Turmeric...Age Old Remedy or Modern Marvel?

Folklore/Common Names: Indian Saffron

Parts Used: Root only

Historical Reference

Despite the esteem with which Turmeric was valued as a medicinal, culinary and decorative herb in the East, to the Western world of thought, Turmeric was virtually overlooked, at least until relatively recently in our history. For years, Europeans knew it only as a source of exotic flavor and food coloring, and of its use as natural fabric dye, but one doesn't find many references to Turmeric at all in the old European herbals.

In the East, however, it's quite another story. Turmeric has held a special place in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 5000 years, commonly used to treat fever, wounds, infections, dysentery, arthritis, jaundice and other liver problems. Ayurveda is an Eastern 'holistic' approach to wellness that carries the premise that the fundamental energy of life expresses itself through three doshas, or physical/personality types, and that a strong key to health and wellness is approached through balancing the doshas through the diet. The properties of every single ingredient in a food dish are important. Turmeric's inclusion in so many varieties of Indian cuisine may be a reflection of its many beneficial medicinal properties as well.

The Chinese use Turmeric in a similar manner, applying Turmeric's properties to the treatment of shoulder pain, menstrual pain and colic.

Natives in Samoa were known to use powdered Turmeric to treat skin ulcers, acne, dermatitis and eczema, psoriasis, and even heal the navel of the newborn.

Of course, its application as a natural dye source was also utilized. In Thailand, Turmeric was used to dye the robes of the Buddhist monks their rich yellow color.

Medicinal Use

Cautions: Persons with gallstones or bile duct dysfunction should not use Turmeric. Do not use if you have a blood-clotting disorder. Consult with a doctor first if you are pregnant. Do not give to children under two. People over 65 and older children should start with low-strength preparations and increase dosage slowly if necessary. Overdose and Extended Use can lead to stomach problems.

On the surface, Turmeric sounds a bit like it's trying to claim status as a miracle cure, as you'll find it mentioned in herbals for use in treatment of all of the following - Internally for jaundice, indigestion, gas, stomach pain, cramps, diarrhea, fever, swelling, bronchitis, colds, chest infections, leprosy, worms, kidney and bladder inflammation, headache, and missed menstrual periods; and Externally for bruises, leech bites, festering eye infections, inflammation in the mouth, inflamed skin, and infected wounds.

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