TURMERIC
In Samoa, natives have used the powdered rhizome to treat skin ulcers, heal the navel of newborn children, get rid of pimples and relieve the pain and itching of dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. In some cases, such as with diaper rash, the powdered rhizome is just sprinkled into the hand and then rubbed on the baby's skin. In other instances, however, some turmeric is mixed with a little coconut oil and gently applied to more severe inflammations. In India and China, a little powdered turmeric is mixed with the juice from half a squeezed lime and a little water to make a smooth, even paste, which then is put directly onto herpes lesions, leprosy sores, measles, mumps, chickenpox and so forth with excellent results. Several crushed zinc tablets (50 mg. each) may also be added if desired. The same paste works well for snakebites, insect stings, and ringworm, too. Among some Ayurvedic practitioners in India, it still is a common custom to use a piece of clean cloth soaked in turmeric solution for wiping away discharges of acute conjunctivitis and ophthalmia. And a little powdered turmeric is sometimes mixed with an equal amount of baking soda and then a tiny portion put into the outer ear to help dry up any fluid discharges. A decoction of turmeric followed by 3 glasses of water is very helpful for alleviating any bleeding experienced during pregnancy. When combined with eggplant, it seems to be even more beneficial for this, and for healing wounds. Early pregnancy bleeding usually denotes threatened abortion and should, therefore, be taken quite seriously. This remedy may be adapted for households. In 1 pint of boiling water, simmer 1 cup of diced eggplant on low heat for 45 minutes, covered. Strain into another pan and add 1/2 tsp. of powdered turmeric. Cover again and steep until this liquid becomes lukewarm. Strain through several layers of gauze and drink 1 cup at that time. Repeat this process each day for as long as needed to stop bleeding. Turmeric has manifested remarkable anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting induced edema and sub acute arthritis in rats and mice. These positive results are comparable to the same effects achieved by popular anti-inflammatory medications like hydrocortisone acetate and phenylbutazone. Two half teaspoonfuls taken morning and evening in juice can help somewhat. Additional relief may be obtained for this disease, contusions, sprains and fractures by mixing together 2 tbsps. turmeric with 1 tbsp. lime juice and just enough boiling water to make a nice, smooth, warm paste. This can then be applied directly to the area of swelling and pain, and then covered with some plastic food wrap to retain the heat and moisture longer. The consistency of the paste should be similar to that of creamy peanut butter so that it can be spread on the skin easily. Turmeric is good at lowering serum cholesterol levels and preventing fatty accumulations in and around the liver. Rats fed on diets containing 10% fat colored with turmeric showed virtually no fat buildup around the liver as did other rodents on the same diet but without the benefit of this spice. Turmeric works twice as well when combined with some cooked eggplant. Mix 3/4 tsp. turmeric with 2 tbsps. cooked, mashed eggplant and 1-1/2 tbsps. boiling water until smooth. This can be spread on a piece of rye or whole wheat bread and eaten following a meal of fatty foods to protect the liver. Turmeric, a long-time folk remedy for liver disorders, can reduce inflammation in the liver and strengthen liver function. Today, natural healers often prescribe curcumin to people with hepatitis C, a common liver ailment. To add to its versatility, curcumin has also been used as an effective treatment for gallbladder disease. Studies from Japan have confirmed that spices can increase shelf life of oils and fats. Turmeric and ginger, among other spices, showed significant antioxidant activity when they were added to olive, soybean or sesame oils. Interesting applications of turmeric have been found in extending the refrigerated storage life of seafood. Since turmeric is used popularly with most fish preparations, the effect of a dip treatment in turmeric, or turmeric with salt, each at 5% level for 15-30 minutes was studied by one group of scientists. Control shrimp only had a shelf life of 13 days, developing black spots and fishy decomposition odor. But by dipping the shrimp in a turmeric plus salt dip solution, the shelf life increased another week. And when a combination of spice-salt dip plus irradiation was employed, shelf life increased to 42 days. PARTS USED Rhizome. USES Traditional remedy - Turmeric improves the action of the liver and is a traditional remedy for jaundice in both Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine. Turmeric is also an ancient herb for digestive problems such as gastritis and acidity, helping to increase mucus production and protect the stomach. Turmeric also alleviates nausea. Arthritis & allergies - Even though turmeric does not relieve pain, its anti-inflammatory action makes it useful for arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions such as asthma and eczema. Circulatory disorders - Due to its anti-inflammatory- blood-thinning, and cholesterol- lowering properties, turmeric is now used to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Skin conditions - Applied to the skin, turmeric is useful in treating a number of conditions, including psoriasis, and fungal infections such as athlete's foot. Other medical uses - Breast cancer, Cervical cancer, Colorectal cancer, Lung cancer, Ovarian cancer, Prostate cancer, Viral infection.
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