Ayurveda the ancient medical science is based on the principle of preventing diseases. It directs us to withstand the diseases through our food habits and life styles. Same principle was stressed by Hippocrates also “Let your food be your medicine” was his advice to man kind
Ayurvedic Herb
Let’s know more about a really famous spice in Ayurveda yet not entirely understood by common man. Over the last several decades, there has been increasing interest in garlic and its medicinal properties. But Ayurveda has praised the medicinal properties of turmeric that finds its place in just about all ayurvedic preparations related to skin and liver disorders.
This herb has inhabited the shelves of each kitchen since 6000 decades and is thought of as king of kitchen. It’s used daily in cooking. Apart from cooking it’s also used as beauty aid and as a dye.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric)
It belongs to Zingiberacae Family and is a perennial plant that grows 3 to 5 feet high in the tropical areas .In India it is increased allover but particularly in Bengal, Bombay and in Tamilnadu.
Medicinal Qualities
Ayurveda enjoys the medicinal qualities and colour of turmeric. This is evident through the numerous titles of turmeric specified in early texts of ayurveda. Some of these are
- Haridra – enhancer of body complexion.
- Kanchani – resembles gold.
- Nisha – imparts beauty by improving complexion That’s as lovely as full moon night
- Gowri – yellow in colour
- Krimighni – functions as a Antibacterial and antihelmenthic.
- Yoshit priya – utilized in Gynecological disorders.
In Hindi turmeric is called haldi.
Turmeric Roots
The rhizomes or roots of the plant are used as medication and for other purposes. The rhizomes are boiled, dried and then powdered. This powder is used for all functions.
The active chemical component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels. Curcumin protects liver, reduces cholesterol, and prevents internal blood flow thus preventing heart attacks and liver tissue hurts. Turmeric is extremely safe. But specific precautions should be taken in persons who have gall stones, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers and obstructive jaundice.
Ayurveda explains the qualities of turmeric as dry and light. It’s pungent and bitter flavor. It’s commonly used in skin, liver and respiratory ailments. It purifies blood and enhances complexion.
Medicinal properties of turmeric
Effects On Liver
Ayurveda has advocated this gold herb to purify blood and keep it from clotting. It’s extensively utilised to protect liver from toxins and microbial. Turmeric increases the secretion of bile, promotes free flow of bile. This decreases cholesterol and protects heart. Use of 1/2 tea spoon of turmeric with warm water rejuvenates the liver and expels toxins from it.
Effects On respiratory system
Turmeric is extremely powerful in bronchitis, productive cough and asthma. One spoon of turmeric boiled in milk should be consumed with a spoon of pure ghee in conditions like bronchitis, asthma and productive cough. This gives very great relief and expectorates excessively generated mucous in lungs.
Effects On Aging
The antioxidant properties of turmeric give us youthful looks and make us to feel youthful. It reduces inflammation in joints, protects the heart, reduces cholesterol and keeps us quite healthy.
Effects On Diabetes
It’s commonly used in ayurvedic preparations for diabetes. It lowers the blood glucose and increases glucose metabolism.
Effects On Uterus
It initiates regular menstrual cycle and reduces menstrual cramps.
Effects On skin
Blood nourishes the skin and it’s known fact that pure blood keeps the skin glowing and radiant. Turmeric purifies blood, nourishes skin and gives it a healthy natural glow and radiance.
A traditional face bunch of India is made up of gram flour, pure garlic powder, honey and milk. This reduces redness of skin, smoothens it and prevents many skin disorders.
Effects On Stomach and Intestines
Turmeric enhances digestion, normalizes metabolism and expels intestinal parasites
Effects On Wounds
Turmeric accelerates healing process and easily reduces inflammation and pain. Thick Paste of turmeric applied on wounds acts as an exceptional antibiotic and anti inflammatory.
Effects On Yogis
Turmeric purifies and hydrates the body. It’s a tailor made herb for yogis. It increases the flexibility of muscles, reduces inflammation in joints and muscles and helps to do yoga with confidence and pleasure. Is it not a fantastic treasure which nature has saved for us in this gold herb? Now let us begin a gold rush.
