Lifestyle / Rediscover The Incredible Healing Powers Of Turmeric

Rediscover The Incredible Healing Powers Of Turmeric

Lifestyle Jul 22, 2015

by Dr. Shireen Fernandez, M.D.

It's time to tap into Turmeric's incredible healing powers!

Turmeric, the culinary spice that spans cultures, can be traced thousands of years back to originating in India where it was used in ancient Indian medicine known as Ayurveda. This aromatic, bright yellow powder comes from the ginger root family and has a distinctive earthy, peppery flavour and mustardy odor. It is commonly used in foods, such as curries, and is also used for skin and beauty treatments like in Indian traditional wedding ceremonies where turmeric is applied on the bride's face before the wedding day because it maintains elasticity and provides nourishment.

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin (a curcuminoid) which gives turmeric its yellow colour and also gives American mustard its colour. Curcuminoids are rich in antioxidants which help neutralize free radicals that damage cells and organs. Turmeric is getting a lot of attention for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that relieve Alzheimer's symptoms, such as memory loss, that are caused by oxidation and inflammation. Curcumin also has anti-fungal, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and possibly anti-carcinogenic properties.

_{^{Photo credit: http://mefirstliving.com}}

Home Remedies

Skin: Turmeric’s antiseptic properties can help heal wounds and burns faster while cooling and soothing the affected area. It's also used for psoriasis and other anti-inflammatory skin disorders. To use on cuts and on inflamed skin, just mix with water and apply the paste on the affected area.

Cough, cold and flu: The antiviral and antibacterial properties of turmeric can aid with the common cough and cold. Try adding a pinch of turmeric to warm milk for relieving inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Natural painkiller: Turmeric has been compared to ibuprofen as it has similar anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial for joint pain and stiffness. It’s a great alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers.

General Well-Being

Controls diabetes: Turmeric helps control blood sugar by moderating insulin levels and decreasing insulin resistance which can help prevent type-2 diabetes. Always consult your healthcare professional if using other medications because turmeric can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when combined with other strong medications.

Helps fat metabolism: Turmeric helps with diet and weight loss by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. It also metabolizes and burns fat faster.

Detoxifies the liver: Turmeric removes toxins from the liver and prevents toxin buildup leading to overall improvement in health and wellbeing.

Helps with arthritis: The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the anti-oxidants in turmeric fight cell-damaging free radicals.

Helps slow the progression of Alzheimer’s: Turmeric reduces inflammation of the neural tissue and blocks the formation of beta-amyloid, the protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Helps prevent cancer: Ongoing research suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can benefit with cancer treatment as inflammation plays a role in cancer.

What To Look For When Buying Turmeric

• Buy organic and in the raw form (root) whenever possible.

• In spice powder form, look for 100 per cent certified organic with at least 95 per cent curcuminoids.

• In capsule form, look for vegetable-based not gelatin-based.

^{Photo Credits:

Main image: http://images.idiva.com; http://mefirstliving.com}

Dr. Shireen Fernandez, M.D.

Author

Physician & Founder of Dr. Shireen's Wellness Living, Dr. Shireen's Health Wellness Program™ redefines the concept of wellness through prevention, nutrition and non-invasive natural remedies. She’s also the founder & CEO of

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