Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 1mt in height. The leaves of this plant are alternate, smooth, green, tapering at both ends and arranged in the pair of two. Leaves are further divided in leaf sheath, leaf blade and petiole. A false stem is arising from the leaf sheath and leaves are about 2 feet in length. This plant produces highly branched, yellow to orange colored, cylindrical and very aromatic rhizomes. Flowering season of the plant is usually month of August and plant produces hermaphrodite flowers. Flowers are dull yellow in color and arranged in the pair of five.
Turmeric is used in Asia from thousand years back. Initially it was used as dye later it became famous for its medicinal uses. In Ayurveda this miraculous herb is known for its medicinal values and used to prepare various medicines. Mostly this herb is used in the form of rhizome powder and pure extract of this herb is used in various ayurvedic preprations. In Ayurveda used this wonderful herb to cure internal disorders such as indigestion, common cold and various liver associated disorders. Externally it is used in wound healing and various skin related disorders.

Andhra Pardesh - Region of Availability

This herb is very popular in Indian wedding ceremonies and religious ceremonies. Haldi ceremony is very important part of weddings in Hindu tradition. In this tradition turmeric paste is applied on bodies of couples and its benefit is to soften the skin and to protect booth bride and groom from bad evils. In Tamil Nadu during the festival of pongal these rhizomes are used in the worship of sun God i.e. God Surya. It is a poor fabric dye and used to dye the clothes. It is also used in Indian cuisines, pickles, curries, salads and also used to preserve canned food. Major chemical compounds available in this herb are curcumene, curone, curidone, curcumenone, curzerenone, cineole, eugenol, epiprocurcumenol, camphene, camphor, bornel, curcumins, beta-sitosetrol, procurcumadiol and procurcumenol. According to Ayurvedic medicine, this energizing herb is meant to support the imbalance of kappa body type. Turmeric health benefits are truly amazing, ranging from working as a potential cancer-fighting food to an essential oil for depression. This potent oil can prevent neurological disorders such as: Alzheimer disease and Parkinson’s disease, cord injury and strokes, it potentially treats epilepsy, and it is an aid in treatments reducing arthritis and joint issues. Improves liver health and helps combat breast cancer, it might also reduce some leukemia cells. It improves anxiety and stress and it is indicated for the treatment of the common colds as well.
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