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Synopsis of Turmeric’s Healing Properties

Discussion in 'Nature Cure' started by puni88, Feb 12, 2008.

  1. puni88

    puni88 Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    Synopsis of Turmeric’s Healing Properties
    Besides flavoring food, to purify the blood and skin conditions remedy is probably the most common use of Turmeric in Ayurveda.
    • The main organs that turmeric treats are the skin, heart, liver and lungs.
    • <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2">Turmeric is used for epilepsy and bleeding disorders, skin diseases, to purify the body-mind, and to help the lungs expel Kapha. <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2">Activities of Turmeric include: Alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-allergic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, appetizer, astringent, cardiovascular, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, stimulant, and vulnerary. <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2">Therapeutic uses of Turmeric: Anemia, cancer, diabetes, digestion, food poisoning, gallstones, indigestion, IBS, parasites, poor circulation, staph infections, and wounds. <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2">Turmeric helps to regulate the female reproductive system and purifies the uterus and breast milk, and in men it purifies and builds semen, which is counterintuitive for a pungent bitter. <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2">Turmeric reduces fevers, diarrhea, urinary disorders, insanity, poisoning, cough, and lactation problems in general. <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2">Turmeric is used to treat external ulcers that respond to nothing else. Turmeric decreases Kapha and so is used to remove mucus in the throat, watery discharges like leucorrhea, and any pus in the eyes, ears, or in wounds, etc. <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2">In Ayurvedic cooking, turmeric is everywhere, this multifaceted wonder spice helps
      • <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2">Detoxify the liver <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2">Balance cholesterol levels <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2">Fight allergies <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2">Stimulate digestion
      • Boost immunity
      • Enhance the complexion
    It is also an antioxidant Ayurveda recognizes turmeric as a heating spice, contributing bitter, pungent and astringent tastes.

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    Remedies
    Anemia
    Everyday take a dose of 1 tsp of turmeric juice mixed with honey.


    Asthma

    Boil 1 cup of milk with 1 tsp of turmeric powder. Drink warm.
    Burns
    Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with 1 tsp of aloe gel and apply to burnt area.
    Conjunctivitis
    Mix 1 tbsp of crushed, raw turmeric in 1/3 cup of water. Boil and sieve. 2–3 drops of this mixture may be used in each eye up to 3 times per day.
    Complexion
    Apply a paste of turmeric on the skin before bed, and wash off after a few minutes. In the morning, remove any remaining yellow tinge with a paste of chickpea flour (besan) and oil.
    Dental problems
    Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with ½ tsp of salt. Add mustard oil to make a paste. Rub the teeth and gums with this paste twice daily.
    Diabetes
    ½–1 tsp of turmeric should be taken 3 times a day.
    Diarrhea
    Take ½ tsp of turmeric powder or juice in water, 3 times per day.

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    Pain
    Mix 1 tsp of turmeric and 2 tsp of ginger with water to make a paste. Spread over a cloth, place on the affected area and bandage.
    Add 1 tsp of turmeric to 1 cup of warm milk and drink before bed.
    Other uses
    In cooking, turmeric acts as a yellow coloring agent. It is an important herb in Hindu rituals. It is also a ingredient in cosmetics as it is beneficial for the skin. Burning turmeric can repel insects. Inhaling the smoke can assist in coughs, asthma and congested nasal passages.
    Ears, Eyes, Nose and Mouth
    Turmeric dust, with alum 1:20, is blown into the ear to treat chronic otorrhea.
    Mix a pinch of Turmeric with organic ghee and apply it to the mucus lining of nose to stop the sniffles. It also stops nosebleeds, helps to clear the sinuses, restore a more acute sense of smell, and helps to purify the mind and brain.
    Turmeric helps to maintain the shape and integrity of our eyes.
    A Turmeric/water decoction, 1:20, is used to treat conjunctivitis and eye disease in general. Soak a cloth in the decoction and then cover the eye with it. This helps to relieve the pain as well.

