Turmeric-The Golden Elixir or One More Diet Fad?

Growing up in the US, my kids were reluctant to take Indian food to school. They were afraid of being ridiculed, as the bright yellow, piquant curry was nothing like an omnipresent peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As the years passed, they became more open to explore exotic spices and seasonings like turmeric. It seems, so did Americans. They used to equate Indian spices to peppers and chilies but the picture is rapidly changing. From Starbucks’ new “Turmeric Latte” being all the rage to curcumin capsules being extensively researched for arthritis and cancer, turmeric is becoming ubiquitous.

Turmeric is the “queen” of 30 plus commonly used Indian spices. Its bright golden hue, tangy aroma and intense flavor bring life to many sweet and savory dishes. Turmeric is the dried, ground rhizome of the turmeric root, Curcuma longa, a plant in the Zingiberaceae family. This super herb is a rich supply of vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Curcumin is the most researched active polyphenol in turmeric. For centuries, Indians have employed turmeric’s healing properties successfully for everyday problems.

• Gargle with hot water and a pinch of turmeric to fight laryngitis. Drink a delicious homemade turmeric latte, hot milk with turmeric powder and ghee, to soothe throat pain. Sound sleep is an added benefit, thanks to magnesium in the turmeric.

• Apply turmeric honey paste to teeth and gums and leave overnight. It will ameliorate the toothaches and heal the bleeding gums quickly. Using turmeric in warm water as a mouthwash even gets rid of halitosis.

• Devour it in stir-fry, curries or rice. A hot oil tempering or ‘tadka’ will transform your plain recipe into something exotic. Besides adding an extra kick, the turmeric will also help ward off acid reflex, hangovers and migraines.

• Anoint with fresh turmeric paste to alleviate muscle sprains, joint swelling and arthritis pain. Press antiseptic, anti-hemorrhagic turmeric powder directly on cuts and scrapes to stop bleeding and prevent infections. Need soothing relief for burns, and sunburns? Turmeric powder with coconut oil or aloe gel does the trick.

• Don’t spend a fortune on Aveda wedding masque. A concoction of turmeric and sandalwood paste is the secret behind every Indian bride’s radiant, vibrant and healthy skin. The very reason ‘Haldi ceremony’ holds a significant place in wedding rituals.

With so many uses, turmeric can be considered one of the most versatile and potent medicines. But the best part about turmeric? This incredible spice is very safe. Turmeric has very few and mild side effects, especially when consumed in its natural form. Imagine saying that about most medications!

Fads go in and out of style but turmeric has been and will be in style for thousands of years. With so many great uses and minimal side effects, it is definitely a golden elixir, a panacea to alleviate many sufferings.

Craving for some more information, check out my post: ‘Turmeric and You: Traditional Recipes for Better Health’.