Kn o w yourHerbs Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAoM), RH (AHG)
Turmeric
(Curcuma longa)
T
o truly embrace the concept of low color was once used to dye the saf- may recall the sallow
complimentary medicine, it is abso- fron robes worn by Buddhist monks and complexion of some-
lutely imperative to understand the the silk garments worn by the Chinese em- one with liver prob-
truth that food is medicine. “You are what peror. In fact, the color yellow was so sa- lems presenting jaundice. Not surpris-
you eat,” is not just a tired cliché, but a ingly, Curcuma longa effectively protects
fact of life. Herbs and spices play a vital the liver, treats liver congestion, jaundice,
role in cuisine throughout the world and and is often used to treat chronic Hepa-
throughout history, not only for the gift of titis. Turmeric increases the production of
unique and delicious flavor they impart, bile and improves gall bladder function;
but also for a much more practical rea- its effects are normalizing, mild and long-
son: to keep our bodies in a state of vital lasting. Taken in medicinal doses, it can
health. Turmeric is no exception, for over be used to help flush the gall bladder of
4,000 years Curcuma longa has been an stones and sediment.
essential medicinal herb in India, as well Turmeric is also anti-inflammatory
as a key ingredient in curries, a natural and can reduce pain associated with
preservative for food, a valuable dye for Rheumatoid Arthritis, as well as improve
fabric and has played an important role in flexibility and circulation. Studies done in
spiritual ceremonies and traditions. 1971 and 1991 show that Curcuma longa
Native to Southeast Asia and India, has anti-inflammatory effects that surpass
Turmeric is a close relative of ginger. Its
cred to the Chinese that only the emperor
hydrocortisone and it is frequently used for
plump tan rhizome, that when sliced re-
himself was entitled to wear it. The bright
migrating aches and inflammation that are
veals a brightly hued orange flesh, is har-
and sunny color came to a much more
aggravated by cold and damp weather. For
vested in winter when all above ground
mundane use when Westerners began
trauma and injury with or without swell-
growth has withered. With a peppery
using it to dye margarine and ball-park
ing, or for chronic pain and inflammation,
scent and an earthy, sweet and piquant fla-
mustard (although these days the spice an-
it can be taken internally or applied topi-
vor, Turmeric gives dishes a warm, musky
natto is more commonly used). Because
cally as a steam-distilled essence or when
taste and a somewhat spicy aroma. Oc-
of the color it gives to food, it has often
mixed with oil and made into a paste.
casionally used freshly grated in soups,
been confused with saffron, but there’s no
The strong anti-inflammatory benefits
curries, vegetable dishes and desserts, Tur-
mistaking Turmeric’s pungent flavor; don’t
of Curcuma longa also make it beneficial
meric is most often found in its dried and
try to use it as a substitute for that precious
for the treatment of asthma, allergies and
powdered form. Traditionally, the rhizome
spice. On a more practical note, be aware
other respiratory conditions exacerbated
was sun dried and sold whole or ground;
that Turmeric -especially when mixed with
by inflammation. It can reduce the sever-
now it is usually boiled, peeled, dried and
oil- will stain clothing, hands, countertops
ity of canker and cold sores, and has a
powdered before being sold in Western
and utensils, only fading slightly with re-
marked effect on fungal conditions such
markets.
peated washing.
as Athlete’s Foot or parasitic infestations
The bright yellow/orange color of
Bearing in mind The Doctrine of Sig-
like ringworm. Turmeric can help treat
Turmeric is due to its high content of cur-
natures (the theory that a plant will “show”
skin conditions such as psoriasis and ec-
cumin, and is the highest known source
us its functions through its form), when we
zema, although frequent consumption
of beta carotene. The brightly staining yel-
look at Turmeric’s bright yellow color, we
can cause photosensitivity in some indi-
viduals. This is interesting, because it can
occasionally be found as an ingredient in
some sunscreens-go figure.
Because it can move blood so ef-
ficiently, Turmeric is also a great remedy
for menstrual dysfunction associated with
poor blood flow, or cramps that improve
with warmth. Its circulatory effects on the
uterus make it useful in the treatment of
uterine cysts, tumors and endometrio-
sis. Curcuma longa lowers cholesterol;
combined with its strength in circulating
blood, that makes this a great choice for
the treatment and prevention of heart dis-
ease. Using medicinal doses of Curcuma
30
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