Turmeric Powder

Turmeric, belongs to the family of Zingiberaceae, is a perennial plant widely cultivated in tropical region of south Asia for its rizhomes or fingers . The harvesting of turmeric differs slightly on different varieties and on an average it could be anywhere between 7 to 9.5 months. In the Asian continent, particularly in India, turmeric has been used as a condiment, dye, cosmetic and in religious ceremonies since back to centuries.

Organic Turmeric is quickly rising as a natural, healthy supplement used to remove toxins and harmful impurities from the body. Rich in antioxidants, and containing powerful anti-inflammatory agents, Organic Turmeric is used around the world as a beneficial alternative to pharmaceuticals and their often harmful side effects.

Turmeric Spice is being hailed across the board as a powerful wellness supplement, and with very good reason. The health benefits of Turmeric Spice are many and varied, as you will see.

Soil and Climate

Turmeric can be grown on different types of soils but it grows at its best in well-drained sandy or clay loam soils with good organic matter content and a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. Turmeric can be cultivated in diverse tropical conditions from sea level to 1500 M above sea level, at a temperature range of 20 to 35 degrees. A rainfall of 1500 mm or more is desired for optimum growth though you can compensate that with irrigated conditions.

Varieties

A number of varieties are cultivated across South East Asian tropical region. Though most of them are known by their local names, the improved varies and their features and figures are given in the table below.

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.

Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.