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    Turmeric for Stomach and Intestines
    Turmeric treats the whole Gastro - Intestinal system.
    In general turmeric is used for
      • <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2">Weak stomachs <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2">Poor digestion <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2">Dyspepsia <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2">To normalize metabolism <LI class=MsoNormal style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2">To help digest protein
      • To increase the bio-availability of food and the ability of the stomach to withstand digestive acids.
    Turmeric is a great carminative, able to calm an upset digestive system by getting rid of gas and distention. Carminatives also tend to increase absorption and nurture the intestinal flora.
    Taking Turmeric will work fine to balance an upset digestion. Just take a small spoonful of Turmeric and stir it in a cup of yogurt right after lunch.
    Remedy for ‘piles’ is to directly apply a mixture of mustard oil, turmeric, and onion juice. To stop rectal bleeding take a 2 or 3 tablespoons of Turmeric every half hour until the bleeding stops, usually in an hour.
    =========================================================
    by Christa Sinadinos, Certified Clinical Herbalist
    Many people are familiar with turmeric as a traditional Middle-Eastern spice, but few know of its medicinal virtues. Turmeric, otherwise known as Circuma longa, is a member of the ginger family, Zingaberaceae. The Latin name is derived from the Persian word, "kirkum," which means "saffron," in reference to the rhizome's vibrant yellow-orange color. It is indigenous to Southeast Asia, but has long been used and cultivated throughout <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:eek:ffice:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
    Turmeric is highly valuable for the influence it exerts on the digestive system and the liver. In both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is considered a digestive bitter and a carminative. It can be incorporated into foods, including rice and bean dishes, to improve digestion and reduce gas and bloating. It is a cholagogue, stimulating bile production in the liver and encouraging excretion of bile via the gallbladder. This improves the body's ability to digest fats.
    Turmeric is recommended for chronic digestive weakness and/or congestion. It can be taken as a single extract or in the form of digestive bitters, which combine turmeric with other bitter and carminative herbs. Gaia's "Sweetish Bitters" is a tasty combination, and Herb Pharm's single extract of turmeric is delicious. Take either of these twenty minutes before meals, especially meals that are high in protein and/or fat. It is beneficial for people who feel tired after consuming meals or who experience gas and bloating.
    Turmeric is anti-inflammatory to the mucous membranes, which coat the throat, lungs, stomach and intestines. Turmeric decreases congestion and inflammation from stagnant mucous membranes. People with the following conditions could benefit from regular use of turmeric: IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), colitis, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, and post-giardia or post salmonella conditions. It can also reduce the itching and inflammation that accompanies hemorrhoids and anal fissures. This herb would be useful to follow up antibiotic treatments, in addition to acidophilus and garlic. It helps to improve the intestinal flora and acts as an anti-bacterial.
    Another wonderful aspect of turmeric is its beneficial influence on the liver. Spring (and late winter) is an important time to consume herbs and foods that strengthen the liver, because spring is the season which rules the liver and gallbladder in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Turmeric shares similar liver protectant compounds that milk thistle and artichoke leaves contain. It is said to shrink engorged hepatic ducts, so it can be useful to treat liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice. Turmeric can also benefit skin conditions including: eczema, psoriasis and acne, for it is a potent detoxifier.
    Turmeric is an antispasmodic to smooth muscles so it reduces digestive and menstrual cramping. For women who experience monthly menstrual cramps, try consuming turmeric extract or bitters twice daily for two weeks prior to expected menstruation. It should reduce the severity of cramps, if not alleviating them completely. Of course, diet and lifestyle have a profound influence on the menstrual cycle, but turmeric is a great addition.
    Another use of turmeric is for the treatment of skin cancer or pre cancerous skin conditions. Both topical and internal use are encouraged. Of course it will stain the skin a lovely yellow color (and clothing too for that matter.) One final use of turmeric is as a dye. One can dye wool, yarn, clothing, and even Easter eggs with this root.
    According to Dr. Vasant Lad, "Turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity. It is effective for cleansing the chakras, and purifying the channels of the subtle body."
    Try adding turmeric to your oatmeal, grains and beans, or take digestive bitters. Whatever way that turmeric is consumed it will benefit both the digestive system and the liver.
    Sources:
    The Yoga of Herbs
    , Dr. Vasant Lad
    Foundations of Health
    , Christopher Hobbs
    Antihepatotoxic Principles of Curcuma longarhizones
    by Kiso Y. Suzuki Y, Watanabe N. Planta Medica
    Personal clinical experience and observation

     
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  2. Sriniketan

    Sriniketan IL Hall of Fame

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    HI Punitha,
    Just went through this post.
    Amazed to know how our ancestors found its healing powers loooooooong time ago!

    sriniketan
     
  3. madhu11

    madhu11 Bronze IL'ite

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    Good post on turmeric Puni.
     
  4. sreechandra

    sreechandra New IL'ite

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    I think we should not use the turmeric powder available in the market for any medicinal use. We can prepare the powder at home and it will give good result.
     
  5. alpers

    alpers Bronze IL'ite

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    Many thanks for a superb post.

    It shows that turmeric is the best cure for many diseases and disorders and healing process of our body.

    Thanks to our Ayurveda & Herbal Medicine. BowBowBow
     
  6. Sindhurao

    Sindhurao Gold IL'ite

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    Good informative post, Puni.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Sindhu
     
  7. puni88

    puni88 Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    Hi All,
    Thanks for your FBs.

    Regards.
     
  8. reshmirn

    reshmirn Bronze IL'ite

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    very informative.. so nice of u to gather so much information and share it on IL.
    powdered turmeric available in market may not be as effective as said..perhaps we need to buy turmeric, dry it and make a powder of it. thats wat my grandmom used to say..
     
  9. ARIES

    ARIES Bronze IL'ite

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    Thank you for a such a useful post. Turmeric is of indian origin but we don't know the value of it and the europeans taken the royalty of it. Its a shame for us.
     
  10. aannamika

    aannamika New IL'ite

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    thanks for posting such a wonderful and informatve article about this amazing spice.,no wonder it is being used in ayurveda for centuries.
     

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