Have you ever heard about the Golden Spice? Well, if you are saying “No”, then let us tell you that you consume this spice or herb almost every day, especially if you belong to the lands of spices - India

This Golden spice is none other than - Turmeric!
Yes! The turmeric powder, a pinch of which you often add to your routine meals or the glass of lukewarm milk. Well, most of you might already know that the use of turmeric helps to heal wounds, reduce bacterial infections, and boost the immune system.

Turmeric Scientific Name, History, and Background

In India, we commonly call Turmeric as haldi. But it's actual scientific name is Curcuma longa. It is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. For ages and even more, the usage of turmeric in different possible forms such as herbal pastes, decoction, powder, etc, has been done by our ancestors and forefathers for healing and wellness purposes.

In ancient India, turmeric was believed to be a symbol of prosperity and that’s the reason it is often used in rituals and religious ceremonies. In Ayurveda, haridra (turmeric) was classified as a rasayana meant to promote longevity and health. Turmeric’s use was not restricted to just the physical realm but extended to the spiritual and emotional, followed by associating its golden color with the tej (grace) of the sun.

Turmeric - The medicine

Recognizing the widespread and marvelous turmeric benefits, this golden spice has emerged as a prime ingredient in the preparation of countless medicines. The turmeric powder, capsules, tablets, juice, etc, are readily available in the market and often suggested by the doctors for multiple health concerns. 

Not just the medication, but the usage of turmeric in cosmetic products has also increased. Being an anti-aging and natural-moisturing agent, it rejuvenates the skin and makes it glowing and healthy inside and out.

Nutritional Value of Turmeric

Beyond being a rich source of curcumin, turmeric contains several other beneficial compounds and healthy antioxidants through which one can uplift his/her mental and physical health. A study by National Library of Medicine found the following nutrients in 100 g of turmeric:

Around 133 varieties of Curcuma (turmeric/haldi) have been found worldwide, says a study. But in India, there are mainly 40-45 types that are prominently found. Even out of these, the major turmeric varieties are as below:

1. Lakadong: It is mainly grown in the mountains of Meghalaya and it has the highest curcumin content.

2. Madras: Compared with other types, it has a lighter yellow color, and this is mainly found in South India. This bright variety is believed to possess 2% volatile oils and 2% curcumin.

3. Allepey: It is considered of the best type of turmeric since it is also used in the preparation of countless Ayurvedic medications. Having an orange-yellowish shade, this type of haldi contains around 3–5.5% oils and 4–7% curcumin.

4. Erode: This variety of turmeric is grown in a small city of Tamil Nadu, called Erode. It has 3-4% of curcumin content in it.

5. Rajapuri: Grown and came from Maharashtra, this variety of turmeric is blessed with a bright yellow color and a strong-earthy aroma.

6. Duggirala: This type of turmeric comes from the dried rhizomes of the turmeric plant. It has a bright yellow color, a slightly peppery taste, and long, stout, and hard fingers.

7. Kandhamal: This variety of haldi comes from southern Odisha. It's strong aroma and high medicinal values make it a perfect fit for several health concerns.

Note: Kaali Haldi or black turmeric is a specific type of haldi that has high significance in India due to its healing nature. Native to the northeastern regions of India, this type of haldi plant is rare, potent, and endangered.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Coming to the heart of our blog, are the health and wellness benefits associated with turmeric, or so-called Haldi. From managing minor health issues to treating conditions like arthritis, asthma, cancer, and wound healing, turmeric has earned its reputation as a powerful healing agent worldwide.

1. Strengthen Joints: The foremost benefit of turmeric is known widely to improve joint health. With its anti-inflammatory properties, the usage of turmeric helps to reduce swelling, pain, stiffness, and discomfort of the joints.

To keep the joints and bones healthy, strong, and far away from possible risk of breakdown, the doctors often suggest drinking turmeric milk on a routine basis.

Turmeric Benefits for Joint Problems

• Reduces joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness.

• Helps managing joint disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.

• By strengthening the joints, turmeric lowers the risk of fractures, strains, or ligament breakdown.

2. Improves Skin Health & Glory: For centuries, turmeric has been used as a natural remedy for multiple skin conditions. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties present in it make it a perfect match for problems like acne, pimples, fine lines, hives, cuts, eczema, psoriasis, or fungus.

Turmeric Benefits for Skin Problems

• Support wound healing by promoting tissue regeneration and elimination of harmful bacteria.

• Turmeric for face concerns like fine lines or wrinkles is also highly helpful as it protects the skin from free radical damage.

• Reduce pigmentation, brighten the complexion, and help manage skin disorders.

3. Supports Digestion: In Ayurveda, we consider gut health the most crucial component, and Haridra is a panacea for its betterment. Starting from stimulating bile production in the liver, it aids in the digestion of fats and supports the gallbladder. 

Inherited anti-inflammatory properties inside turmeric help to manage chronic digestive ailments like Ulcerative colitis, IBS, or Crohn’s disease. Additionally, it is also believed that drinking turmeric water on an empty stomach benefits by reducing the episodes of gas, bloating, heartburn, acidity, etc.

Turmeric Benefits for Digestive Health

• Help digestion by improving intestinal barrier and reducing pathogenic bacteria.

• Decrease harmful bacteria and increase beneficial bacteria in the gut.

• Manage nausea caused by motion sickness or pregnancy.

4. Boosts Respiratory Health: Turmeric serves as a natural antidote for several respiratory complications due to its anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.

