Benefits of the Golden Spice Herb: Turmeric

The old golden spice, Turmeric has been used for centuries for its healing qualities and has certain medical properties that make it one of the most investigated and popular commodities. This distinct spice originates from India as the Curcuma Longa plant where the root of the crop is a distinctive yellow, which is the Turmeric herb.

Turmeric is an extremely strong herb and is known to aid in fighting diseases, making it important to consider adding to your daily life. The highly versatile spice can be added to a majority of your daily meals including homemade salad dressings, smoothies, and soup. Turmeric can help fight the symptoms of allergies,  boost your metabolism,  and relieve pain caused by arthritis or joint sensitivity. Turmeric, used in traditional Chinese medicine, can also be an aid in the stagnation of blood or even epilepsy, due to its ability to lower blood pressure. These properties are aided by healing compounds curcuminoids, or Curcumin which is the active substance in turmeric. In the article Curcumin: A Review of It’s Effects on Human Health, Susan Hewlings and Douglas Kalman write, “Curcumin has been shown to improve systemic markers of oxidative stress. There is evidence that it can increase serum activities of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase.” The possibilities are endless and this little spice that can help your body heal as well as be a special tool that can transform your overall health, allowing you to explore the options of natural remedies when it comes to your well-being.

Turmeric is recognized all over the world as a remedy for healing and most countries use this herb in many unique ways. Hewlings and Kalman continue to explain, “…in Thailand, it is used in cosmetics; in China, it is used as a colorant; in Korea, it is served in drinks; in Malaysia, it is used as an antiseptic; in Pakistan, it is used as an anti-inflammatory agent; and in the United States, it is used in mustard sauce, cheese, butter, and chips, as a preservative and a coloring agent.”

While turmeric has a variety of highly beneficial qualities, there are downsides to this curious plant. If taken in too large of doses, it may result in an upset stomach, due to its acidic producing qualities. This makes it prudent to be on top of your dosages, and find the correct amount that is most favorable for your body. When taken in appropriate doses, turmeric can be extremely beneficial to your overall health and even be a factor in reversing disease.