More and more are we learning about the healing power of herbs and spices. Herbs and spices not only bring flavour to our dishes, but they also provide us nutritional value and a healthy weight balance. Scientific research increasingly shows that herbs and spices can prevent disorders and can decrease the reduction of symptoms.
TURMERIC, AS EFFECTIVE AS MEDICINES
Turmeric or Indian yellow root is a spice extracted from the plant Curcuma long. Not only is it used to colour rice but it is also supposed to work as a medicine against diseases, such as thrombosis and brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson.
Most Asian countries have long been aware of the qualities of turmeric. It is traditionally used as medicine in China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and India, where it is also part of Ayurvedic medicine.
TURMERIC KILLS CANCER CELLS
The healing power of turmeric is undoubtedly very effective. Turmeric helps against all kinds of old-age diseases and even kills cancer cells, which is proven, thanks to numerous scientific research. All these studies unanimously showed that curcuma, the main active ingredient of turmeric, slows down the development of cancer, especially breast, lung and kidney, as well as cancer of the colon, the liver, the stomach, the ovaries and of leukaemia.
MORE EFFECTIVE HEALTH BENEFITS
- Acute and Chronic Inflammation: due to its anti-inflammatory action, turmeric is effective in the fight against both acute and chronic inflammation. It reduces morning stiffness, joint pain, rheumatism, muscle pain, tendon inflammation, gout, and colitis and Crohn’s disease. Acting as an anti-inflammatory, it makes sense that it helps decrease the pain that is caused by arthritis.
- Gallbladder: turmeric promotes emptying of the gall bladder and prevents painful biliary colic and gallstones (cholesterol gallstones and small gallstones). Turmeric lowers the cholesterol concentration in the gallbladder and increases moisture content. Turmeric also helps in the digestion of fats.
- Cholesterol: turmeric increases the separation of cholesterol through the gall. Therefore, turmeric is effective at fighting a too high concentration of bad LDL cholesterol. It thus prevents the deposition of cholesterol plaques and lowers the risk of heart disease.
- Liver: turmeric protects your liver from the damaging influence of alcohol. Turmeric detoxifies your liver, prevents fat and stimulates the general functions of the liver.
- Digestion: turmeric improves a poor digestion and supports the digestion of fats. It prevents flatulence, bloating, heartburn and diarrhoea.
- Alzheimer’s: turmeric prevent Alzheimer’s disease. At forthcoming Alzheimer’s or when this illness in the family, it is wise to use turmeric as prevention.
- Depression: Curcuma, the active ingredient of turmeric may help relieve major depression; according to a recent survey from India where curcuma was compared with Prozac. Turmeric has proven to have a positive effect on our mental health and well-being and improves our brain function in general.
- Additional: Turmeric also helps with polyps in the colon, arteriosclerosis, psoriasis, osteoarthritis, and in chronic eye inflammation.
- Pain and Flu: Turmeric makes a good substitute for an aspirin when suffering from pain and helps decrease the symptoms of the flu.
USAGE
You can use fresh curcuma root or a powder version. In any case, use from an organic origin for healing effects. Always be careful when using turmeric, as it stains on your clothes and skin. Wear an apron and, if possible, plastic gloves. Use crystal soda or baking soda to wash away the yellow stains.
When using the powder, I suggest you cook it first and make a paste, as it improves the working of curcuma and is easier to digest for the body. Take 1/2 cup of clean vitalised water and add 1/4 cup of turmeric, pour in a pan and cook softly for about 8 minutes. Stir gently and add water if needed. It should be a medium consistency, not too thick. When cooled down, pour the substance into a glass container and close with a lid. You can keep it in the refrigerator for approximately three weeks, or until bitter. The use of 1/2 tsp per day is sufficient.
HOW AND WHEN
Turmeric is best taken in combination with other foods, because in enables our body to absorb it better. The healthy ingredients of turmeric are most beneficial in combination with black pepper; possibly mixed with some olive oil or any other ‘organic’ oil. It can be used in soups, sauces or any warm dish, which preferably contains some fat.
