Haridra (turmeric) - terminator in the spice box

Kitchen being an interesting laboratory consists of many basic and natural chemicals which create magic in maintenance of our health and energy. One of the interesting set of spices is in the Spice box in our kitchen. Basically it consists of Mustard, Cumin, Turmeric, Asafetida, Black gram dal, Channa dal, Chilli powder and one Masala powder. How intelligently the spices have been picked that, they all help our body needs in very small quantities and the union of all these in oil, form a compound which help us to keep up essential fats in a beneficial way. They also help the digestion, assimilation and distribution. One of the masters of spices is Turmeric which has multiple benefits to our systems, even in the cellular level. We use turmeric in a very small quantity in our seasoning – just a pinch. Even then how turmeric can be beneficial? How does it work out? These are the questions which start popping up in our minds. Let’s have an insight of Turmeric!

Ayurveda explains elaborately about the properties of Haridra (Turmeric). It is having Katu and Tikta Rasas (Pungent and Bitter tastes), Ruksha and Ushna guna( Dry and Hot nature). These properties help turmeric to invade our body channels even at cellular levels. Rasa or taste does not only indicate the physical taste but gives us an idea about how the turmeric is working in our body. The Pungent nature of the turmeric helps in faster action and the bitter nature helps to mitigate the toxins in the blood and decrease Pitta (a basic constituent of the body which on vitiation, create problems like burning, nausea, head ache, problems with appetite and motion, problems with skin, etc). The dryness and hotness present in the turmeric accounts for the mitigation of Kapha (a basic constituent of the body, which on increase troubles body with excess secretions, heaviness, etc). 1

Turmeric has also been called as Krimighna in Ayurveda. Krimi here means the germs and microbes. Turmeric is having wonderful Germicidal properties. It has been proved for its Antifungal, Anti bacterial, Anti-protozoal and Anti viral properties with the modern day experimental aids. With a pinch of turmeric in our food, it is like we are preparing food which is free of unhealthy germs and microbes! Wow!!

The Turmeric is not only a part of our food. In Ayurveda, it has been extensively used as a Major medicine. It plays very important role in curing many diseases like Skin diseases, Diabetes, Blood related diseases, Edema, Anemia, Wounds, and Gangrene etc. A review article by Ishitha Chattopadhyay et al, named “Turmeric and Curcumin: Biological actions and medicinal applications” gives us an accurate idea regarding the properties, actions and application of the Turmeric. For example Anti-diabetic effect – it has been proven that the turmeric reduces blood glucose levels and also it reduces the risk of development of Diabetic retinopathy. Curcumin also decreases advanced glycation end product induced complications.2 These experiments have effectively proven that all the properties mentioned in the texts of Ayurveda are scientifically right.

Now a day it is known for its Cancer curing properties. Article published by Darvesh et al, reports that it is very effective in showing the anti tumor activity on Hepato-cellular Carcinoma. It has beneficial curing actions on Neoplasm and Neurodegenerative disorders also. Another article says that the Chemo-preventive potential is very high when we are using the Curcumin, the Turmeric extract. It induces the apoptosis (destruction of the cancerous cells in the body).3

In a study by Phan et al named “Protective Effects of Curcumin against Oxidative damage on Skin Cells In-Vitro: Its Implication for Wound Healing”, it has been reported that the Curcumin has a very good protective effects on Human Dermal fibroblasts and Keratinocytes.4 This proves the action of Turmeric as ‘Twak dosha hara’ (skin protective action), Vrana hara (wound healing property) very effectively.

You may be feeling loaded with this heavy set of information, take pinch of turmeric with a glass of hot water. It will definitely make you feel light with its wonderful properties. The terminator will spark in your channels and will destroy all the unhealthy attackers!

The wholesomeness of the Turmeric has given it a Holy place in Indian tradition. Not only tradition its one of the important ingredients in our diet. Our goddesses are always impressed with Kumkuma and Haridra. Same way our body is considered as a form of God and it should always be kept impressed with good health. Then only we can achieve the ultimate knowledge and can do the good deeds. Haridra being a wonder drug and a super food keeps us healthy and help us to live a wholesome and good life. I wish you are benefited with this small information about this unique drug.

References:

1. Mishra Bhava, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, 11 edition, 2004, Pg. No. 114-115

2. http://www.researchverified.com/turmeric/TurmericStudy3.pdf

3. http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cpb/2012/00000013/00000001/art00025

4. http://journals.lww.com/jtrauma/Abstract/2001/11000/Protective_Effects_of_Curcumin_against_Oxidative.17.aspx