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Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is native to Indonesia and southern India, where it has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. It is one of the most important herbs in the Ayurvedic tradition used for medical purposes.
The effective ingredient – Curcumin
The orange pigment of turmeric is called curcumin. Curcumin is the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric.
Fighting Imflammation – Naturally
In numerous studies, curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects have been shown to be comparable to the potent drugs as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents. Unlike many drugs curcumin produces no toxicity. Even as far back as 1986 studies have shown that curcumin is as effective as aspirin- not only as an anti-inflammatory, but also as a blood thinner.
Nutritional facts – Turmeric as a food supplement
- magnese (excellent source)
- iron (excellent)
- vitamin B6 (good)
- fiber (good)
- copper (good)
- potassium (good)
Turmeric – high in minerals and fiber
Medical properties of Turmeric
- Boosts detoxification of the liver
- Cardiovascular protection
- Anti-inflammatory (one of the most potent in nature
- Antiseptic, antibacterial
- Antioxidant
- Natural pain killer
Science found Turmeric to be effective to treat
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cyctic fibrosis
- Cancer prevention and healing cancer
- Neurogenerative diseases (Alzheimer, MS)
- Psorasis and other inflammatory skin conditions
- Type 2 diabetes
Absorbtion
Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. It helps to consume black pepper with it, which contains piperin a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2000%. Also you can make or buy tinctures or oils that are significantly higher in curcumin.
Turmeric – the golden spice
Quality
To achieve the best result and harness the magical properties of Turmeric, use only high quality, raw and organic product and for more concentrated forms search for extracts or tinctures.
6 Interesting facts about Turmeric
1. In 2009, Biochemistry and Biophysical Research Communications published a study out of Auburn University that explored how supplementing with turmeric can help reverse diabetes.The study discovered that curcumin in turmeric is literally 400 times more potent than Metformin (a common diabetes drug) in activating AMPK which improves insulin sensitivity which can help reverse Type 2 Diabetes.
2. Tumeric is also used as a natural hair dye and fabric dye
3. Many swear by a combination of olive oil and turmeric to deter dandruff and to improve the overall condition of the scalp
4. Turmeric can be used to make a skin mask to treat acne, reduce signs of aging and even to reduce facial hair.
5. Research discovered that curcumin was as effective as Prozac in managing depression.
6. Turmeric is also called as a Golden Spice and some suggest that it was one of the gifts (referred as gold) that the 3 Kings brought beside Frankincense and Myrrh (2 other very powerful natural medicine) to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.
Turmeric tea – recipe
Turmeric – Golden Milk tea
There are many ways to ingest turmeric, you can find an abundance of recipes online.
To prepare it as a tea is one of the easiest and fastest way and here is how you do it.
Take four cups of water and bring it to the boil. Add 1 teaspoon turmeric. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes. Strain this using a fine sieve. Add lemon or for taste.
As a variation, a teaspoon of ginger can be added to the turmeric tea.
Enjoy! Aloha
