Turmeric is best known as the root of a large-leafed perennial which comes from the same family as ginger and what contributes to that vibrant golden color found in different curries.
The medicinal healing herb has had value in the traditions of India, China, and several other east Asian cultures for a long time.
It has been used for over 2500 years in India! The spice is even mentioned in the Vedas (a set of old sacred Hindu texts) and described as a means for detoxification and purity.
Even today, in Orthodox Hindu weddings, the brides and grooms participate in a ritual where they take Haldi (the word in Hindi for Turmeric) and place this paste on their hands and faces before taking their vows.
Within China, traditional medical practitioners used turmeric to relieve pain in the general abdominal area and menstrual conditions for thousands of years.
The Greeks too knew of this herb and its medicinal qualities which later also became part of Roman culture as well.
In the West, its popularity first arose in the mid-20th century when its therapeutic properties were first scientifically investigated. The plant reveled itself as a safe and potent anti-inflammatory for numerous ailments and digestive conditions.
The active compounds inside Turmeric, such as Curcumin, helps treat digestive problems, liver problems, joint pain, and skin conditions. Research also proved that the herb stops and prevents destructive protein fragments, known as beta amyloid, which build up in the brain over time as a result of aging! This build up, if it isn’t monitored, may lead to memory loss and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.
Conclusively, this medicinal herb has the special function of reducing inflammation in the body quite effectively and has a high brain derived neurotrophic factor or B.D.N.F.
Beneficial qualities:
- Prevents and potentially treats cancers
- Known to prevents Alzheimer’s
- Improves eye health
- Speeds up weight loss
- A natural anti-inflammatory and pain killer
- Strengthens liver function
- Assists in reducing depression
- Improves sleep
- Helps neutralize bad bacteria in the gut
