also offers different aids to your health. It has found an application in dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, bakery and pastry preparations, cheeses, butter and salad dressings, cereals, sauces and gelatins. The list is by no means exhaustive. The medicinal benefits were recognized in Ayurveda several thousands of years ago. However, only of late have these become apparent to the Western world, which is now viewing it as a miracle herb. In the US studies have been conducted, using Turmeric derivatives, for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, Alzheimer’s disease and colorectal cancer, cystic fibrosis, melanoma and breast cancer. Ayurvedic practitioners have long believed it to be one of the finest herbs in India. In Ayurveda it is used extensively especially in the treatment of skin disorders, and those of the heart, liver and lungs. It has proven anti-bacterial properties, is a blood purifier, antiseptic and analgesic. Ayurveda uses it to regulate the female reproductive system. Ayurveda also prescribes it as a natural skin conditioner.
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