HARIDRA-Curcuma Longa
Haridra or Turmeric (Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric or curcumin) is an ancient spice, native to
Medicinal uses of Turmeric
- Digestive Disorders
Turmeric is considered as a digestive bitter and a carminative. It can be added into foods including rice and bean dishes to improve digestion, reduce gas and bloating. It is a cholagogue, stimulating bile production in the liver and encouraging excretion of bile via the gallbladder. This improves the body's ability to digest fats. For chronic digestive weakness and/or congestion turmeric is recommended. It can be taken as a single extract or in the form of digestive bitters, which combine turmeric with other bitter and carminative herbs. Turmeric is beneficial for people who feel tired after consuming meals or who experience gas and bloating. Whatever way turmeric is consumed it is beneficial to both the digestive system and the liver.
- Liver Diseases
Turmeric is beneficial for its influence on the liver. In spring more consumption of herbs and foods can strengthen the liver. Turmeric shares similar liver protectant compounds that milk thistle and artichoke leaves contain. It is said to shrink engorged hepatic ducts, so it can be useful to treat liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice.
- Cancer
Recent scientific research confirm that turmeric can cure host of diseases, also they found that turmeric restrain the growth of various types of cancer. Turmeric is used for the treatment of skin cancer or pre cancerous skin conditions. Both topical and internal uses are beneficial.
- Atherosclerosis
Turmeric may helpful in preventing the blockage of arteries that can gradually cause a heart attack or stroke in one of two ways. Turmeric makes cholesterol levels low and inhibited the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol). Oxidized LDL deposits in the walls of blood vessels and contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Turmeric may also prevent platelet build up along the walls of an injured blood vessel. Platelets collecting at the site of a damaged blood vessel cause blood clots to form and blockage of the artery as well.
- Osteoarthritis
Turmeric may help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis because of its ability to reduce pain and disability.
- Menstrual problems of Woman
For women who experience monthly menstrual cramps, try using turmeric extract or bitters twice daily for two weeks prior to expected menstruation. Turmeric is an antispasmodic to smooth muscles so it reduces digestive and menstrual cramping. It should reduce the severity of pain, if not ease them completely. Certainly, diet and standard of living have a reflective influence on the menstrual cycle, but turmeric is a great addition.
- Bacterial Infection / Wounds
Turmeric is useful as an external antibiotic in preventing bacterial infection in wounds.
- Eye Disorder
Curcumin may prove to be as effective as corticosteroids in the uveitis (inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye between the sclera - white outer coat of the eye and the retina - the back of the eye) the type of eye disorder.
- Intestinal disorders
The juice of the raw root or the powder of the dried root mixed and taken with milk or water is very effective for intestinal problems.
- Post partum recovery
The same juice is good for new mothers soon after delivery. It not only helps in faster contraction of ovaries and inner parts after delivery, but also improves the overall health and promotes breast milk secretion. If you want know ways to prevent postpartum depression, check out this post at Babylune.
- Anemia
Turmeric is a rich and ample source of iron. Have a teaspoon of raw turmeric juice with a bit of honey, if suffering from anemia.
- Asthma
A teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of warm milk helps in fighting bronchial asthma and cough. It not only gives relief but also acts as a preventive from further attacks.
- Sprains and wounds
Apply a medicinal paste of turmeric (turmeric powder mixed with sweet lime juice and salt) on sprain swellings. This paste gives quick and long lasting relief. Powder of turmeric should be sprinkled on wounds/ulcers for speedy healing.
- Cuts and burns
It should be immediately applied on cuts, bleeding or burns. It is an antiseptic and stops bleeding and heals the cut or burn.
- Throat pain and cough
Add little turmeric, black pepper powder, sugar and ghee to and drink it, to get relief.
- For skin diseases and itching
Mix a spoon of turmeric with butter or coconut oil and massage on your skin.
- Burning sensation in the eyes
Boil water and add turmeric and cool it, wash your eyes in that water.
- For sinus problems
Fry turmeric, jaggery and ghee in equal proportion, store it in a bottle and take a pinch of it everyday.
- Flatulence
½ tsp powdered turmeric taken thrice a day relieves flatulence and loss of appetite.
- Diabetes and other diseases
10-20 ml of expressed juice may be taken daily in skin diseases, diabetes and jaundice.
½ tsp each of turmeric along with amla (gooseberry) powder should be taken daily early in the morning. In small pox & chicken pox, a coating should be applied to facilitate scabbing.
- Common colds and scorpion bites
Sprinkle turmeric powder over burnt charcoal and inhale the fumes. This is highly beneficial in asthma and common colds. In cases of scorpion bites, the bitten area should be exposed to the same fumes for a few minutes to minimize toxicity.
