Turmeric (Haldi) is a spice widely used in Indian cuisine. It gives a distinct flavor and yellow color when added to curries. It has been used by traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha for healing and also in cosmetic preparations.
Medicinal
- Turmeric is used for treating digestive disorders.
- Raw Turmeric juice is used to treat hyper acidity and indigestion.
- The juice of raw turmeric also acts as a blood purifier.
- Curcumin – an active component of turmeric, has anti-oxidant properties and so turmeric is used in alternative medicine.
- Turmeric is used for cuts and burns as it is believed to have antiseptic effects and promotes healing.
- Curcumin also has an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing histamine(hormone) levels.
- The flouride present in turmeric is essential for teeth.
- Turmeric also has a protective effect on the liver and also in atherosclerosis.
Cosmetics
- The juice of raw turmeric is applied to the skin as a paste, kept for around thirty minutes and then washed off. It adds glow to the skin.
- It is an essential ingredient of the traditional bathing ritual of Indian marriages where it is applied along with sandal wood paste before the bath.
- It is believed that regular bathing in water containing turmeric reduces growth of body hair.
- Regular turmeric use is said to make the skin fair, soft and smooth.
- Turmeric is used for spots caused due to pigmentation or blotches and also for diseases like eczema.
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