Turmeric is undoubtedly one of the most humble and useful occupants of any Indian kitchen. It's botanical name being Curcuma Longa, it is also known as Haridra in Sanskrit. This aromatic plant is known as Indian saffron in medieval Europe since it was used as an affordable alternative to the far more expensive saffron.
The powdered root of the plant is what is extensively used as a colourant and as a spice in almost all varieties of Indian cuisine. Research proves that turmeric has anti-fungal and bactericidal properties. These qualities make it uniformly popular as both a cosmetic cleanser and as a prophylactic for respiratory ailments, not to mention the ceremonial importance given to turmeric in the Hindu culture as it is considered to be highly auspicious.
Turmeric for health
Drinking a glass of warm water every day to which a pinch of turmeric powder has been added helps prevent common cold and coughs
Adding turmeric to warm milk and drinking this every night helps dissolve any phlegm that is accumulated thereby enabling good, restful sleep
Burning the turmeric root and inhaling the fumes can relieve a blocked nose
Turmeric paste applied locally on wounds, cuts and boils is known to quicken healing
Turmeric can be used effectively to treat skin conditions like eczema and other allergic reactions.
Cosmetic uses
Turmeric cleanses and disinfects the skin without drying out its natural oils, while also lending the skin a golden glow. It's antiseptic and anti-allergenic qualities make it a useful remedy for treating acne and skin ulcers. Turmeric paste has traditionally been used to keep superfluous hair at bay and also as a sun tan remover. Ayurveda suggests that turmeric improves the skin tone and is touted as an anti-ageing agent. It is considered to have antioxidant and skin-lightening properties, and is used to treat pimples, scars, marks and other skin inflammations. For these reasons, turmeric is one of the main ingredients in the ubtan paste used as part of the bridal beautification ceremony in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
One basic ubtan recipe is to mix equal quantities of turmeric powder, white sandalwood powder, a pinch of camphor and gram flour with rose water. This paste can be used as both a face pack and body scrub.
Other uses
Turmeric can also be used to deter ants and other insects. The exact reasons why turmeric repels these common kitchen pests are unknown, but evidence suggests it works.
Deepti Mallya
Turmeric is undoubtedly one of the most humble and useful occupants of any Indian kitchen. It's botanical name being Curcuma Longa, it is also known as Haridra in Sanskrit. This aromatic plant is known as Indian saffron in medieval Europe since it was used as an affordable alternative to the far more expensive saffron.
The powdered root of the plant is what is extensively used as a colourant and as a spice in almost all varieties of Indian cuisine. Research proves that turmeric has anti-fungal and bactericidal properties. These qualities make it uniformly popular as both a cosmetic cleanser and as a prophylactic for respiratory ailments, not to mention the ceremonial importance given to turmeric in the Hindu culture as it is considered to be highly auspicious.
Turmeric for health
Drinking a glass of warm water every day to which a pinch of turmeric powder has been added helps prevent common cold and coughs
Adding turmeric to warm milk and drinking this every night helps dissolve any phlegm that is accumulated thereby enabling good, restful sleep
Burning the turmeric root and inhaling the fumes can relieve a blocked nose
Turmeric paste applied locally on wounds, cuts and boils is known to quicken healing
Turmeric can be used effectively to treat skin conditions like eczema and other allergic reactions
Cosmetic uses
Turmeric cleanses and disinfects the skin without drying out its natural oils, while also lending the skin a golden glow. It's antiseptic and anti-allergenic qualities make it a useful remedy for treating acne and skin ulcers. Turmeric paste has traditionally been used to keep superfluous hair at bay and also as a sun tan remover.
Ayurveda suggests that turmeric improves the skin tone and is touted as an anti-ageing agent. It is considered to have antioxidant and skin-lightening properties, and is used to treat pimples, scars, marks and other skin inflammations. For these reasons, turmeric is one of the main ingredients in the ubtan paste used as part of the bridal beautification ceremony in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
One basic ubtan recipe is to mix equal quantities of turmeric powder, white sandalwood powder, a pinch of camphor and gram flour with rose water. This paste can be used as both a face pack and body scrub.
Other uses
Turmeric can also be used to deter ants and other insects. The exact reasons why turmeric repels these common kitchen pests are unknown, but evidence suggests it works.