USES OF TURMERIC AYURVEDA is a holistic system of medicine that is indigenous to and widely practiced in India. The word Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term meaning "science of life". AYU means "life" or "daily living", and VEDA is "knowing". Ayurveda was first recorded in the VEDAS, the world's oldest extant literature. This healing system has been practiced in daily life in India for more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda is the science of of life which balance us in being healthy. To Traditional Ayurvedics, Turmeric is seen as an excellent natural antibiotic, while at the same time it strengthens digestion and helps improve intestinal flora. As such it is a good anti-bacterial for those chronically weak or ill. It's not only purifies the blood, but also warms it and stimulates formation of new blood tissue. Turmeric gives the energy of the divine mother and grants prosperity. It is effective for cleansing the chakras (nadi-shodhana), purifying thechannels of the subtle body. It helps stretch the ligaments and is, therefore, good for the practice of hatha yoga. Turmeric promotes proper metabolism in the body, correcting both excesses and deficiencies. It aids in the digestion of protein. Externally, it can be used with honey for sprains, strains, bruise or itch. It is tonic to the skin, for which purpose it can be taken internally as a milk decoction. Turmeric is aromatic and a stimulant and has many helpful functions. It is bitter, slightly pungent and a good blood purifier, and works as a tonic to aid digestion and relieve congestion. It has a soothing action on respiratory ailments such as cough and asthma. It also is antiarthritic and acts as a natural anti-bacterial. Turmeric may be added to high-protein food to assist digestion and prevent the formation of gas. It is effectively used to maintain the flora of the large intestine. Turmeric contains a variety of bioactive substances called curcuminoids. The most active component is curcumin, an orange-yellow volatile oil that includes three curcuminoids–turmerone, atlantone, and zingiberone. Research shows that turmeric and its curcuminoids have a number of beneficial properties: (1) good antioxidant activity, comparing well with vitamin C, vitamin E, and superoxide dismutase; (2) anti-inflammatory activity that is comparable to steroidal and nonsteroidal drugs; (3) anticancer properties influencing all the steps of cancer formation: initiation, promotion, and progression; (4) protects the cardiovascular system by lowering serum cholesterol and inhibiting platelet aggregation; (5) protects the liver by several mechanisms; (6) in vitro and in vivo studies show curcuminoids can help with HIV in a number of ways, including acting as biological response modifiers, resulting in significant increases in CD-4 and CD-8 counts.
USES IN BRIEF It is used to give golden color to foods such as curries, mustards, mayonnaise, pickles, and sauces. Sometimes substituted for Saffron. Tumeric is a mild aromatic stimulant seldom used in medicine except as a colouring. It was once a cure for jaundice. Its chief use is in the manufacture of curry powders. It is also used as an adulterant of mustard and a substitute for it and forms one of the ingredients of many cattle condiments. Tincture of Turmeric is used as a colouring agent, but the odour is fugitive. It dyes a rich yellow. Turmeric paper is prepared by soaking unglazed white paper in the tincture and then drying. Used as a test for alkaloids and boric acid. Although turmaric has long been appreciated for its culinary and medicinal value in India, it is only recently that western scientists have recognized this ancient spice for more than just its organoleptic qualities. Traditionally turmaric was used to support liver function and to treat jaundice in both Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine. It is also an ancient herb for digestive problems such as gastritis and acidity, helping to increase mucus production and to protect the stomach lining. Folk medicine has employed turmaric to treat arthritis, obesity and high cholesterol and to stimulate digestion. The active ingredient in turmaric is curcuminoid. This substance increases bile flow into the intestines. This may explain turmaric's cholesterol-lowering properties. Curcuminoids have considerable anti-inflammatory activity due to their ability to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Curcuminoids have also been shown to inhibit nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme that converts L-arginine to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is implicated in inflammation and cancer, the therapeutic properties of curcumin make it an invaluable