THE HEALING POWER OF TURMERIC

TURMERIC, AS EFFECTIVE AS MEDICINES

Turmeric or Indian yellow root is a spice extracted from the plant Curcuma longa. Not only is it used to colour rice but it is also supposed to work as a medicine against diseases, such as thrombosis and brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson.

Most Asian countries have long been aware of the qualities of turmeric. It is traditionally used as medicine in China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and India, where it is also part of Ayurvedic medicine.

TURMERIC KILLS CANCER CELLS

The healing power of turmeric is undoubtedly very effective. Turmeric helps against all kinds of old-age diseases and kills even cancer cells, which is proven, thanks to numerous scientific research. All these studies unanimously showed that curcuma, the main active ingredient of turmeric, slows down the development of cancer, especially breast, lung and kidney, as well as cancer of the colon, the liver, the stomach, the ovaries and of leukaemia.

MORE EFFECTIVE HEALTH BENEFITS

• Acute and Chronic Inflammation: due to its anti-inflammatory action, turmeric is effective in the fight against both acute and chronic inflammation. It reduces morning stiffness, joint pain, rheumatism, muscle pain, tendon inflammation, gout, and colitis and Crohn’s disease. Acting as an anti-inflammatory, it makes sense that it helps decrease the pain that is caused by arthritis.
• Gallbladder: turmeric promotes emptying of the gall bladder and prevents painful biliary colic and gallstones (cholesterol gallstones and small gallstones). Turmeric lowers the cholesterol concentration in the gallbladder and increases moisture content. Turmeric also helps in the digestion of fats.
• Cholesterol: turmeric increases the separation of cholesterol through the gall. Therefore, turmeric is effective at fighting a too high concentration of bad LDL cholesterol. It thus prevents the deposition of cholesterol plaques and lowers the risk of heart disease.
• Liver: turmeric protects your liver from the damaging influence of alcohol. Turmeric detoxifies your liver, prevents fat and stimulates the general functions of the liver.
• Digestion: turmeric improves a poor digestion and supports the digestion of fats. It prevents flatulence, bloating, heartburn and diarrhoea.
• Alzheimer’s: turmeric prevent Alzheimer’s disease. At forthcoming Alzheimer’s or when this illness in the family, it is wise to use turmeric as prevention.
• Depression: Curcuma, the active ingredient of turmeric may help relieve major depression; according to a recent survey from India where curcuma was compared with Prozac. Turmeric has proven to have a positive effect on our mental health and well-being and improves our brain function in general.
• Additional: Turmeric also helps with polyps in the colon, arteriosclerosis, psoriasis, osteoarthritis, and in chronic eye inflammation.
• Pain and Flu: Turmeric makes a good substitute for an aspirin when suffering from pain and helps decrease the symptoms of the flu.

USAGE

You can use fresh curcuma root or a powder version. In any case, use from an organic origin for healing effects. Always be careful when using turmeric, as it stains on your clothes and skin. Wear an apron and, if possible, plastic gloves. Use crystal soda or baking soda to wash away the yellow stains.

When using the powder, I suggest you cook it first and make a paste, as it improves the working of curcuma and is easier to digest for the body.

Take 1/2 cup of clean vitalised water and add 1/4 cup of turmeric, pour in a pan and cook softly for about 8 minutes. Stir gently and add water if needed. It should be a medium consistency, not too thick. When cooled down, pour the substance into a glass container and close with a lid. You can keep it in the refrigerator for approximately three weeks, or until bitter. The use of 1/2 tsp per day is sufficient.

HOW AND WHEN

Turmeric is best taken in combination with other foods, because in enables our body to absorb it better. The healthy ingredients of turmeric are most beneficial in combination with black pepper; possibly mixed with some olive oil or any other ‘organic’ oil. It can be used in soups, sauces or any warm dish, which preferably contains some fat.

I personally like it in my yoghurt too, which makes my snack very nutritious, especially with added fruit, nuts, berries or anything of your likes. In combination with milk, it is called ‘Golden Milk’, and makes a perfect health drink. Instead of dairy, you can also use, rice, oat, almond or coconut milk, unsweetened and from an organic origin.

When not feeling well, fighting a cold or flu; make a hot water cocktail from clean vitalised water, with 1/2 tsp turmeric, 0.5 inch freshly grated ginger, juice of half a lemon and 1tsp of apple cider vinegar. You can sweeten it with some honey, which also contains antibiotic qualities. It is perfect to start or end your day with it, as it rejuvenates and balances the energy system!

You’ve got to love this spice, and keep it in stock, either fresh or as a paste.