Curcuma longa L. / Turmeric

Curcuma Longa, popularly known as turmeric, is a small perennial herb having many medicinal properties and owes its origin to India. Bearing many rhizomes on its root system, curcuma is the source of its culinary spice, Turmeric. Turmeric is used as a spice in Indian delicacies for flavor and color. The medical extract of this herb is called Curcumin (Cúrcuma extracto refinado).

Botanical Classification

• Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger, Zenzero, Gingembre, Jengibre, Gengibre)
• Genus: Curcuma
• Species: Longa
• Scientific Name: Curcuma Longa Linnaeus or Curcuma Longa L.
• Common Names: Turmeric, Haldi, turmeric root, Indian saffron

Uses of Turmeric

Turmeric has always been used as a medicine, condiment and flavoring. As stated by Marco Polo about this spice: “There is also a vegetable which has all the properties of the true saffron, as well as the color, and yet it is not really saffron. It is also used as an ingredient in many dishes. Turmeric has a long history of medicinal use in South Asia, mentioned in Sanskrit medical dissertation and widely used in Ayurvedic systems.” This spice is known for its antioxidant, antitumor, anti-amyloid and anti-inflammatory properties.

Culinary Uses of Turmeric

One of the principle ingredients of curry powder, turmeric is used to flavor and color various vegetables, meat and fish preparations, including various food products like cheese, margarine, butter, pickles, mustard, fruit drinks, liquor, and other foodstuffs. Curcurum adds a mild, warm aroma and distinctive yellow color to foods. It can be used as a substitute for saffron. It is used as a condiment in India.

Ayurvedic or Medicinal Uses of Turmeric / Curcurum

It is used to treat many health problems like liver & digestive disorders, skin treatment, wound healing, bacterial infection, atherosclerosis, eye disorder etc. This has long been used as an anti-inflammatory herb. The main organs that Curcuma Longa treats are the skin, heart, liver and lungs. It is used for bleeding disorders, epilepsy, treating diarrhea, urinary disorders, fever, cough, poisoning, and lactation problems. The most common use of turmeric in Ayurveda is to purify the body-mind.

Curcuma Longa L. Properties

• Anti-oxidant
• Anti-arthritis
• Anti inflammation
• Anti-Alzheimer's
• Anti-platelet
• Anti-cancer
• Anti viral

How is Turmeric Used in Ayurveda ?

In Ayurveda, turneric is used in three ways:

• Freshly extracted turmeric juice, which is taken orally. Can be consumed directly or mixed with warm milk.
• Turmeric paste used for skin application. Applying turmeric paste is a popular Ayurvedic method of and treatment.
• Turmeric powder, used in cuts and burns to promote healing.

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