Benefits
Turmeric powder, when taken every morning on an empty stomach, prevents blockage in arteries. A glass of hot milk with turmeric powder manages the cholesterol level in blood and reduces the risk of coronary artery disease.
Cleanses the liver, purifies the blood and also aids in digestion.
Rich in anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric has a powerful anti-oxidant action that combats viral infection and arthritis.
Turmeric has anti-cancer properties. It reduces the growth of cancer cells and the formation of tumors.
To lower your sugar level, take 10-20 ml of turmeric juice every morning. To prepare the juice, soak some turmeric powder in water overnight. Stir before you consume it.
Turmeric is a boon for skin disease. Apply it as a paste to affected areas of skin. It helps you get rid of dark spots, pimples, and eczema.
To get rid of menstrual cramps, take turmeric extract twice a day for two weeks prior to expected date of menstruation. An Antispasmodic, it rids you of cramps.
Expert Hakim Mohammad Tariq (Unani medicine)
Article in Weekend Planner dated January 15, 2010
Cosmetics
Turmeric is very popular in cosmetic use as it is skin-friendly. Turmeric contains an active compound called cur cumin, a yellow pigment which heals and prevents skin. Turmeric is antiseptic and antibacterial agent and treats eczema, psoriasis and acne. It speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
- Milk with turmeric powder is natural cleansers. It is effective and brings a healthy glow to the skin. It improves skin complexion, helps to restore youth by controlling wrinkle.
- Paste made of turmeric powder and milk can be applied to cure chapped lips.
- Turmeric with a mixture of other herbs cures dark underarms.
- Make a face mask by mixing turmeric powder with sandalwood and little oil. Apply it on the face and leave for 15 minutes to get a glowing skin.
- Reduces pigmentation. Mix turmeric with cucumber juice and apply it on the affected area every day. Leave for 15-20 minutes.
- Softens the body as it is a superb body scrub. Mix turmeric with gram flour (besan) and apply it on the body at least thrice a week and see the difference.
- Reduces hair growth on the body. Make a paste of turmeric powder in warm coconut oil and apply it on the skin to get rid of unwanted hair.
- During pregnancy stretched marks appear on the stomach. These could be avoided by applying a mixture of turmeric and cream or curd on the stomach and waist every day during pregnancy. Leave it for 20-25 minutes and then wash it off. This makes the skin supple and prevents stretch marks after birth.
- The leaf oil of turmeric and extract can also be used as bio-pesticides and sunscreens. Facial masks and bath oils can also be made with turmeric.
- Mix in slightly warm castor oil and massage it on the heels to prevent crack and rough heels.
Zedoary White Turmeric
It is a rhizome which is native to Indonesia and India. It is also known as Kachur. It is a tuberous perennial herb. Its smell is similar to that of turmeric and mango.
Zedoary white turmeric is anti-inflammatory so it is used for the treatment of sprains, bruises and skin diseases. The herb is believed to be a good blood purifier and serves as a body stimulant.
Zedoary is antioxidant and improves digestion. It proves useful in abdominal cramps, ulcers, and amenorrhea-abdominal pain. It also improves the liver condition and standardizes body temperature.
- Zedoary is anti-venom for the Indian Cobra.
- The powdered form of the herb helps in regularizing menstruation.
- Zedoary can be given to infants as alternative to farinaceous products as it is rich in starch. This also prevents infant colic.