The compound curcumin present in turmeric is highly potent to alleviate the pain and discomfort accompanied by bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, or any other similar respiratory congestion or problem.

Turmeric Benefits for Respiratory Health

• Drinking turmeric milk for cough ensures airway-clearing and complete prevention from possible viral or bacterial infections.

• Intake of turmeric is linked with strengthening the immune system, which is crucial for fighting respiratory complications.

• By reducing inflammation and respiratory blockage, turmeric helps in the management of asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.

5. Supports Cardiovascular Health: Benefits of drinking turmeric water also include improved heart health, and all those who are dealing with any kind of cardiovasular concern like high cholesterol, uncontrolled Blood Pressure, or heart attack can be highly benefited from it.

Turmeric Benefits for Heart Health

• Reducing the levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, turmeric helps to prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, thus preventing heart attacks or strokes.

• By improving endothelial function, it helps to manage blood pressure levels, which is critical for the dilation and constriction of blood vessels.

• Curcumin has shown positive results in reducing oxidative stress, which otherwise can act as a significant contributor of several heart diseases.

6. Better Sexual Drive: If you are interested to know how to boost stamina and sexual drive, then let us tell you that turmeric milk benefits at night the most. By improving the flow of blood to your reproductive organs and reducing oxidative stress, turmeric awakens the lost sexual arousal and libido.

Turmeric Benefits for Men’s Sexual Health

• The routine intake of turmeric in moderate quantity helps to boost testosterone production.

• Turmeric has also shown positive results when it comes to overcoming the condition of erectile dysfunction.

• Curcumin found in turmeric helps to protect sperm motility and viability.

7. Helps Manage Menstrual Pain & Discomfort: The usage of turmeric water for periods and the problems related to menstruation is highly advantageous. Through its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and detoxifying properties, turmeric helps regularize your monthly menstrual cycle.

Benefits of Turmeric for Periods

• Helpful to alleviate pain, malaise, and frequent mood swings during heavy periods.

• By stimulating blood flow in the uterus and pelvic region, it helps to regulate menstruation.

• Turmeric for period cramps is also effective as it helps to reduce pain and inflammation.
  

8. Supports Cognitive Health: The benefits of turmeric are not confined to the physical body wellness. In fact, the study had proven that routine intake of turmeric significantly improves brain functioning and reduces complications like anxiety, stress, or depression.

Benefits of Turmeric for Mental Health

• Working as a natural antidepressant, turmeric can uplift your mood and energy levels.

• Through its neuroprotective traits, turmeric also protects the brain from oxidative stress and other possible damage.

• Additionally, turmeric has also shown positive results among patients who were dealing with complications like difficulty concentrating, migraine, or insomnia.
  

9. Reduces Risk of Diabetes: Well, most of the individuals are unaware of the fact that turmeric water benefits patients with diabetes too. Curcumin found in turmeric helps your body to use insulin more effectively and maintain stable blood sugar levels, which eventually contributes to diabetes management.

Benefits of Turmeric for Endocrine Health

• Turmeric powder is considered a wise choice when it comes to improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance, both of which are the necessary components for managing blood sugar levels.

• Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory properties, also reduces the inflammation associated with diabetes, which is mostly seen in type 2 diabetic patients.

• By treating diabetes at an early stage, turmeric also contributes to the reduced risk of future kidney concerns.
  

10. Prevent Cancer: Last but not least, turmeric also contains cancer-preventing effects. By inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, turmeric restrains the spread of tumors and reduces the risk of multiple types of cancer, which may affect your breast, prostate, lung, etc.

Benefits of Turmeric for Cancer Prevention

• By reducing oxidative stress in the body, turmeric plays a crucial role in cancer prevention.

• Inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the body naturally without causing any side effects.

• Serves as a complementary restorative in cancer management procedures including chemotherapy.

How to use Turmeric?

The most effective way of consuming turmeric is to add a pinch of turmeric powder into warm milk. When integrated with the benefits of milk, the healing traits of turmeric get multiplied and it provides relief way more quickly, especially when you have any unhealed injury, accident, or wound.

You can also avail of turmeric tea benefits by adding turmeric to lukewarm water along with some honey, cinnamon, or black pepper. Otherwise, you can just simply add a pinch of turmeric powder into your routine meals.

Nowadays, the market is also bombarded with turmeric tablets, capsules, powders, juices, etc. Individuals can also try them. But make sure these products do not contain any kind of chemicals or steroids.

Turmeric milk during pregnancy

Generally, it is safe to drink turmeric milk in pregnancy as it will help the females to boost their immune system, and combat gas, indigestion, or acidity, etc. But the experts say such turmeric milk consumption during pregnancy should be done only in moderate quantity as excess of it could trigger early labor or miscarriage.

Turmeric Side effects

Since two sides of every coin exist, and so do the benefits and side-effects of this potent herb - turmeric. When consumed in excess amounts, not as per the guidance of the experts, or during certain health-specific conditions, you can also expect the following side effects of turmeric:

1. Rashes, hives, itching, 

2. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation

3. Nausea, excessive sweating, or dizziness

4. Improper kidney or liver functioning

5. Gas, shortness of breath, or indigestion

6. Iron deficiency

Conclusion

Don’t let the cure turn into poison. Doubtlessly, turmeric works as a natural antidote for countless health concerns and can heal, treat, manage, or cure multiple diseases or disorders. Yet you need to be careful about its ideal dosage, timings, and manner of consumption.

Make sure to consult a good Ayurveda expert or dietician about actually incorporating this powerful herb into your daily regime.