What’s all the hype about TURMERIC – THE GOLDEN GODDESS???
TURMERIC – THE GOLDEN GODDESS – Golden latte mix, Immunity Kwath, Golden immunity mix – seen an emergence of 100’s of such immunity boosting products in the market recently? (All thanks to this pandemic!!)
What do all these have in common??
– Turmeric!!!
Something which Ayurveda spoke of and propagated 5000 years ago!!!!
Turmeric -(Latin- Curcuma longa) is one of the important dravyas in Ayurveda used in many forms.
Be it churns, Vatis, Kashayas and even in Lepa form.
Due to the current scenario of Covid 19, there has been a rampant release of immunity boosters in the market, formulations and products that help to keep respiratory health in check, and as a result, Turmeric has gained a lot of attention and promotion for usage.
Hence it is important to know what Turmeric does, what Ayurveda says about this wonder herb and how it should be used.
Coming to its name, the most common name used for Turmeric in Ayurveda is Haridra, it is also known by many other names like Peeta, Krimighni etc., which are given based on the various actions and properties of the herb.
The main part of turmeric that stores the most medicinal properties is the rhizome – the bulbous structure in the soil which is the underground plant stem.
Properties of turmeric according to Ayurveda
- Turmeric is dry in nature and Hot.
- It balances Vata , Pitta & Kapha.
- It can be used in the freshly extracted juice form and the powder form as well.
What does Turmeric do ??
- It improves the complexion of the skin.
- It is an immuno- modulator, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer.
- Useful in diabetes (when used with neem and amla), Anemia, Liver disorders, Gout, skin conditions, wound healing, detoxing, upper respiratory tract infections etc.
How should it be used??
Other than the medicinal form as prescribed by a qualified Ayurvedic doctor it can be used as follows-
Internally –
- Turmeric can be used as a spice in small quantities of 1/2 to 1 gm in everyday cooking.
- Half a teaspoon of turmeric can be added to a cup of warm milk and consumed once a day during noon or 30 to 40 mins before bed.
- Can be consumed as tea as well, once a day. Add half a teaspoon of turmeric in 250 ml of boiling water, 2 thin slices of fresh ginger and after turning off the heat jaggery can be added for sweetness.
Note- Turmeric should be avoided by individuals with bleeding disorders
Externally-
Half a teaspoon of Turmeric powder mixed with 1 tablespoon of yoghurt can be applied as a face pack which helps improve complexion, heal skin tan and calms the skin. You can also add half a tablespoon of Besan (chickpea flour) to the above mixture.
Why do some people complain of excessive heat after consuming turmeric over a period of time ???
As I mentioned in the beginning Turmeric is hot in nature,
so if a person especially of Pitta Prakruti consumes Turmeric everyday in high doses ( more than 3 grams a day ) over a long period of time, or consumes more doses in summers one may experience the same.
So to counter the same, turmeric can be taken with milk as the coldness of milk will help in balancing the heat.
You must have heard from many people and articles that your body does not absorb Turmeric without adding pepper!!
Ayurveda does not say so. This is because as per the above concept, pepper helps in better absorption of curcumin which is “ONE OF” the active chemical constituents of Turmeric.
But turmeric contains a lot of other active constituents other than curcumin and Ayurveda considers dravyas or herbs as a “WHOLE” and not as an isolated active constituent.
Hence adding pepper with Turmeric for enhancing its absorption is not a concept of Ayurveda, but a modern concept where the active principle of curcumin is singled out.
Hope this information helps.
