Turmeric – The Holy, Auspicious & Natural Healer
You probably know Turmeric as the main spice in curry. In fact, Turmeric is a common spice found in almost every kitchen in many Asian countries like India. It has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to add color and flavor to curry. Amongst its countless roles, Turmeric is widely utilized in Ayurvedic Medicine in treating allergies, immune conditions, liver diseases and neurologic disorders. Turmeric contains the chemical curcumin. Curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric decrease swelling and reduce inflammation. Because of this, turmeric is developing quite a reputation for treating conditions that involve inflammation. In other words, we are just now beginning to understand why Turmeric has always been considered a holy, auspicious and natural healer.

Turmeric Herbal Supplements
Turmeric is one of the oldest, most important spices known to humankind. Turmeric is bitter, astringent and pungent in taste, and has a heating quality. Due to its heating quality, turmeric helps to balance Kapha and Vata doshas (mind-body types), and due to its bitter taste, it helps to balance the Pitta dosha, thus making it tri-doshic. Turmeric is also beneficial for helping with occasional congestion, soothing a hoarse voice or the occasional cough, and easing feelings of heaviness in the head due to a Kapha imbalance.

Creative & Interesting Ways To Use Turmeric – Ela Gale

Health Benefits Of Turmeric
Some of the many health benefits of Turmeric are:

1. Common Allergies:
A pinch of turmeric in hot water can be used as an effective steaming method to assist in coughs and colds. Add a pinch of turmeric and salt to warm water and use this for gargling twice a day for alleviating sore throats.

Aller-Defense
Turmeric, lebbek tree & holy basil balance the body’s immune system.

2. Asthma & Bronchitis:
As Turmeric has an affinity with the lungs, it can be used with a holy basil decoction to obtain relief from asthma and bronchitis.

Ayurvedic Products – Respiratory Health
Breathe easier all season along.

3. Anti-Inflammatory:
Consuming 500mg of turmeric daily has been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect on joints and has proved more effective than ibuprofen!

Amrit Kalash 
Immunity = Power Up!

4. Anti-Cancerous:
Due to its antioxidant properties, Turmeric has been found to be effective in inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Recent research in rodents suggests that ‘Curcumin’, a factor extracted from Turmeric, is able to inhibit colon cancer growth and spread.

5. General Malaise:
Can’t get out of your bed in the morning? Feeling tired after a walk? A simple yet delicious tip- Take a pinch of turmeric with hot milk twice daily. Increased energy levels and overall fatigue may diminish.

Ayurvedic Detox Program
For people who want a whole-body cleanse.

6. Beauty:
Turmeric is widely used in many beauty products due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Apply turmeric along with honey for lightening of acne spots and for improving complexion. Using flour, turmeric and water, make a paste and apply directly to the skin and/or pimples for a healing effect. It has been found very effective in hair and skin health.

Youthful Skin Line 
Potent ayurvedic formulas to help neutralize oxidants before they damage your skin; provides nourishment for natural, healthy skin cell growth; and helps stimulate collagen synthesis.

7. Dyspepsia:
The use of Turmeric has been found to be successful in cases of dyspepsia. Add a small amount of turmeric to vegetables when cooking.

Ayurvedic Digestive Products
Good health depends on strong, efficient digestion.

8. Alzheimer’s Disease:
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living, as well as behavioral changes. The many various effects of curcumin, such as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help improve overall memory in Alzheimer’s patients.

Turmeric “Golden” Milk ~ An Ayurvedic Elixir
It’s to no surprise to that turmeric has fast become a popular remedy for just about everything that ails you. Traditionally, turmeric milk has been used for conditions such as colds, congestion, headaches, and sore throats due to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. What is more interesting is that Ayurveda [and other ancient systems of medicine] have used turmeric for health and wellness since for as long as historical records have existed.

Turmeric “Golden” Milk is extremely simple to make
– 1 cup of whole organic milk, preferably non-homogenized
– 1/2 tsp of dried turmeric

Very Very Easy To Make!
1. Place milk in a saucepan and cook over medium heat
2. Add turmeric [and additional spices, see below] and stir
3. Allow the milk to simmer for just a few minutes, stirring occasionally
4. Turn off heat, cover, and allow the mixture to sit for several minutes to allow for greater infusion
5. Strain the milk through a strainer if fresh ingredients were used
6. Serve warm and enjoy

Want To Spice It Up?
Turmeric is a bitter spice so if you want to spice it up and make your turmeric milk more flavorful then consider spicing it up with a pinch of this and a dash of that. Depending upon what you are attempting to target, here are several other considerations to help spice up your turmeric golden milk.

– 1 tsp of ghee which acts as a laxative to help promote bowel function
– 1 pinch of nutmeg which helps promote sound sleep and is also a carminative
– 1 pinch of ginger to act as an anti-inflammatory
– 1 pinch of cinnamon and/or cardamom for delectable flavoring

Word Of Caution Regarding Honey & Ghee:
Finally, you may also want to consider adding a 1/2 tsp of honey for flavoring. However ~ a word of caution. According to Ayurveda, equal amounts of honey and ghee [based upon weight] is considered to be toxic and should generally be avoided.

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Sun Dressing
Turmeric is widely utilized in Ayurvedic Medicine in treating allergies, immune conditions, liver diseases and neurological disorders. It is considered a holy, auspicious and natural healer.

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Juice + zest of 2 Lemons
• ¼ avocado
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. ground turmeric
• 1 Tbsp. raw local honey — if not vegan
• pinch of Himalayan sea salt (to taste)

Blend all ingredients in a blender.  Add more avocado if you desire a thicker consistency.
Recipe Credit To: MindBodygreen.com

Caution
This is strictly for educational use and NOT medical advice. Always seek consult from your primary care physician and a qualified holistic health professional. Turmeric is contraindicated in disorders like GERD and in some gallbladder disorders. Use it with caution when you are pregnant. Turmeric also has many known drug/herb interactions therefore seeking a health professionals advice before usage is recommended.

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.