Turmeric As a medicine
S.Parthasarathy, M.Sc., Agri (Plant Pathology),
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. spsarathyagri@gmail.com
In India, turmeric is being used in medicines and cosmetics, it is used extensively as natural food colorant and flavourant to add color and taste in the preparation of various dishes. It is also held highly by Hindu’s as sacred and is used in ceremonial and religious functions. Turmeric (Curcuma Longa L.) is native to India and commercially cultivated in tropics. The plant is herbaceous perennial, 60 - 150 cm. high with short stems and turfed leaves. In our country, turmeric occupies about 6% of the total area under spices and condiments and India is the leading country both in area and production. The rhizome has used as spice and folk medicine. Since thousands of years it has been established that the turmeric contains ‘curcumin’ which is the principal constituent of many medicinal preparations. Traditionally, it was famous for its healing properties. Scientific studies established its anti – inflammatory, digestive, anti – oxidant, cholesterol reducing and anti – cancerous properties. Medicinal uses In the Indian system of medicine, turmeric occupies an important place, as an ingredient in the preparation of medicinal oils, ointments and poultice. It is a stomachic, carminative, tonic, blood purifier, vermicide, and an antiseptic. It is also prescribed as an antiperiodic alternative. Against worms: Consuming juice of the rhizome of turmeric with black salt destroys worms. For inflammation: Turmeric, powder mixed with slaked lime and applied the worm mixture on any type of bone injury, sprains and dislocation to get relief. Turmeric is very useful in reducing arthritis inflammation too. Stammering: Cure stammering by licking the fried powder of the rhizome in pure ghee 2 -3 times a day for some days. For conjunctivitis: Against eye infection to wipe the eye use clean cloth which is dye with turmeric. As skin refresher: Make a paste of equal quantity of rhizome of turmeric and leaves of neem and apply once/twice in a month to avoid skin diseases and keeps the skin smooth, fresh and maintains glow. By applying daily the mixture of turmeric powder with sandalwood paste and milk cream keeps the face fresher and glowing. A paste with latex of Datura and rhizome of turmeric can be applied to cure the black scars of the face. Applying paste of turmeric gets rid of ringworm and scables. To reduce asthma and cold: Take twice daily the mixture of turmeric and honey for 3 - 4 months. And inhale the fumes of turmeric, tea leaves, black gram and Bengal gram powder. For sore throat and common cold: Turmeric is boiled with warm milk and taken internally, or used as an inhalation from boiling water, eras smoke through pipe in combination with omum. Dental troubles: Burnt turmeric used as tooth powder. For small pox: Turmeric is applied as a paste with sesame oil and neem leaves.
Welcome to the community[edit source]
Hi Spsarathy - good to have you here. Let me know if you have questions or suggestions, or if you need help. --Chriswaterguy 06:36, 12 January 2012 (PST)
Welcome![edit source]
Hi Spsarathy,
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