Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a flowering plant in the ginger family Zingiberaceae. It is a perennial, rhizomatous, herbaceous plant native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Benefits
- Reduces inflammation
- Ease Joint Pain
- Immune System: Curcumin in turmeric has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Enhance the antioxidant capacity and fights free-radical damages
- Treats your gut, help with irritable bowel syndrome and colitis
- Enhance mood, potential uses in treatments for depression through reversing the harmful brain changes which happen in depressive state. Research has also shown its ability to potentially increase levels of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
- Support digestion
- Cognitive function, it had been found to enhance levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) which is known to play a significant role in the cognitive functions. This indicates that turmeric has the ability to enhance the brain health.
In Ayurveda, turmeric is a revered “golden spics” that has been used for centuries. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, purifying effects on blood and liver, and ability to kindle digestive fire. Modern science is also confirming many of these benefits, especially related to inflammation and antioxidant properties.
Ayurvedic properties and effects
- Balancing the doshas: Turmeric is considered a “Kapha Pitta shamaka,” meaning it can help reduce aggravated Kapha and Pitta doshas. However, excessive consumption can aggravate Pitta and Vata.
- Taste and energy: It has a bitter (tikta) and pungent (katu) taste, with a heating potency (ushna) that stimulates the digestive fire (agni).
- Tissue support: It is particularly beneficial for the blood and plasma tissues (rasa and rakta dhatu) and is used to support liver, muscle, and joint health.
- Detoxification: It helps cleanse the blood and liver, and its cleansing energy can reduce ama (toxicity).
Common Ayurvedic uses
- For skin: Used as a paste to brighten skin, balance tone, and reduce discoloration.
- For wounds and injuries: Applied topically as a paste or used in other ways to promote healing. Yogis use it to help stretch ligaments and repair injuries.
- For digestion: Supports digestion and metabolism.
- For circulation: Stimulates blood formation and invigorates circulation.
- Immunity: Supports the immune system.
Modern day
- Modern science is researching turmeric’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and other properties, with many benefits being studied and confirmed, such as for managing osteoarthritis pain.
- Black pepper is often paired with turmeric to enhance the absorption of its active compound, curcumin.