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Benefits |
Preparation |
Medicinal Uses |
Side Effects |
Plant |
Folklore |
fresh tumeric root
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| Common Names |
| Turmeric, Curcuma, Indian saffron |
| Botanical Name |
| Curcuma longa L. |
| Family |
| ZINGIBERACEAE Ginger Family |
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Turmeric is a mild aromatic stimulant used in the manufacture of curry powders and mustards. In the same family as ginger, cardamom and zedoary. The curcumin in turmeric has recently been shown effective in the fight against breast cancer, Alzheimer's and arthritis. |
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Prep Methods :capsules, tinctures, cooking
 Remedies using Turmeric
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Fresh turmeric root looks a little like ginger, but inside it can be red or yellow. The red is called kunkum and is considered sacred in Ayurveda. Only the yellow root is used in cooking and medicinally.
Turmeric is the best medicine in Ayurveda. It cures the whole person. Turmeric is pungent, bitter, astringent and heating and has a pungent vipaka. Turmeric can be used by all doshas. It may stimulate vata, but doesn't aggravate it (cause an imbalance).
Ayurvedic Cooking for Self Healing(2006)Usha Lad & Dr. Vasant Lad. |
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| Cataract prevention | | This spice is packed with antioxidants, especially the big three that have already been shown to prevent cataracts - vitamins A,C, and E. Curcumin, the main component turmeric, has also been shown to prevent cataracts in animals. 623
(White,Linda B., M.D. ) | | Stop smoking, carcinogens | | This bright yellow spice has been shown to help remove the carcinogens that smoking puts into your lungs. 682
(White,Linda B., M.D. ) | | Arthritis, COX-2 inhibitor | | The curcumin and curcuminoids in turmeric are first-rate arthritis-alleviating anti-inflammatories and fight inflammation much like COX-2 inhibitors. 437
(Duke, James A, Ph.D. ) | | Arthritis | | It's active ingredient, curmumin, inhibits the production of prostaglandins. Turmeric can be taken in food, or applied topically to the joint as a poultice to relieve pain 604
(White,Linda B., M.D. ) |
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| Side Effects: |
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| People with hypoglycemia can use small amounts of turmeric in cooking, but should not take large amounts. The yellow color of turmeric can stain clothes and skin. |
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Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887
 A perennial plant native to India cultivated in China, Bengal and Java for it's rhizomes. It needs warm tropical temperatures and plenty of rainfall to thrive.
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 For general protection from disease, carry turmeric root in your pocket, or tie it on a yellow silk thread around your neck |
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