Herb of the Month: Turmeric

In this month’s issue of Better Nutrition (aka “The Medicine Hunter”) discusses the health benefits of turmeric. “A large body of science shows that curcumin, a compound in turmeric root, possesses significant healing properties and is chiefly responsible for the herb’s overall healing powers,” writes Kilham in the article. Turmeric has a long Ramuan tradition, so we thought it would be helpful to give you a breakdown of this mystical herb.

Basics: Turmeric or kunyit in Malay, is one of the oldest and most important herb-cum-spice species. Its ancient and modern usages include being an ingredient in folk medicine, food flavoring, dye and even religious and ritual ceremonies since 600 B.C., according to Herbs of Malaysia. A perennial herb native to Southeast Asia, turmeric is currently cultivated commercially in India, China, Indonesia and Indochina. The plant grows about one meter tall and has aromatic, light green leaves with sharp, pointed tips. Turmeric is extensively used throughout the world to flavor, color and increase the quality of preserved foods.

Uses: Turmeric can be applied to the body for an array of skin and eye conditions. The essential oil of turmeric is used in perfumes, and its resin is used as a flavoring and coloring ingredient in foods. In traditional medicine, turmeric is used for a variety of stomach and digestive system conditions. Turmeric is also the main spice used in many curry dishes.

Health benefits: Medicinally, its chemicals are known for maintaining healthy inflammatory response. For these reasons, it is traditionally used in treating immune health and kidney function. Turmeric also promotes normal bile secretion, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and addresses post partum discomfort. 

Turmeric, 3 Ways:

1. Boost your sexual energy. Ukup kering—or dry herbal steam—uses freshly pounded turmeric, black seed and lime juice for strengthening and toning up vaginal and cervical muscles. Mix fair parts of each to create your own mix.
2. Settle your stomach. According to WebMD, taking 500 mg of turmeric four times daily helps soothe upset stomach.
3. Spice up your meal. An important spice in Asian cuisine, turmeric is one of the most popular ingredients in curry dishes. Don’t be afraid to get creative, either—turmeric can also be sprinkled over pasta sauce and salad dressing, or sprinkled on meats such as roasted chicken. Try this recipe.

Have you ever used turmeric to spice up a dish or taken the herb as a dietary supplement? Do you know of other turmeric health benefits? Feel free to leave us a comment!