TURMERIC: A HEALING PERSPECTIVE

I don’t know if I should call this coincidence or something else. I am on my laptop working on this post (it’s been in the works for a couple weeks now) and my phone beeps. It’s a text from a dear friend and neighbor asking if I have any turmeric and if she can borrow a teaspoon of it. So of course I call her to find out what she needs it for (maybe I inspired her to cook some Indian Food :)).

She has been in a lot of pain from tendinitis in her thumb and wrist and she has been looking for some natural remedies. After some research she came upon an article that said to use it topically on the affected area. I went over to her house to deliver the magic potion and you can read the rest below to find out the healing powers Turmeric.

I will link to the Ingredients so you can find them easily.

Fresh, raw Turmeric Root

Raw Turmeric Root and Turmeric Powder

The term that comes to mind when I think about Raw Turmeric is “Superfood” but in the recent years the term has been tainted and overused by advertisers and marketers alike.  Every few months you see a new superfood spotlighted in the grocery stores but Raw Turmeric has been used in Indian Culture and Cuisine for centuries. It’s one of the major ingredients in Indian cuisine and Ayurveda. According to Indian belief and research, Turmeric and its primary compound Curcumin have profound healing benefits for the entire body. So, whenever someone got badly hurt or was recovering from surgery Milk with Turmeric (latte style) was the first thing they got to drink since it helped heal faster.

Benefits of Turmeric

1.  It’s a Natural Anti-inflammatory and pain reliever for muscle and joint aches. It helps reduce inflammation and help heal the affected area.
2. It is extremely beneficial for Diabetics since it naturally reduces blood glucose levels and reverses Insulin resistance.
3. Turmeric is Anti-bacterial and rich in antioxidants, improves overall skin health.  Since it is Anti-inflammatory in nature it reduces skin irritation and redness helping with eczema and other skin ailments.
4.  It can safely be ingested or applied topically to the affected area to provide relief. Unlike western medicines, you won’t see any benefits instantly. Continuous use over a few weeks is what it takes to start seeing any real long term results. Like any traditional Ayurveda treatments, topical application is best if turmeric powder is mixed in with Ghee (clarified butter). Ghee is used as a carrier because of its supreme penetrating qualities thus able to carry the turmeric and its healing properties deep into the tissues. 

Cons

The only negative I could come up with was that it stains easily. Chopping raw turmeric will stain your hands a deep golden yellow but fear not, washing your hands with dish washing soap will take most of the stain out. If you manage get it on your clothes, apply the dish soap liquid to the stain and put it in direct sunlight for 30 minutes and it will magically disappear.

RECIPE: Turmeric Milk

½ tsp Ghee (clarified butter)

½  Cup Regular low fat Milk or dairy free version like Soy, Almond or Coconut milk

½ Cup water

1 pinch Cinnamon

1 tsp Turmeric

1 tsp Honey (to taste, preferably local and raw)

Method

1. Heat the Ghee in a saucepan on medium heat. Remove from heat and add the turmeric, stir it for a few seconds and make sure it does not burn. 
2. Will only take a couple seconds.Add everything else and bring to a boil.
3.  Pour it into a cup and drink it hot.

 RECIPE: Pickled Raw Turmeric Root

This is another great way to ingest Fresh Turmeric. Turmeric root looks a lot like Ginger root. Peel the turmeric root with a peeler, cut it into slices and then julienne it. Put it into a glass bowl that has a lid. Squeeze the juice of a lemon in it and add some salt and cayenne pepper powder and toss it all up. Use it in salads or eat it as a side with your meal. It is delicious and easy to find. Most stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joes and Asian supermarkets carry fresh Turmeric in the produce section. To purchase online click on the link, Fresh Raw Organic Turmeric Root.

Hope this was informational and helpful.