Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a perennial herbaceous plant, can reach a height of one meter. This plant has alternating, smooth, green leaves that taper at both ends and are placed in pairs. The petiole, leaf blade, and leaf sheath are additional divisions of leaves.
Turmeric has been linked to numerous high-quality health advantages for both the body and the brain. Curcumin, the primary active component, is responsible for many of these advantages.
Description
Asia has been using turmeric for thousands of years. It was first utilized as a dye before becoming well-known for its therapeutic applications. This amazing herb is used to make a variety of medications in Ayurveda and is well-known for its therapeutic properties. This herb is mostly utilized as rhizome powder, and some ayurvedic preparations use the herb’s pure extract.
Botanical Name:
Curcuma longa
Family:
Zingibraceae
Leaves:
Large, oblong leaves that are pale green underneath and dark green on top are characteristic of this upright herb.
Flowers:
Little yellow or orange flowers that bloom in an inflorescence resembling spikes are produced by turmeric plants. The primary shoot produces a small stalk that bears the flowers, which are encircled by pink or green bracts.
Stems:
The slender, barely noticeable true stem of a turmeric plant is concealed beneath the leaf sheaths. But the leaf sheaths themselves rise above the ground, forming a fake stem. This smooth, green fake stem has a maximum height of one meter.
Rhizomes:
The rhizome of the turmeric plant is its most important component. It is an underground stem that can grow up to 4 cm long and 3 cm thick, and it is mushy, knobby, and horizontally branching. The rhizome’s outer skin is scaly, dark, and rough, while the flesh is a vibrant yellow-orange color.
Habitat:
India is the primary home of turmeric. It is grown in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Malaysia, Madagascar, and Vietnam in addition to tropical regions of Africa.
Parts Used:
Rhizome
Dosage:
- Juice – 10-20ml
- Powder- 1-3gm
Chemical Constituents
Turmeric has three additional curcuminoids in addition to its main curcumin, curcumin I desmethoxycurcumin , bisdemethoxycurcumin (curcumin III), and the recently discovered cyclocurcumin.
Other Language Names of Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Tamil name – Manjal
Kannada name – Arishina
Gujarati name – Haladar
Punjabi name – Haldi, Halaj, Haldar
Hindi name – Haldi, Haridra
Arabian name – Kumkum
Malayalam name – Manjal
Farsi name – Zardchob
English name – Turmeric
Telugu name – Pasupu, Pasupu kommulu
Marathi name – Halad
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Order | Zingibrales |
| Family | Zingibraceae |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Tikta, Katu
- Guna -Laghu,Ruksha
- Virya -Ushna
- Vipaka -Katu
English
- Taste -Bitter, Pungent
- Physical Property-Light, Dry
- Potency- Hot
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Uses
- This herb’s anti-inflammatory properties are used to treat bone-related illnesses and to lessen inflammation.
- Its paste is applied externally to help heal wounds and revitalize skin tone. It is a common ingredient in cosmetics and is also used to treat sores.
- Its paste is applied externally to treat pimples and acne. Treating anemia is another benefit.
- This herb’s heated potency is utilized to balance the vata and kapha doshas, and its dry qualities, bitter taste, and pungent flavor are used to balance the kapha dosha.
- Curcuma has multiple uses in medicine, including the treatment of atherosclerosis, the removal of plaque from blood vessels, blood purification, and the removal of toxins from the body. It facilitates the body’s expulsion of excess meda and kapha dosha.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Benefits
Pain relief:
Curcumin, a substance with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, is present in it. According to studies, it may be useful in reducing the discomfort associated with inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, joint and muscle aches, and others.
Improved cardiovascular health:
Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, it improves cardiovascular health. It can enhance blood flow and lower LDL cholesterol levels. Its antioxidant qualities have also been shown in studies to lessen oxidative stress and shield cells from harm.
It improves liver function:
Turmeric’s antioxidant qualities have gained popularity recently. Several credible sources claim that the strong antioxidant properties of turmeric may save your liver from the detrimental effects of pollution.
May reduce inflammation:
Reduced inflammation is one of the benefits of turmeric that has been researched the most. There is evidence that consuming high doses of pure curcumin may enhance the body’s capacity to store antioxidants, which may help reduce the synthesis of some substances that cause inflammation. However, these outcomes were seen in subjects who took curcumin daily for at least two months.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Side Effects
Digestive issues:
Turmeric’s key component, curcumin, may enhance the formation of stomach acid, which in certain cases might exacerbate indigestion or heartburn.
Bleeding problems:
Especially if you take blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin), turmeric may make bleeding more likely for you.
Reduced iron absorption:
Your body may be able to absorb less iron if you use turmeric. Those who have iron deficient anemia should be especially concerned about this.
Gallbladder problems:
Some people may find their gallbladder issues worsened by turmeric.
Read Also: Ayapan (Eupatorium Triplinerve) – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Conclusion
Most research suggests that oral curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, reduces depressive symptoms in people taking antidepressants already. High blood levels of cholesterol or other lipids are referred to as hyperlipidemia. Supplementing with turmeric orally seems to lower blood fats called triglycerides.
FAQS
What is Turmeric (Curcuma longa) used for?
According to studies, turmeric may help heal digestive issues, lessen inflammation, and fight off infections and some types of cancer. Numerous researches have been conducted on animals and in test tubes.
Does turmeric curcumin have side effects?
In general, turmeric and curcumin are harmless. If you consume large amounts of it at dosages found in pills, capsules, or gummies, you run the risk of experiencing adverse consequences. If used in large amounts or over an extended period of time, it may result in nausea, diarrhea, or stomach ulcers
Can I take curcumin regularly?
When used orally: Short-term use of turmeric is probably safe. It appears safe to use turmeric products containing up to 8 grams of curcumin daily for a maximum of two months. Similarly, eating up to 3 grams of turmeric daily appears to be safe for a maximum of three months.