Turmeric is a member of Ginger family but is used as medicinal. Many synthetic drugs are produced through combinatorial chemistry. Plant based drugs are more suitable for human use. Turmeric is a plant that has a very long history of medicinal use dating back nearly 4000 years. Turmeric is a component in religious ceremonies. Turmeric is also an Indian saffron. Turmeric has a long history of medicinal use in South Asia. Sushruthan Ayurvedic compendium dating back to 250 BC recommends an ointment containing turmeric to relieve the effects of poisoned food.
The name turmeric derived from a Latin word Terra Merrita referring to the colour of ground turmeric which resembles mineral pigment.
The turmeric plant need temperature between 20°C – 30°C and considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive. The turmeric plants growth to a height 1m have long. India produces nearly all of the world’s turmeric crop and consumes 80 % of it. With its inherent qualities and a high content of the curcumin, Indian turmeric is considered to be best in the world.
Importance
- use as a foodstuff
- Cosmetic
- Medicine
- Used as a Spice
- Used as a colouring agent
- Used to give boiled white rice a golden colour
- Used in canned beverages, diary products, baked products, ice cream, yoghurt, orange juice, biscuit, sweets, sauces.
- Used the ingredient in most commercial curry powders
- Used as a fresh turmeric pickle
- Herbal medicine for arthritis, uveitis conjunctivitis, skin cancer, chickenpox UTI infection, digestive disorder.
- Anti Inflammatory
- Alzheimer’s, dementia
- Wound healing
- Diabetes control, cholesterol reduction
- Liver disease prevention.
- Anti venom
How to include turmeric in your diet
- Add powdered turmeric to warmed milk
- Add turmeric to egg and chicken salads Add turmeric to all dishes in your diet.