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Turmeric
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Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division:
Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Subclass: Zingiberidae
Order:
Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Curcuma
Species: C.
longa |
Binomial name |
Curcuma longa |
Turmeric is a valuable herb extensively used in India Ayurvedic and
Chinese medicine. Its botanical name is Curcuma longa. Turmeric is used
extensively in Indian, Middle East, Moroccan, African and Southeast Asian
cookery, especially in curries, vegetables, rice, fish and meat dishes to
add color and flavor. Considered a cleansing herb for the whole body, it
gives energy and grants prosperity. The finger like stalk is scalded, dried
and used for medicinal preparations. In addition, turmeric (haldi)
is great for the skin. So before investing in an expensive beauty product,
take a look in your kitchen.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
• It is an excellent natural
antibiotic.
• It strengthens digestion, prevents the formation of gas and
helps to improve large intestinal flora.
• It purifies the blood, aids
digestion of protein and promotes proper metabolism in the body.
•
Turmeric is used in treatment for fever and mild stomach upset.
• It
is also used in infection, arthritis, dysentery, jaundice and other liver
problems.
• It is used to treat chest congestion, menstrual discomforts
and many more ailments.
• It helps to relieve carpel tunnel syndrome,
joint inflammation and prevent cancer.
• It is also extensively used in
treating cough problem. Add a pinch or two of turmeric to warm milk to
soothe respiratory aliments such as cough or asthma.
Some Important Home Remedies
• It helps your skin tone and
color. Simply apply a little turmeric mixed with cucumber juice or lemon to
the affected area. Leave for 15 minutes and wash off. Do this everyday, and
gradually you will notice your skin color returning to normal.
• Take a
½ inch piece of turmeric and boil it with half a glass of milk. Once the
milk has turned yellow, remove from fire, let it cool slightly, and sip
this. This will cure numerous ailments. Women especially should drink this
every night, as it strengthens bones and reduces the risk of developing
osteoporosis.
• Turmeric is a wonderful body scrub. It leaves your
skin soft, smooth and glowing.
• It is an excellent anti-oxidant, which
essentially means that it stabilizes unstable oxygen molecules. These are
known as free radicals, and are what cause damage to cells, leading to aging
and various other diseases such as cancer.
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