I like it in my yoghurt too, which makes my snack very nutritious, especially with added fruit, nuts, berries or anything of your likes. In combination with milk, it is called ‘Golden Milk’, and makes a perfect health drink. Instead of dairy, you can also use, rice, oat, almond or coconut milk, unsweetened and from an organic origin.
When not feeling well, fighting a cold or flu; make a hot water cocktail from clean vitalised water, with 1/2 tsp turmeric, 0.5 inch freshly grated ginger, juice of half a lemon and 1tsp of apple cider vinegar. You can sweeten it with some honey, which also contains antibiotic qualities. It is perfect to start or end your day with it, as it rejuvenates and balances the energy system!
You’ve got to love this spice, and keep it in stock, either fresh or as a paste.
Sources and more info
Research Empowered GreenMed info
Dutch/Nederlands
20 voordelen van kurkuma voor je gezondheid
Aaaah – YES! Such a great spice this is! Great info, Sis. Thank You. I’m always able to remember that turmeric is very good for you, yet can never remember the details of what it’s good FOR. I’m so happy to be reminded! 🙂
I use turmeric almost daily (usually in green smoothies with black pepper and olive oil, as you mentioned), and also quite often in black coffee (with pepper, hot cayenne pepper, and raw, organic coconut oil). YUM!
These habits must be doing SOMETHING good for my physical and mental health! 🙂
Thanks so much for what you share with us, Monique. It’s greatly appreciated, Beloved Sis _/l\_
I’m actually not surprised that you use Turmeric on a daily basis Frances, as I know you are taking care of your health and well-being so well!!
Interesting that you mix it already with black pepper and oil, which is something many people are not aware of. I loved reading about your coffee drink, which I am going to try out for sure!! Coffee is actually not very good for me and I hardly ever drink it anymore.
Perhaps this way I can treat myself on a new ‘healthy’ coffee!! ツ
Thank you very Beloved Sis, for your wonderful and valuable comment, which I always appreciate so much!! ツ
Blessings of Health to you, always _/|\_
A Dutch girl sensitive to coffee?? 🙂 I thought all Dutchies drank coffee all day! 😉 Would be interesting to see if adding turmeric etc makes it more ‘OK’ for you.
I meant to say before, too, that I like the idea of turmeric smoothies as you’ve shared above. Appeals to me much! I intend on giving THAT a go one day!
Blessings, Beloved Sis _/l\_
Hahaa, in general the Dutch indeed drink a lot of coffee, especially the older generations. I believe it is alos an awareness thing!
Also, do you use the dried herbs (turmeric and cayenne pepper) for in your coffee? and how much?
Thank you once again, Frances.
Blessings to you _/|\_
Yes – I do think more than anything it’d be the older generations who keep up the Dutch coffee ‘tradition’, Sis. When Ted and I visited there in our early 20s, coffee could be smelled wherever we went. Now, with the world changing at such a fast pace, with multiculturalism becoming the norm, and with awareness increasing, I’m sure things have changed a great deal – not only in the Netherlands, but everywhere!
And yes – in coffee I do use the dried turmeric and cayenne, Monique. So convenient! I don’t measure how much I put in, but go by what ‘seems’ right. A fair bit of the turmeric can be added, yet only a little of the cayenne (if it’s the hot variety). I think it’s a matter of testing it out for yourself. Just a little to start out would by my recommendation (a pinch of each), then add or subtract in later coffees according to what appeals to you _/❤️\_
Thank you so much beloved Sis, for your wonderful message and your advice on the coffee alternative!!
I will let you know how I like it!!!
Much Love to you ❤️
Much Love in return, Beloved Sis _/ \_
I’m glad I have read this as I NOW remember what I AM missing from my drink!! – Apple Cider Vinegar – nice one Monique you are a star – big joy with you in the highest Xx
Hi Ian, isn’t wonderful that we all seem to remind and help each other forward into the direction of our focus!! Enjoy your ACV, great stuff!!
Thank you for your kindness and joy dear one!! xxx
How wonderful to have you validate , once again , the benefits of this magical natural healer , dear Monique … I have started to take it as a supplement a few years ago along with coconut oil and the added pepperine …i like to think that it has been helpful to me in many areas ! one can only hope ! 🙂 One thing it’s certain … it is much better for us than the dreadful meds and their horrifying side effects !
