Turmeric, or Curcuma lona, has been used for thousands of years as a spice and for medicinal use. It is often added to cheese and salad dressings to give off a bold yellow coloring. Medicinally, turmeric is a powerhouse and is one of the most researched, studied and evidence-based herbs. Curcumin is the main component and active ingredient in turmeric, giving it anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, turmeric is K- and PV+(excess). This means that kapha types are balanced by taking this herb and that Pitta and Vata types could become aggravated if taken in excess. The taste or rasa of turmeric is bitter, astringent, and pungent. It has a unique prabhav of having a heating virya, energy but without aggravating pitta unless again it’s taken in excess. Turmeric is a stimulant and carminative which is a classification of herbs that helps to dispel gas, it clears the blood channel and is antibacterial.
The Benefits
Turmeric is beneficial for many common imbalances such as indigestion, poor circulation, cough, amenorrhea, pharyngitis, skin disorders, acne, psoriasis, diabetes, arthritis, anemia, wounds, bruises, joint inflammation, cuts, burns, depression, and improved memory.
Many studies are being done on the use of Turmeric for Alzheimer’s patients, brain disease, several types of cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and depression. Because it’s a potent antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals and many studies are proving this benefit.
It helps to consume it with black pepper, which contains piperine. Piperine is a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%!
You should always consult your Ayurvedic practitioner or your medical doctor before consuming. I recommend not taking turmeric if you are planning to have surgery as it thins the blood, you are pregnant, have acute jaundice and hepatitis, or you have extremely high pitta conditions.
Including this amazing spice in your meals is a great way to get all the benefits you’re looking for. Some of my favorite recipes are:
Golden Milk
Creamy Turmeric Tea
Overnight Golden Spiced Chia Cereal
Honey Throat Lozenges
Personal Experiences/Intuition: I’ve taken turmeric for many years as Alzheimer’s runs in my family. I do notice the benefits of improved memory, less inflammation, in particular, joint inflammation, and clearer skin. Recently I have enjoyed taking it as a tincture mixed into a little organic carrot juice. Pictured here is me at a herbal farm in Costa Rica in 2019 drying fresh turmeric root.
You can pick up a bottle of our ‘golden relief tincture’ in the apothecary. Let us know what benefits you notice!
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