Indoor Herb Garden Kits and Herbal Remedies

The ancient medical science of Ayurveda is based on the principle of preventing diseases. It directs us to resist the diseases through our food habits and life styles. The same principle was suggested by Hippocrates when he wrote “Let your food be your medicine”.

A very well known spice in Ayurveda not completely understood by the public is Turmeric; Over the last few years, there has been increasing interest in turmeric and its medicinal properties. The medicinal qualities of turmeric is utilised in almost all Ayurvedic preparations related to liver and skin disorders.

This herb has occupied the shelves of every Indian kitchen for over 5000 years where it is considered the king of the kitchen and is is used daily in cooking. Apart from its culinary virtues, it is also used daily as a beauty aid and as a dye.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) belongs to the Zingiberacae branch of the ginger family and is a perennial plant that grows 3 to 5 feet high in SE Asian tropical regions. In India it is grown all over but specially in Bengal, Bombay and in Tamilnadu.

Ayurveda’s appreciation of the medicinal qualities and color of turmeric is evident through the various names of turmeric specified in ancient texts of ayurveda:

• Haridra – enhancer of body complexion.
• Kanchani  – looks like gold .
• Nisha  – imparts  beauty by enhancing complexion which is as beautiful as  full moon night
• Gowri  – yellow in color
• Krimighni  – works as a Antibacterial and antihelmenthic.
• Yoshit priya – used in Gynecological disorders.

In Hindi turmeric is known as haldi.

The rhizomes or roots of this plant are used as medicine and for other purposes. The rhizomes are boiled, dried and then powdered. This powder is used for a multiplicity of purposes and virtues.

The active chemical component of turmeric is curcumin.  Curcumin is a strong antioxidant and reduces inflammation by reducing histamine levels. Curcumin protects the liver, reduces cholesterol, and prevents internal blood clotting thereby preventing heart attacks and liver tissue damage.

Turmeric is very safe, but special precautions should be taken in persons who have gall stones, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers and obstructive jaundice.  Ayurveda describes the qualities of turmeric as light and dry. It has pungent and has a bitter taste. It is widely used in skin, respiratory and liver disorders and it purifies blood and enhances the complexion.

Medicinal properties of turmeric.

Liver
Ayurveda recommends this powdered golden herb root to purify blood and prevent clotting. It is extensively used to protect the liver from toxins and microbial. Turmeric increases the secretion of bile and also promotes the free flow of bile. This herb can be used to overcome toxic effects of alcohol on liver. It reduces cholesterol and protects the heart.

Take half a teaspoon of turmeric with warm water to rejuvenate and expel toxins out of the liver.

Respiratory system
One spoon of turmeric boiled in milk should be consumed with a spoon of pure ghee (clarified butter) for as a beneficial treatment for conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and coughing. This gives relief and acts as an anti tussive to get rid of congestion in the lungs.

Anti-ageing
The antioxidant properties of turmeric promotes a good complexion and increases vitality. It reduces inflammation in joints, protects the heart, reduces cholesterol and is an aid to good health.

Diabetes
Turmeric is widely used in ayurvedic preparations for diabetes. It lowers the blood sugar and increases metabolism.

Uterus
Turmeric initiates a regular menstrual cycle and reduces menstrual cramps.

Skin
Blood nourishes the skin and it is known fact that pure blood always keeps the skin glowing and radiant. Turmeric purifies blood, nourishes skin and gives it a healthy natural glow and radiance. A traditional face pack in India consists of flour, pure turmeric powder, milk and honey. This reduces any inflammation of the skin, smoothes it and prevents many skin ailments.

Stomach and Intestines
Turmeric enhances digestion, normalizes metabolism and expels unwanted intestinal parasites

On Wounds
Turmeric accelerates the healing process and reduces pain and inflammation. A thick paste of turmeric applied on wounds acts as an excellent antibiotic and anti-inflammatory.

Yogis
Turmeric purifies and cleans the body. It is a tailor-made herb for yogis. It increases the flexibility of muscles, reduces inflammation in muscles and joints and helps to perform yoga with confidence and added pleasure.

Is this not a wonderful treasure nature has stored for us in this golden herb?

As always, seek medical opinion prior  to embarking on any turmeric based treatments and use in moderation even then.