Turmeric is closely related to ginger and has a similar knobbly rhizome. Underneath the rind its flesh is bright orange. The turmeric plant has large broad leaves and yellow flower spikes. It is a tropical plant native to China, India, Java and Peru. Turmeric can be grown by placing a rhizome in a pot filled with grit and compost.

Matured turmeric rhizomes are boiled, peeled, dried and ground into powder to produce the pungent yellow spice that warms and colours food to a rich gold. Its main culinary use is in curry but it is used in mustard and pickle. Turmeric keeps its colouring properties for a very long time but it soon loses its flavour so only buy small quantities at a time

Turmeric was probably first used as a dye. The turmeric rhizomes produce a strong yellow dye when made up as a mordant with chrome. Combining turmeric and chrome forms a stable insoluble compound which fixes the dye on textiles or leather.

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which is a powerful anti-oxidant. It helps support the body’s normal inflammatory response. Curcumin is useful for aiding digestive problems, liver function, cardiovascular function and joint suppleness.

Turmeric has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. It has been used since ancient times for medicinal and culinary purposes. It is such a useful spice it should be taken every day so add it to gravy, soup or casseroles, add it to egg salad to give it a golden hue.

Turmeric can be used to cleanse the skin and aids in treatment of psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. It speeds up wound healing and helps in the restoration of damaged skin. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent so therefore useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

Use this simple cleanser to help with dry skin conditions and give your skin a healthy glow.

Natural Skin Cleanser

Here are several more reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

• Used in Chinese medicine to treat depression.
• May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloid plaque build-up in the brain.
• Natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Natural liver detoxifier. Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction.
• Stimulates gallbladder to produce bile.
• Helps reduce bloating and gas.
• Aids indigestion.
• Even out skin tone and reduce pigmentation.
• Regular washing with turmeric reduces facial hair growth.
• Gum infections.

If you are at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world. Then share your peace with everyone, and everyone will be at peace. ~ Thomas Merton