Turmeric is a highly valued plant that is widely used as a spice or as a medicinal remedy.
In Ayurveda it is known as an herb for strengthening and warming up the entire body. Traditionally in India it is used to improve digestion, the intestinal microflora, for treatment of flatulence, to cleanse the liver and gall bladder, to normalize menstruation, to relieve arthritic pain and joint swelling. Topically it is used on sprains, burns, bruises and insect bites.
Recently, various scientific studies support the fact that turmeric does contain compounds with important medicinal properties, which are called curcuminoids. The most important of these is curcumin, a bioactive substance that fights inflammation at the molecular level.
Turmeric relieves pain
The plant has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and can be useful as a joint pain reliever. In a study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was shown to be more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug that was studied alongside it. Numerous other studies looking at the effects of curcumin on arthritis have noted significant relief of various symptoms.
Turmeric is a strong antioxidant
Oxidative damage is thought to be one of the mechanisms associated with aging and the development of many diseases. It is based on free radicals – highly reactive molecules that tend to react with important organic substances such as fatty acids, proteins or DNA. The main reason antioxidants are so beneficial is that they protect our bodies from these free radicals and from oxidative stress. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and also increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Thus, it attacks free radicals twice – first directly blocking them, and then stimulating the body’s own antioxidant mechanisms.
Turmeric improves brain function
Curcumin’s ability to increase brain levels of the protein BDNF – brain-derived neurotrophic factor – makes it a suitable natural remedy for slowing the development and aiding the therapy of many brain diseases and age-related decline in brain function.
Turmeric lowers risk of heart disease
Heart disease is the biggest killer worldwide today. Curcumin can be beneficial at various stages of the heart disease process. Its main benefit in this case is to improve the function of the endothelium (the lining covering the inner surface of blood vessels). Endothelial dysfunction, involving an inability of the endothelium to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and various other factors, is a major contributor to heart disease. Various studies have shown that curcumin leads to improved endothelial function. Curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidative damage, which are important factors in heart disease.
How to use turmeric:
For respiratory ailments, colds and for blood purification – add half a teaspoon of turmeric and a teaspoon of honey to 150 ml of boiling water. Let the mixture mix and cool for 5 minutes and take 3 times a day after meals.
In case of cough, bronchitis or upper respiratory tract catarrh – add a teaspoon of turmeric to in a dry pot or pan on the stove. Inhale the smoke emitted as it burns as a treatment.
For pharyngitis – mix one teaspoon of honey with half a teaspoon of turmeric. Keep mixture in your mouth until it completely dissolves. Do this several times a day after meals.
For bruises, injuries, lichen, eczema, skin diseases caused by parasites – mix half a teaspoon of turmeric and a pinch of salt with a little boiling water until a thick, homogeneous paste is obtained. Apply the paste to the skin with a gauze on top. Once it is fully dried up remove the gauze and rinse off the paste.
For joint diseases – in the morning on an empty stomach drink a glass of warm milk with half a teaspoon of turmeric in it.
Attention!
Hypoglycemic patients should not use turmeric in large quantities, even as a spice in their food.
Turmeric may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, increased risk of bleeding, hypotension (decreased blood pressure), uterine contractions, increased menstrual flow.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using turmeric!
