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The
root of the turmeric plant, which is a member of the ginger family,
has been treasured by Ayurveda and by Chinese medicine for centuries
as a treatment for liver, kidney and gall bladder ailments. But
until the recent growth of interest in non-western healing traditions,
turmeric primarily was only considered to be source of yellow dye
and an Indian culinary spice - for instance, it is a standard ingredient
in curry. Research has now verified the claims of the ancient Eastern
traditions for turmeric. Other valuable medicinal uses for the spice
have also been established. It has anti-inflammatory effects, increases
efficient insulin use, fights fungal infections and soothes digestive
upsets. It has been shown to lower cholesterol and inhibit blood
clotting, which indicates that turmeric may help prevent heart attacks
and strokes.
Turmeric
prevents gallstones
If you have gallstones or if you tend to develop gall gravel, you
can reduce your risk of suffering further problems by taking powdered
turmeric. Naturopaths recommend 5-10 tsp. of turmeric for daily
medicinal use. Simply add generous amounts to your cooking, and
take capsules regularly.
Therapeutic
effect :
The yellow pigment curcumin is chiefly responsible for turmeric's
wide array of medicinal applications. Curcumin is anti-inflammatory.
It stimulates the body to release its own cortisone. Curcumin is
also antifungal and antibacterial; it seems to have antioxidant
properties as well. In addition, it increases the body's ability
to use insulin efficiently and helps prevent blood clot formation.
Components
The curcumin compound is the primary medicinal component. Turmeric
also contains other yellow pigments that aid in protecting the gallbladder
and liver, an essential oil that increases appetite, and bitters
that stimulate the secretion of digestive juices.
To
relieve boils
Bringing a boil to a head allows it to open and drain more quickly
so it van heal. A turmeric-clove compress can help. Steep 2 tbsp.
each of freshly grated turmeric and whole clove buds in 1 qt. of
boiling water for 15 mins; strain. Apply a clean cloth soaked in
the liquid two or four times a day for half an hour. Cover with
a hot water bottle and towel.
First
Aid
Use antibacterial turmeric to treat minor cuts. Wash the wound,
sprinkle on powdered turmeric and bandage.
Turmeric
Chicken (Makes 2 servings)
1 tsp. turmeric
powder
1 tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. sal, pinch of black pepper
1 lemon
1 fresh chicken
4 tbsp. oil
2 large onions, diced
1 cup chicken broth
2 oz. raisins
- Thoroughly
mix the turmeric, paprila, ginger, coriander, salt and pepper
- Cut a piece
of lemon rind into thin strips. Squeeze out the lemon's juice,
reserve
- Wash the
chicken and cut it up into individual portions. Rub in the spices
- Brown the
chicken pieces in the oil; add the onions and lemon peel, and
then the broth, lemon juice and raisins. Braise, covered, for
30 min.
Take
Care!
In large doses, turmeric may cause stomach upset and irritation.
It is recommended that you avoid turmeric if you have a blood clotting
disorder, you are taking a blood thinner or if you are pregnant.
Don't give turmeric to children under 2 years.
Kitchen hints
- Nearly every
curry mixture includes turmeric. In India, recipes for curry powders,
made fresh every day, vary among regions and even individual households.
Curry powders can include 20 or more other herbs and spices. Turmeric
gives curry its typically yellow-orange color
- A pinch of
turmeric adds flavor and appetizing color when added to chicken
fricassees, rice and other grains and lentil dishes.
- Turmeric
is generally sold dried and powdered. However, you can often find
the whole root, dried or fresh, in Asian food shops.
- Store turmeric
in tightly sealed containers. Store it away from light to maintain
freshness. It will keep for about 2 months.
- Turmeric
is an affordable substitute for saffron if it is primarily color
you seek. The flavors, however, are different.
- Turmeric's
yellow pigments yield beautiful, intense colors. The main pigment,
curcumin is added to many food products for color. You however
can use turmeric to dye many items from Easter eggs to fabrics.
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