preventive tool. Turmaric is a potent antioxidant against the superoxide radical as well as other free-radicals. Scientific studies show turmaric possesses anti-cancer, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. When applied to the skin and exposed to the sun, turmaric is strongly antibacterial. Its anti-fungal properties work against Candida albicans, Candida kruseii, and Candida parasilosis. Other agents such as dandelion root, milk thistle, licorice, artichoke and flavonoids, when used in combination with turmaric may enhance turmaric's therapeutic effectiveness. Turmaric is not recommended for pregnant women as it can cause uterine stimulation. These concerns are based upon therapeutic use and may not be relevant to its consumption as a spice. Turmeric is seen as an excellent natural antibiotic, while at the same time it strengthens digestion and helps improve intestinal flora. As such it is a good anti-bacterial for those chronically weak or ill. It's not only purifies the blood, but also warms it and stimulates formation of new blood tissue. Turmeric promotes proper metabolism in the body, correcting both excesses and deficiencies. It aids in the digestion of protein. Externally, it can be used with honey for sprains, strains, bruise or itch. It is tonic to the skin, for which purpose it can be taken internally as a milk decoction. Turmeric is aromatic and a stimulant and has many helpful functions. It is bitter, slightly pungent and a good blood purifier, and works as a tonic to aid digestion and relieve congestion. It has a soothing action on respiratory ailments such as cough and asthma. It also is antiarthritic and acts as a natural anti-bacterial. Turmeric may be added to high-protein food to assist digestion and prevent the formation of gas. It is effectively used to maintain the flora of the large intestine. It is also helpful with dysmenorrhea, trauma and pain.
NATIVE USAGE OF TURMERIC: Traditional Ayurvedic uses TURMERIC ROOT PIECES: Chew 1 or 2 raw pieces to relieve inflammation of the tonsils and congestion in the throat. TURMERIC LIQUID JUICE: Juice raw pieces into liquid. TURMERIC PULP: Separated from juicing is used as a poultice mixture for broken bones, sprains & strained muscles, cuts & bruises to reduce swelling. FRESH TURMERIC JUICE: It should be used and refrigerated within 2 weeks time for ear, sinus, throat, cough, colds and chest congestions. Turmeric juice kept longer then a month needs to be filtered several times until turmeric resin and thick fibers are removed. TURMERIC RESIN: Gathered from the juice sedimentation and is used for skin disorder. REFINED TURMERIC LIQUID: With grapefruit seed extract as a natural preservative can maintain its good quality for a longer period of time. Keep refrigerated after use. Ear ache needs 2 or 3 drops in ear with a piece of cotton. Remove cotton in a few minutes. Repeat procedure in the other ear, if it is needed. For sinus use 2 or 3 drops in both nostrils with a tissue to pinch the opening. In a sitting position, lower head slowly down to waist level, then raise head, tilt upward, repeat 3 times. Throat & chest congestion needs 4 or 5 drop in the throat. Repeat as needed. Wart, itch, rash and skin disorders apply 1 or 2 drops on the affected area, dry, repeat several times a week. Tonify-ing the blood by 1 or 2 drops in water & juice.
ADVISE WHEN USING TURMERIC Like all herbal products, patience and repetitive use is required for success. For instance, when treating an ear infection, the Turmeric juice holds down the infection very effectively, but beating it back may take quite some time. Likewise with sinus infections. Obviously, better effect will be had if you treat immediately at the onset of a problem. In the case of a sinus infection, it is wise to repeat the treatment twice a each usage (once to remove the mucus and once to coat the exposed memberanes) at least 3 times a day (5 is good). If any systemic signs or symptoms appearfever, swelling, redness, discharge, disorientation etc. it is wise to see your health care practitioner immediately. Be aware that Turmeric is a strong dye, and can stain your clothes and furniture. Always prepare for use of this substance by eliminating the possibility that you will spill it on valued personal items. The taking of Turmeric into the sinuses can be classified as "semi-intense." The liquid does not burn, but the sensation can be a compelling one. Always have paper towels or kleenex around to catch yourself with, if you sneeze. The ancient Hawaiians used this herb for many things, including the prevention and treatment of sinus infections (it is very astringent and appears to pull mucus out), ear infections (swimmers ear) and gastrointstinal ulcers.