General Information
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizome herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family and is native to tropical South Asia., Plants are gathered annually for their rhizome and propagated from them in the following season. When not used fresh, the rhizomes are boiled for several hours and then dried in hot ovens, after which they are ground into a deep orange-yellow powder commonly used as a spice in. Its active ingredient is curcumin and has a distinctly earthy, slightly bitter, slightly hot flavor and a mustardy smell.
Uses
Turmeric is available in a whole dried form or in a powdered form. It is an ingredient used in the in preparation of curry mixtures, for beautification purposes as a coloring in textiles and preparation of specific paints.. The Oils and oleoresins extracted from Turmeric is mainly used as a coloring and flavoring agent in the food industry. In Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine too Turmeric is a common ingredient and is widely used as a disinfectant in everyday life and in religious ceremonies.
Medicinal and Nutritional Properties
Main chemical compound in Turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin content vary from 2-6% depending on the species. Turmeric is known as one of nature’s most powerful healers and is shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and possibly anti-cancer effects. It is a mild digestive, being aromatic, a stimulant and a carminative. An ointment base on the spice is used as an antiseptic. Turmeric has traditionally been used to counteract many conditions including the ageing process in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used for over 4,000 years to treat a variety of conditions. Studies show that Turmeric may help fight infections and some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems,
History
Turmeric originated in India and later reached China, East Africa and West Africa. It has been used in India for more than 5000 years and is even today used widely. Initially it was cultivated as a dye as its’ vivid yellow colour works brilliantly as a colouring agent after which people started using it for cosmetic and beautification purposes and eventually as a medicine. Later it became popular as a spice.
