রবিবার, ২২ নভেম্বর, ২০০৯

Use of Turmeric :

Culinary Use:
Dried, ground turmeric is a frequent component of curry powders and masalas. Possessing a brilliant yellow color, turmeric is frequently employed as an effective natural food dye. Its cheerful hue may be seen in Western foods such as relishes, mustards, margarines, and even processed cheeses. Fresh turmeric has a brighter flavor than dried. It may be grated or minced and added to hot vegetable dishes or stews.

Medicinal Use:
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has recently been the object of considerable interest in the medical and scientific community. In studies conducted with animal subjects, curcumin was shown to have a protective effect on the liver, and it accelerated the wound healing. It shown promise as an anti-tumor agent and is the subject of interest as a potential weapon in the battle against multiple forms of cancer. Further studies, on human participants, need to be carried out to refine scientists’ understanding of these promising results. Traditional alternative medicine offers turmeric as a remedy for gastrointestinal ailments, skin conditions, and arthritis. It is considered useful as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and healing agent, and as such is often used to treat bruises and minor cuts and burns.

As a medicine, turmeric may be taken in the form of tinctures; gelatin capsules filled with dried, ground turmeric; and liquid extracts. For skin ailments, turmeric can be made into a paste that is applied to the affected area. Taken in conventional amounts, turmeric is considered safe; however, it should not be taken medicinally by pregnant women of by those individuals who have experienced bile-duct or gallbladder problems, unless specifically directed to do so by a physician.

In many North Indian traditional wedding ceremonies, haldi is applied to both, the groom and the bride, not only to make them look good with fresh glowing skins, but to ward off the evil eye. It is a cleansing herb for the whole body. It is well recognized as the best anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, colorant, antiseptic and wound healer. It is this spice that gives Indian curries their characteristic bright yellow-orange color.
The healing properties of turmeric have made it a most sought after ingredient in cosmetics and drugs, as the leaf oil and extract can also be used as sunscreens and bio-pesticides.
In fact, Turmeric has been in the global limelight for the granting of the controversial patent on it! It is used as a carminative and stomachic in the treatment of digestive disorders such as flatulence, bloating, and appetite loss. Turmeric is used internally as boiled powder, fresh juice, and confection and externally as paste, oil, ointment, and lotion. It is also applied topically for ulcers, wounds, eczema, and inflammations. In both the Ayurvedic and Siddha systems of medicine, a turmeric paste is used topically to treat ulcers and scabies.Turmeric, with its antibacterial action, prevents bacterial infections on wounds. Turmeric also has a long history of use for its anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects. As in India, it is used in China, Japan, and Korea for a range of indications including, Amenorrhea. Turmeric has been investigated for its cholagogous influence on the secretion of bile, pancreatic, and gastric juices. It is currently being evaluated for its anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic properties.The roots are pounded and pressed to extract a juice that, when mixed with water, is helpful in earaches and to clear the sinuses through nasal application. The astringent qualities of turmeric are also useful in cases of consumption, tuberculosis, bronchitis, colds and asthma, the root being lightly cooked and eaten. At times, turmeric has been taken as a diuretic, and topically it can be helpful with pimples or to stop bleeding. The active constituent of turmeric is curcumin, which has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic effects. It protects against free radical damage, as it is a strong antioxidant.

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