Thank you again , my dear friend …Blessings and Hugs !
_/I\_ <3
So glad to hear you are using this magical herb as well Gabriela… and with pepper and oil!! ツ As it is helpful to our overall health, one would be foolish to not use it. And so much preferable than using medicines or waiting until you have something serious.
Thank you dear Gabriela for your feedback, which is so much appreciated!!
Blessings and Hugs to you _/|\_ ♡
Hello dearest Monique I am so glad that you brought forth this topic as Turmeric is a major agent in our foods. I use it everyday in my meals and we also drink golden milk at the night time before going to bed. This is something I have taken from my mother’s kitchen and have seen being used in every household. Basically this is one of that spices that completes our food and I get it every month from the grocers in huge quantity. I have been using this since I learnt cooking without even knowing its benefits but I am so amazed that this prevents so many diseases. I am already feeling on the safer side and very much assured now that I am doing my best for my family’s heath as well. Thank you so much Monique for telling all the detailed benefits of turmeric and I am so happy that it is now gaining its popularity in other parts of the world as well. 🙂 <3 Much love and blessings <3
Thank you Monalisa!! So glad to hear that, and how you use it… with the acknowledgement how it is part of your culture!! I’m sure the Golden Milk must come from India too, where they still hold and live according to the ancient wisdom, when it comes to health and well-being. Do you also make the paste Monalisa, or do you prefer to use the fresh kind?
We ‘in de western world’ are only just learning about it, as we become aware that western medicines have lots of disadvantages, as our food has!
Thank you so much for your input Monalisa. I very much appreciate it, as I always learn from it and gives me a better understanding of your culture! ツ
Love and Blessings to you dear one ♡
Ongelofelijk wondermiddel en tof dat je het allemaal zo opsomt voor wat het goed is. Ik ben allergisch aan muggenbeten en als ik dan een allergische reactie krijg dan maak ik mijn eigen brouwsel en dan werkt dat geweldig in plaatse van de klassieke medicatie. Bedankt voor je geweldige insight’s
Dankjewel Vanessa voor je reactie en het delen van je eigen ervaring! Zo leuk om te horen hoe iedereen het al kent, of gebruikt op zijn eigen bijzonder wijze. De allergie voor muggenbeten is ook nieuw voor mij!! ツ
En inderdaad ‘altijd’ zoveel beter dan medicijnen!
Lieve groetjes ♡
Wonderful Monique! What a joy to read your blogs which I always appreciate ….. and learn many things too. Like Ian, I was missing the Apple Cider Vinegar, using just the lemon juice instead. I love the sound of Apple Cider Vinegar in that pick-me-up drink!
May I ask you, what are your thoughts Monique for those who don’t like the taste of turmeric – I’d love to know what you think about a really good brand capsule from a reputable healthstore? I’m fortunate in that I do like the tatse (I adore golden milk and turmeric in my smoothies, too), but I know someone who prefers not to eat it.
Lots of information as always, and thank you for a wonderful blog. ♡
Thank you Karen, for you appreciation of my blog. Like you, I’m very keen on Turmeric and do not mind the taste at all!!
About the taste. I know some people just take at once, half a tsp Turmeric, with some black pepper and oil. Immediately after that, you can eat something of your likes or eat a meal. Another suggestion is to add honey to your drinks or yoghurt. Often when you add it to your soups, for instance, you hardly taste it, or not at all.
I do not know any results on capsules. If you like, I can give you a name of one of my facebook friends who does. In any case, I would always use capsules from the health food store or Organic kinds. Although, I do have good experiences with the brand ‘NOW’, which I order in the US, but is also available in some stores.
I hope this helps you a bit. Please let me know if you need some more detailed info.
Thank you once again Karen! Healing Blessings your way _/|\_
Oh my dear friend Monique .. I like species … What an usuful and practice article … And how many things I didn’t know about this spice …
So many people may have health if they use it … I send you a lot of blessings Monique … I am very grateful
Your blog … Wonderful …!!!
Thank you Maria for your lovely comment. I happy to encourage people in their health and well-being. Love and blessings to you my friend!! I’m grateful for your presence in my life!! ♡