Thursday, June 5, 2008

Turmeric Medicinal Properties

Turmeric has medicinal properties that are helpful in treating colds, cough and several other health disorders. Turmeric has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Turmeric (curcuma longa) is the yellow root of the perennial flowering plant. It has been used as a medicinal herb in ayurveda and Chinese medicine for several thousand years. It is used for its anti inflammatory effect in the treatment of bruises and wounds. It is also used to treat skin diseases of various types.
            Turmeric               
Wikimedia Commons: Miansari66
Turmeric Benefits for Skin

Turmeric powder can be used as a skin lightener, as it helps to reduce excessive pigmentation. A paste made by mixing turmeric, sandalwood and milk cream can be used as a skin cream to enhance beauty. It can also be used to get rid of acne. As an anti oxidant it has anti-aging properties and helps to remove skin wrinkles. Apply a paste made by mixing with gram flour, turmeric and milk on your entire body. Wash it off after 30 minutes. Repeat the process twice a week to get a glowing skin.

Turmeric Food

The yellow colored root of this plant is powdered and used as an additive for certain food preparations. It is also used as a food color. It has the ability to fight infections. It is an important ingredient of curry powder used by Indians.

Turmeric with Milk

The best method to consume turmeric is to add ½ tsp of turmeric to hot milk and drink it. 
   
Turmeric Antibacterial Properties

Turmeric has antiseptic and anti bacterial properties. It is used to treat cuts, burns and wounds. It helps to destroy germs and bacteria and prevent infections

Turmeric for Liver Disorders

Turmeric is a very good remedy for liver disorders. Turmeric protects liver from the ill effects of alcohol and the damaging effects of certain drugs and toxins. It can even regenerate the damaged liver cells. It is used to treat liver cirrhosis and jaundice.

Turmeric for Gallbladder Disorders

Turmeric helps to flush out gall stones and treat irritable bowel syndrome. Its active ingredient curcumin helps to reduce the pain after gall bladder surgery.

Turmeric for Rheumatoid Arthritis

The auto immune disease rheumatoid arthritis, affects millions of people worldwide. It causes inflammation of the joints. The active ingredient of turmeric, curcumin (curcuma longa) has been proved to be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric reduces inflammation and swelling with very few side effects.

Turmeric Hair Removal

Women in India used as a hair remover and to inhibit hair growth. Turmeric can be mixed with gram flour and yogurt. The resulting paste can be used can be used as a hair remover

Turmeric for Colds

One spoon of turmeric mixed in a hot glass of milk is good way to keep away colds and cough. It can also be mixed with honey and consumed for the same purpose. It gets rid of phlegm. It can be mixed with garlic for better effect.

Anti-Cancer

Turmeric is said to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The active ingredient curcumin (curcuma longa) has anti cancerous properties
The benefits of turmeric include

- Prevention of blood clots.
- Reduce cholesterol levels in the blood to prevent strokes and heart attack
- Treatment for insect bites and stings
- Treating snake bites
- Driving away ants

These are some of the medicinal properties of turmeric