Turmeric root extract (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant from the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is native to tropical South Asia and needs temperatures between 20C and 30C, and needs a considerable amount of annual rainfall to survive. Plants are gathered annually for their rhizomes, and reseeded from some of those rhizomes in the following season to continue its growth cycle.
The rhizomes are boiled for several hours and then dried in hot ovens, after which they are ground into a deep orange-yellow powder commonly used as a spice in curries and other South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The rhizomes are also used for dyeing, and to impart color to mustard condiments. Its active ingredient is curcumin and it has an earthy, bitter, peppery flavor and a mustardy smell to all those who have tried it.
Turmeric root extract also known as curry powder, is a member of the ginger family. It has a light, musky flavor along with a brilliant golden-orange color for which makes it famous throughout the world. In Asia, its main use for thousands of years was as a dye for all sorts of manufacturing purposes.
Turmeric can replace the golden color of saffron which graces foods, but not its distinctive flavor! For a while, turmeric was also used as a fabric dye in Asian countries, until it was replaced by newer coal-tar compounds. To this day, some Hindu brides paint themselves with turmeric as part of the wedding preperation, while married women rub it into their cheeks to give off an attractive golden glow. In Asia, turmeric is considered a charm; newborn babies might have it rubbed on their forehead, or a bit of the root may be made into a necklace for them to wear so it can impart health benefits through the skin when in contact.
Turmeric can boost liver function. Turmeric blends are formulated in Asia to promote the flow of bile from the liver, leading to the removal of toxins from the body. As a culinary herb, the stimulating taste of Turmeric adds zip and pizzaz to foods. As a healthful herbal tonic, turmeric is said to provide warming, soothing benefits to the joints, liver, and stomach.
Turmeric root extract also stimulates gallbladder function in all individuals who consume it. Bromelain helps to inhibit pro-inflammatory compounds, reducing swelling and pain without side effects. It has also been determined to aid digestion, reducing diarrhea and increasing protein absorption.
Turmeric Root is native to Southern Asia. In India, women with lovely, velvety skin often attribute it to consuming Turmeric. It has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of jaundice and other liver ailments, ulcers, parasitic infections, various skin diseases, sprains, strains, bruises, inflammation of the joints, cold and flu symptoms, preserving food, and promoting digestion.
The properties of this herb are cholagogue, hepatic, stomachic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. The primary chemical constituents of Turmeric Root include curcumin essential oil, valepotriates, alkaloids, and protein. Modern interest in Turmeric began in 1971 when Indian researchers found evidence suggesting that the herb may possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Curcumin was later found to possess antioxidant properties. Evidence also suggests that Turmeric is an herb that stimulates the gallbladder. Turmeric helps to stabilize the body’s microflora, thus inhibiting yeast overgrowth (candida). It also sensitizes the body’s cortisol receptor sites, and its anti-inflammatory properties are considered at least equal to those of cortisones.
Turmeric prevents blood platelet aggregation that can lead to dangerous blood clots. Turmeric Root also helps to protect the liver, and is excellent for those exposed to toxic chemicals. Turmeric is also anti-mutagenic, and helps protect the body from mutagens such as smoke and other pollutants (acts as an antioxidant). Studies on Turmeric have verified that the herb possesses cholagogue type substances which increase the secretions of bile.
It has also been suggested that Turmeric lowers blood cholesterol and helps with weight loss. Recent investigations suggest that curcuminoids may be active in the external treatment of certain cancerous conditions; this is presumably connected with the cytotoxicity of these substances, which has been demonstrated on cell cultures, including tumor cells.
As you can see, turmeric is an amazing herb that has a wide range of pharmaceutical properties in the body. Look for turmeric in tablet or capsule for at your local or internet health foods store. Always purchase a name brand herbal product that is standardized to its active ingredients to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Turmeric is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.
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