Speedy Spice Facts: Turmeric the Golden Spice

TURMERIC may not be a heavy metal, but its value is worth its weight in gold. Cucuma longa is a south asian herb related to ginger that can make you look and feel shiny and new. This yellow powder has a wide range of uses beyond your basic curry recipe including beauty treatments, medicine and crafts.

 

Why

 

CURCUMIN is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It gives turmeric its yellow color. As a medicine, it is beneficial as an anti-inflammatory agent. Inflammation is a major precursor to a wide range diseases including arthritis, eczema and Alzheimers. The effects of turmeric are still being analyzed in modern medical trials, with several encouraging outcomes. But, it has been used for centuries in India as a component of Ayurvedic medicine. As a coloring, it has been used around the world to dye clothes a vibrant yellow and to color food such as rice. It has also been used as a disinfectant for the body.

 

How

 

REASONS to keep a supply of turmeric handy year round include:

	Uses	Suggestions
Cooking	Coloring	Mix or sprinkle a pinch into rice, eggs, mashed potatoes, cauliflower, etc.
	Spice	Dr Andrew Weil recommends adding it to any number of dishes, along with black pepper to help your body fully absorb it here.
Medicine	Skin issues	Minimizes acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma and blemishes.
	Brain health	Fights Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and general deterioration.
	Common ailments	Alleviates gas, allergies, swimmers ear and several others.
Cleansing	Soap	See a homemade recipe here.
	Wound disinfectant	A traditional indian use for turmeric.
Beauty	Face mask	Try out an Indian Bridal Glow Mask here.
	Foundation	Actress Thandie Newton uses it to add a bit more yellow to her tinted foundation here.
	Teeth whitener	Former Miss USA Susie Castillo swears by it here. You can try by sprinkling some on your homemade or commercial brand toothpaste and brush as usual.
	Pre-shampoo treatment	Read more about the benefits of turmeric on hair here.
	Anti-aging	Drink as turmeric tea daily to fight free radical damage. Dr Sanjay Gupta's recipe is here.
Crafts	Play dough	You can make both the dough and the pigment from your fridge here!
	Tie dye	See how to revive an old skirt here, brighten up your home decorations here.
	Easter egg decorations	Try out these fun natural colors here.