Close your eyes and imagine your favorite Indian restaurant. Can you smell the elegant dishes being lovingly prepared in the kitchen? You’re about to be treated to one of the most unique culinary experiences in the world – An unforgettable tour of flavors and spices.
That’s probably what you picture of when you think of turmeric.
And why wouldn’t it be? Turmeric has been used for centuries in all types of Indian cuisine. It gives yellow curry its deep, vibrant color that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
But did you know that turmeric has been also used is Southeast Asia since ancient times for its healing properties? And it’s spreading like wildfire across the western world.
The turmeric plant holds almost mythical healing powers deep inside its stems. It’s full of anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial goodness that supports a strong immune system. It’s no wonder everyone is using it to treat inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, and a host of over ailments. [link to turmeric benefits article.]
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric grows tall in several parts of Asia. Areas with ample rainfall and mild climates between 20-30 degrees Celsius are perfect for growing the plant.
But for most of us, the most interesting part of the plant is the rhizome – the stem of the plant that stretches underground and hides the most potent healing power of turmeric.
If you’ve ever seen a ginger root in the grocery store, then you know exactly what a rhizome looks like. In fact, you might easily mistake a fresh piece of turmeric root for ginger itself! (Ginger is, in fact, another type of rhizome).
And if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a piece of turmeric root, you’re in for a treat! You can slice it fresh, squeeze juice [link to use of turmeric article], or even make your own homemade turmeric powders and pastes.
Turmeric is taking the medical world by storm, but make no mistake…it’s been a classic part of holistic Indian healing since way before our time!
The Ancient Secrets of Ayurveda Medicine
Since the very early days (dating back to before 400 BC), Indian healers have practiced a branch of medicine that focuses on bringing balanced health to the entire body. Ayurveda approaches total wellness by focusing on general medicine, ear/nose/throat, mental health and relief from toxins.
The ancient practitioners of Ayurveda knew turmeric was special. They found it reduced inflammation, boosted the immune system and helped joints recover from injury. With such a wide range of applications, turmeric made a perfect addition to their wellness toolbox!
But to really understand why you’ll benefit [link to turmeric benefits article] from adding turmeric to your life, let’s explore one of its primary ingredients – curcumin.
The Mystery of Turmeric…Locked Deep Inside!
Mother Nature gifted us with so many potent healing plants and ingredients. But even so, it’s hard to think of many that compare to the sheer power of curcumin.
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric and is responsible for much of turmeric’s healing potential. And, as a strong anti-oxidant, it will be on the front lines of your battle against the free radicals that wage war on your body.
If you ever wondered what gives some of your favorite Asian dishes their unforgettable deep yellow color, curcumin is your answer! But as you’ll see when we talk about the benefits of turmeric, curcumin has so much more to offer.
And with no toxicity or negative side effects, it’s really all pros and no cons with this wonderful, natural ingredient.
Don’t Miss Out On These Benefits of Taking Turmeric
Enough biology, let’s talk about the wonders turmeric will do for you!
The beauty of this natural plant lies in the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties locked tightly in its root. Turmeric can be prepared [link to use of turmeric article] in one of a number of ways, each delivering a powerful boost to your immune system.
And since most of our chronic illnesses are the result of inflammation, turmeric is a wonderful fixture in your overall diet and wellness plan.
This makes turmeric incredibly useful for:
- Weight loss
- Inflammation
- Rheumatoid Arthritis and osteoporosis
- Depression
- And even the common cold!
Get more details at our full list of the astonishing benefits [link to benefits of turmeric article] of turmeric.
The No-Nonsense Ways to Take Turmeric
No matter how you use turmeric, you’ll enjoy scientifically-proven results. And just look at all of the creative (and sometimes bizarre!) ways people have integrated this wonder-spice into their lives:
- Eating the root fresh
- Juicing the root
- Taking as a powder or spice
- Mixing with warm milk
- Making a paste to be used in a crazy number of dishes
We’ve got a bunch of recipes to help you prepare turmeric in several different ways. Come see our list of incredible turmeric recipes [link to use of turmeric article] and find the right way for you.
Discover the secret medicinal properties the people of Asia have been using for centuries. Now that you know the awesome power of turmeric – whether it comes fresh, in a power or paste – you’ve won half the battle to better health. Build turmeric into your regular diet now, and feel better than ever!