Turmeric is one of the very few medicinal plants which possesses a wide spectrum of medicinal uses and has been used by many cultures across the world from early times. Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, a 5000 year old natural healing system of medicine that is indigenous to India. Ancient Indian Scriptures says, “Turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity of health. Turmeric is effectual for purification of the chakras (energy transformation centers), as well as purifying the path of the subtle body.”
The medicinal properties of Turmeric have been slowly bringing out themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease. The main organs that turmeric treats are skin, lungs, liver and heart.
Benefits of Turmeric in treatment of following conditions –
Cancer
Curcumin, extracted as an orange yellow crystalline substance from turmeric, shows promise as a means of reducing breast cancer risk among women undergoing hormone replacement therapy during menopause.
Alzheimer’s disease
When paired with vitamin D, curcumin helps to protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
Diabetes
It helps keep blood sugar in check and, in turn, reduce risk of type 2 diabetes
Arthritis
Turmeric help relieve wound inflammation and in treating arthritis.
Heart
Turmeric helps in reducing cholesterol
Atherosclerosis
Turmeric helps in preventing the blockage of arteries that can gradually cause a heart attack or stroke. Turmeric makes cholesterol levels low and inhibits the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol).
Osteoarthritis
Turmeric helps relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis because of its ability to reduce pain and disability.
Liver Protection
Turmeric helps in minimizing liver damages caused by taking excess alcohol regularly or using pain-killer.
Menstrual problems of Woman
Turmeric is an antispasmodic to smooth muscles so it reduces digestive and menstrual cramping. It also reduces the severity of pain, if not ease them completely. Certainly, diet and standard of living have a reflective influence on the menstrual cycle, but turmeric is a great addition.
Bacterial Infection / Wounds
Turmeric is useful as an external antibiotic in preventing bacterial infection in wounds.
Eye Disorder
Curcumin, extracted as an orange yellow crystalline substance from turmeric, prove to be as effective as corticosteroids in the uveitis (inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye between the sclera – white outer coat of the eye and the retina – the back of the eye) the type of eye disorder.
Other Health Disorders
Turmeric decreases congestion and inflammation from stagnant mucous membranes. It is anti-inflammatory to the mucous membranes, which coat the throat, lungs, stomach and intestines. Regular use of turmeric can benefit from Colitis, Crohn’s disease, diarrhea, and post-giardia or post salmonella conditions. The itching and inflammation that accompanies hemorrhoids and anal fissures can reduce by use of turmeric. Turmeric can also benefit skin conditions including: eczema, psoriasis and acne, for those it is potent detoxifier.