Golden milk, a super spice, or maybe even “ugh my hands are stained yellow again,” these are just some of the ways that most people know turmeric. You might know of turmeric because of the wonderful flavor it adds to many dishes or maybe because of the healing properties it is said to have, but do you know the history behind this amazing spice?
The Origins of Turmeric
Turmeric has been used in India for almost 4000 years as a spice, textile dye, and for religious reasons. In fact, India is currently still the main producer and consumer of turmeric around the world. Today, turmeric is used all over the world for various reasons ranging from cosmetics, curry flavor, manufactured foods, rice seasoning, herbal medicine, and more. It is estimated that in Asian countries, people consume 200-1000 mg/day of turmeric.Beyond this, turmeric has been used for years in Ayurvedic medicine. In 250 BC turmeric was recommended for use in ointments to relieve symptoms of food poisoning, and since then the research and use have continued to grow and expand.
What Does Turmeric Even Do?
Turmeric began with its use in Ayurvedic medicine where it was thought to help with many medical issues. Some of these are low energy, poor digestion, gas, worms, arthritis, many respiratory conditions, cold symptoms, and more. In the past century, turmeric has taken on a more modern purpose in the medical world.Recent research has revealed the powerful extent of protection turmeric may provide such as being an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer agent. The most surprising of these may be its ability to be an anticancer agent, but many studies have been done and are ongoing revealing this.
Turmeric is able to interfere with cell mutation and growth, detoxify cancer causing agents, and induce the programmed death of tumor cells. These characteristics allow turmeric to prevent the development of many types of cancer like skin, breast, and stomach cancer. Although we are learning more every day about these possible benefits, it’s exciting to know the many ways turmeric can contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
This is just a small look into the potential health benefits of turmeric, but its uses and background extend far beyond that.
Ten Fun Facts about Turmeric
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Turmeric is a perennial herb, meaning it lives for a time longer than two years. It can grow up to one meter. It grows underground and produces beautiful white flowers above ground.
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Turmeric can be used for skincare too. It can help with acne, dark circles, aging, eczema, dull skin, and more.
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During his travels, Marco Polo, a merchant, writer, and explorer, was interested in and wrote about turmeric.
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Turmeric can be hard for the body to absorb. The addition of black pepper can increase absorption by 2000 percent. FeelGood Superfoods® Fortified Turmeric adds black pepper to classic turmeric to help the body with absorption.
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Turmeric is in the same family as ginger, the Zingiberaceae family.
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The Haldi ceremony is an important part of Indian weddings. This ceremony involves family members applying Haldi paste to the bride or groom on their arms, hands, feet, knees, and neck or face. Haldi paste is made of turmeric, water, and sandalwood powder and is thought to have powerful cleansing and purification properties.
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Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. FeelGood Superfoods® Pure Curcumin Powder provides you with the direct source of turmeric’s powerful benefits. Curcumin is also what allows turmeric to stain because it is not water-soluble.
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Terre merit, yellow root, saffron, Curcuma, Haridra, and Haldi, these are just a few of the different names for turmeric around the world.
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Turmeric may even have oral health benefits. Research shows that it aids with plaque control, inflammation, and gingivitis.
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Turmeric as tie-dye? Turmeric not only stains your skin, but it can stain your clothes as well, making it the perfect DIY tie-dye.
So, the next time you use turmeric remember just how far back its origins go and just how amazing it can be for your health and well-being.