Origin and botanical description of turmeric

Bearing the scientific name “curcuma longa” or “curcuma domestica”, turmeric is known by many names. Because of its color, it is also known as yellow ginger or turmeric. Although India is the world’s leading producer, turmeric grows in many of the hot, humid climates of South Asia. It can also be grown indoors in temperate regions. Turmeric is a perennial rhizomatous plant of the ZINGIBERACEAE family, which is the botanical family of ginger plants. It produces sterile white or yellow flowers, but some ornamental varieties produce more colorful pink or purple flowers. Ending in a spike, the turmeric stem can reach up to a metre in height. It bears broad, oblong, lanceolate leaves that alternate in two rows. Since it produces neither fruit nor flowers, turmeric is propagated by spontaneous cuttings from its gnarled rhizomes. Yellow or orange in color, turmeric rhizomes are the most prized part of this plant.

Uses and benefits of turmeric for the body

Used for thousands of years, turmeric now has a wide range of applications. Considered a sacred condiment in India, it is widely used as a spice in Indian and Asian cuisine. Turmeric is appreciated in cooking for its sweet, hot flavor and bitter, pungent taste. However, it also boasts a highly interesting nutritional value. Renowned for its characteristic orange-yellow color, turmeric is also used as a coloring agent. It can be used as a food colorant, textile dye or to give color to various cosmetic products. Among other things, turmeric is used to give a golden hue to certain make-up products. Mixed with lime, it is used as the main component of the red dot affixed to the Hindu forehead. Turmeric also plays an important role in traditional Indian medicine. It is included in the French pharmacopoeia. It is said to have numerous virtues, including anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is mainly rich in curcuminoids. Its properties enable it to effectively relieve joint and bone pain, as well as certain skin lesions. Turmeric also has benefits for the digestive system. It improves digestion, calms intestinal spasms, reduces nausea and supports biliary functions. Turmeric is recognized by the French pharmacopoeia as a choleretic and cholagogue.

Good advice on how to make the most of turmeric’s virtues

Today, turmeric can be used in powder, capsule or tablet form. You can make your own turmeric powder by grinding the dried rhizomes of this plant. But you can also find ready-to-use turmeric powder in many specialized shops. In any case, it’s best to buy it from herbalists, and prefer organic products. You can use turmeric powder as a spice to season your dishes. You can also use it to make herbal teas or infusions. You can mix it with a little honey, fresh ginger, fenugreek seeds or black pepper. Depending on the ailment you wish to alleviate, you can then drink 2 to 3 cups a day after meals. You can also mix a little turmeric powder with water or honey to soothe irritated skin. For better assimilation, you can take turmeric capsules and tablets as dietary supplements. For best results, take a one-month course of treatment and be sure to follow the recommended dosage to avoid any adverse effects. Health and phytotherapy professionals advise against turmeric cures for pregnant women, as well as for people prone to liver and biliary disorders. If in doubt, always seek professional advice.