TURMERIC possesses a multitude of healing properties. It is used as a powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiallergic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, and stimulant.

Turmeric has proven its efficacy in treating some of the most debilitating ailments afflicting the world today, including arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, indigestion, inflammation, acne, urinary tract infections, kidney infections, gallstones, anemia, hemorrhoids, liver disease, bronchitis, the common cold, headaches, fever, diarrhea, poor circulation, and lower-back and abdominal pain. The list of benefits from this versatile herb goes on and on.

Used for centuries in Ayurveda, turmeric has been a natural healing herb in India for more than 5,000 years. Milk boiled with turmeric and sugar was a popular cold remedy. A paste made from turmeric, lime, and salt was commonly applied to sprains and inflamed joints. Inhaling the fumes of burning turmeric was also used to release copious amounts of mucus and provide relief from congestion.

“Turmeric has hundreds of molecular constituents, each with a variety of biological activities. There are at least 20 molecules that are antibiotic, 14 that are known cancer preventatives, 12 that are antitumor, 12 that are anti-inflammatory, and at least 10 different antioxidants. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, and the active properties of curcumin are best described as ‘protective properties.’ These same properties that prevent deterioration of food protect living tissue from degenerating.”

“Current statistics show that 98% of all diseases are controlled by a molecule called NF‑kappa B, a powerful protein that promotes abnormal inflammatory responses in the body. Excess NF‑kappa B can lead to cancer, arthritis, and a wide range of other diseases. Studies show that curcumin subdues NF‑kappa B, meaning that it may work to prevent nearly all diseases afflicting our world today.”

Curcumin completely blocks the formation of cancer‑causing enzymes, decreasing the likelihood of cancerous cell formation or growth. It is rich in antioxidants—disease-fighting substances that help clean up unstable oxygen molecules (free radicals) that can damage cells and cause diseases such as cancer. “We have not found a single cancer on which curcumin does not work,” states Dr Bharat Aggarwal, who conducts cancer research at the Scientific Research Centre in Bangalore, India. Turmeric is especially recommended for cancers of the female reproductive system, namely breast and uterine. Turmeric is helpful after surgery to decrease pain and inflammation and to accelerate healing. Yogis in India use it to help keep their tendons and ligaments free from injury and to assist in their asana practice. Turmeric uniquely purifies and nourishes the blood and skin. Applied externally, it relieves pain and swelling, heals wounds rapidly, and treats many skin conditions, such as acne and leprosy. A wonderful turmeric mixture to clear up blemishes and enhance the skin’s natural glow is a blend of turmeric, sesame or almond oil, a little cream, and honey applied to the skin. Because turmeric is bitter and anti-inflammatory, it is excellent for hot skin rashes, red rashes, and eczema.

Other benefits of turmeric include supporting liver health, purifying the blood, lowering cholesterol, regulating menstruation, and decreasing menstrual pain and uterine tumours. It aids digestion, helps a weak stomach, and assists in breaking down fats. Turmeric also supports the respiratory system and helps protect the lungs from pollution and toxins. New research suggests that turmeric may be effective in fighting HIV. People with AIDS are often deficient in many antioxidant vitamins and minerals, and it is believed that the powerful antioxidant properties of turmeric contribute to combating this disease.

Turmeric has demonstrated its healing capabilities over the centuries and remains one of the most significant plants in the prevention of serious diseases.

Much more research is underway to prove scientifically what the people of ancient India have known for centuries: turmeric is one of the most powerful plants on the planet. Whether suffering from acute or chronic diseases, aches and pains, or simply seeking to maintain health, turmeric can and should be used regularly.

Turmeric can be consumed as a tea. Simply crush the herb, boil for five minutes, let it stand for another 5 minutes, then strain. Add milk and honey to taste, and sprinkle a small amount of nutmeg. If the tea is made too strong, it can taste bitter.

Another great way to ingest turmeric is to sprinkle it into spaghetti and chicken sauces, soups, macaroni pie, or any other dishes while cooking. According to David Frawley: “If I had only a single herb to depend upon for all possible health and dietary needs, I would without hesitation choose the Indian spice turmeric.”