Turmeric – The golden spice

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of the star ingredients used for thousands of years in Ayurveda. It is called Haridra in Sanskrit. Turmeric is a long herbaceous plant with tapered green leaves, dull-yellow flowers, and yellowish-orange colored rhizomes. It grows in many regions of Asia but it is mainly native to India. It is a staple ingredient in a wide variety of cuisines found in the Indian sub-continent.

Scientific name: Curcuma Longa

Family: Zingiberaceae (Adraka kula)

Rasa (taste): Bitter, pungent

Virya (effect): Heating

Guna (quality): Light, dry

Part Used: Root (powdered or fresh)

Classification: Immune-Modulation

Impact: Detoxifying, boosts metabolism and supports immunity

Dosha: Pacifies Pitta and Kapha Dosha

Turmeric – The Golden Spice

Turmeric is the Golden Spice of Ayurveda, a multi-faceted ingredient with extraordinary properties and health benefits. It supports detoxification, immune health, and promotes healthy looking skin.

It can be consumed as a) fresh rhizome, b) a powdered spice, or c) curcumin supplement tablets. Turmeric rhizomes can be used fresh (like ginger) or they can be boiled in water and dried to form a deep yellow-orange powdered spice that is used for cooking curries. The powdered spice has a strong mustard-like flavor and aroma that can be described as bitter, earthy, and pungent.

In the past decades, scientists have extensively researched turmeric to understand the benefits of curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric.

Turmeric enjoys a special place in Ayurveda due to its rejuvenating properties. Thus, the consumption of turmeric eliminates ama (toxins) and improves the flow of fluids and subtle energies. Ayurveda says it has an affinity for the blood and plasma. It also helps mobilize various elements in the body that are responsible for supporting liver health and immunity.

In moderate quantities, turmeric can balance all three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) but in excess, it will aggravate vata and pitta. It should be consumed with some form of fat and a pinch of black pepper to improve absorption and increase the bioavailability of its active ingredients. If you cannot include turmeric as a spice in your cooking, you can take it in the form of curcumin + black pepper tablets or capsules.

Ayurvedic benefits

Blood-Sugar: Ayurveda states that turmeric or curcumin extract can help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range.

Skin: It is a popular custom in Indian wedding ceremonies to apply a turmeric paste to the bride and bridegroom to bring a glow to their skin. In combination with other natural ingredients, it is used popularly to promote healthy looking skin.

Immune Support: Turmeric promotes healthy digestion and supports the body’s immune response. It also supports healthy blood circulation in the body. Furthermore, curcumin may increase the production of vital enzymes that detox the liver and help the body get rid of toxins. For these reasons, it works as an immunity-supporting health tonic that promotes general good health.

Joint Support: Turmeric is one of the best spices to support your body’s inflammatory response. Sustained use of turmeric (topically and orally) can provide comfortable movement of the joints. It removes excess vata, which may affect the mobility of the muscles. It is commonly used to rejuvenate and strengthen the skeletal and neuro-muscular system.

Antioxidant: Curcumin, one of the main bioactive compounds of turmeric, is a potent antioxidant.¹

Turmeric

Frequently Asked Questions

Please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Keep out of the reach of children.