TURMERIC AN ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE HERB

 

Recently, I started reading about a very interesting herbal product that I’m sure you are familiar with as a culinary spice used in exotic dishes rather than an important herb used in alternative medicine. This product is called Turmeric, and while commonly known as the spice that turns curry yellow, it really does have an interesting history and many, many beneficial properties!

We always have to keep in mind, though, that this is not a cure for any sort of disease, and while there have been findings to suggest that Turmeric may help with a vast number of ailments, there, unfortunately, is no “miracle cure.” We can all take suggestions as helpful advice and hope that how we choose to live our lives every day, and the changes we make to better our lives, will protect us as we grow. I know that I modify my lifestyle all the time and all I can do is hope that what I am doing is the right thing. I honestly wish that you will find some information in this newsletter that is of help to you and that the decisions you make for your own personal health, and the modifications you make to your own lifestyle, will keep you in the best of health for many years to come!

As for Turmeric, it is a plant that is native to Southern Asia. The genus name Curcuma is from an Arabic word 'kurkum', meaning 'saffron', in reference to the color of Turmeric. The actual word 'Turmeric' is from the Medieval Latin 'terra merita', meaning, 'deserving earth'.  In India, women with lovely, velvety skin often attribute it to consuming Turmeric. The parts of this plant used medicinally are the rhizome and the root. Turmeric is a close relative to ginger root, and is used as a dye and a cooking spice in India & other Asian countries.

It has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of jaundice and other liver ailments, ulcers, parasitic infections, various skin diseases, sprains, strains, bruises, inflammation of the joints, cold and flu symptoms, preserving food, and promoting digestion. Native peoples of the Pacific sprinkled the dust on their shoulders during ceremonial dances, and used it for numerous medical problems ranging from constipation to skin diseases. The inhalation of smoke from burning Turmeric is said to relieve 'hysterical fits'.

Modern interest in Turmeric began in 1971 when Indian researchers found evidence suggesting that the herb may possess anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin was later found to possess antioxidant properties. Evidence also suggests that Turmeric is an herb that stimulates the gallbladder. Turmeric helps to stabilize the body's microflora, thus inhibiting yeast overgrowth. It also sensitizes the body's cortisol receptor sites, and its anti-inflammatory properties are considered at least equal to those of cortisones. Turmeric prevents blood platelet aggregation that can lead to dangerous blood clots. Turmeric Root also helps to protect the liver, and is excellent for those exposed to toxic chemicals. Turmeric is also anti-mutagenic, and helps protect the body from mutagens such as smoke and other pollutants.

Turmeric is also known to help protect you against cancer. Click on the following link to read an article on foods that help fight cancer:

http://www.zooscape.com/cgi-bin/maitred/news/fountainheadgreen/news10000402/r32

Amongst its many benefits, Turmeric has the ability to lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, and treat psoriasis and athlete’s foot. The medicinal uses for Turmeric span a broad range of other ailments including:

* Digestion / Indigestion

* Rheumatoid Arthritis - Click on the following link to read an article on the effects of Turmeric on rheumatoid arthritis:

http://www.zooscape.com/cgi-bin/maitred/news/fountainheadgreen/news10004230/r32

* Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

* Bursitis

* Genital Herpes

* Inflammation - Click on the following link to read an article on the effects of Turmeric on inflammation:

http://www.zooscape.com/cgi-bin/maitred/news/fountainheadgreen/news10009265/r32

* Lower Back Pain

* Osteoarthritis

* Pre- and Post-Surgery Health

* Bloating

* Chills

* Common Cold

* Diarrhea

* Headaches

The active constituent in Turmeric is known as curcumin. It has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic actions:

1. It protects against free radical damage because it is a strong antioxidant;

2. It reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels and possibly by increasing production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands;

3. It protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds;

4. It has been shown to reduce platelets from clumping together, which in turn improves circulation and may help protect against atherosclerosis.

There are also test-tube and animal studies showing the  cancer-preventing action of curcumin. In one of these studies, curcumin effectively inhibited metastasis (uncontrolled spread) of melanoma (skin cancer) cells. This may be due to its antioxidant activity in the body. Curcumin inhibits HIV in test tubes, though human trials are needed to determine if it has any usefulness for treating humans with this condition.

A preliminary trial in people with rheumatoid arthritis found curcumin to be useful for reducing inflammation and symptoms such as pain and stiffness. A separate double-blind trial found that curcumin was superior to placebo or phenylbutazone (an NSAID) for alleviating post-surgical inflammation.

TerraVita is a line of truly unique and exceptional products and I can’t say enough good things about their company and their strict attention to quality control. I’ve used several of their herbal products and have had a pleasant experience with each of them. TerraVita manufacturers a wide range of herbal remedies in various forms, including capsules, powders, teas, liquid extracts, creams and ointments. They manufacture two different types of Turmeric, one being a regular strength and the other being an extract. Both are made from high-quality ingredients, are not tested on animals, and contain no fillers.

You can view and read more about regular strength Turmeric by TerraVita by following this link:

http://www.zooscape.com/cgi-bin/maitred/GreenCanyon/questp511524/r32

Turmeric extract by TerraVita can be found at:

http://www.zooscape.com/cgi-bin/maitred/GreenCanyon/questp517042/r32

And finally, you can view the entire line-up of Turmeric products available at ZooScape.com by visiting:

http://www.zooscape.com/cgi-bin/maitred/GreenCanyon/questc100168/r32

http://http://www.hutchteam.com/healingtouch/  nu skin products available ageloc products too