Tuesday, December 4, 2007

HALDI( Turmeric)


Turmeric


Ayurveda has immensely praised the medicinal qualities of Turmeric which finds its place in almost all ayurvedic preparations related to liver and skin disorders.

It is used daily in cooking. Apart from cooking it is also used as beauty aid .Turmeric(Curcuma Longa) belongs to Zingiberacae Family and is a perennial plant that grows 3 to 5 feet high in the tropical regions .In India it is grown allover but specially in Bengal, Maharashtra and in Tamilnadu .

Ayurveda appreciates the medicinal qualities and color of . This is evident through the various names of Turmeric specified in ancient texts of ayurveda. Some of these are

Turmeric can be used externally as well as internally(taken orally ).It can be found in Indian kitchen .It is consumed as powder as well ca be taken when it fresh(root) . It i enhancer of body complexion. It also works as a Antibacterial .It can also be used for 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 all purposes.
The active chemical component of Turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a strong antioxidant and reduces inflammation by reducing histamine levels. Curcumin protects liver, reduces cholesterol, and prevents internal blood clotting thus preventing heart attacks and liver tissue damages.

Turmeric is very safe. But special precautions should be taken in persons who have gall stones, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers and obstructive jaundice.

It is widely used in skin, respiratory and liver disorders. It purifies blood and enhances complexion.

Effects of Turmeric

On Liver

Ayurveda has recommended this golden herb to purify blood and prevent it from clotting. It is extensively used to protect liver from toxins and microbial.Turmeric increases the secretion of bile, promotes free flow of bile. This herb can be used to overcome toxic effects of alcohol on liver. This reduces cholesterol and protects heart.
Use of ½ tea spoon of Turmeric with warm water rejuvenates the liver and expels toxins out of it.

On respiratory system

Turmeric is very effective in bronchitis, productive cough and asthma.
One spoon of Turmeric boiled in milk should be consumed with a spoon of pure ghee in conditions like bronchitis, asthma and productive cough. This gives very good relief and expectorates excessively produced mucous
in lungs.

On ageing---

The antioxidant properties of Turmeric give us young looks and make us to feel young. It reduces inflammation in joints, protects the heart, reduces cholesterol and keeps us very healthy.

On Diabetes

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

On Uterus

It initiates regular menstrual cycle and reduces menstrual cramps.

On 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 of India consists of gram flour, pure Turmeric powder, milk and honey. This reduces inflammation of skin, smoothens it and prevents many skin ailments.

On Stomach and Intestines

Turmeric enhances digestion, normalizes metabolism and expels intestinal parasites

On Wounds

Turmeric accelerates healing process and readily reduces pain and inflammation. Thick Paste of Turmeric applied on wounds acts as an excellent antibiotic and anti inflammatory.

On 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 delight.

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