Turmeric – Introduction, Health Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects of Curcuma Longa

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

The Latin name curcuma is derived from the word kurkum which is used for saffron because of its use as a coloring agent in food. It has been known as poor man's saffron because it offers a less expensive alternate of saffron as a yellow coloring agent. 

It forms an integral part of Indian cuisine, socioritual practices and religious ceremonies. In Hindu weddings, brides rub turmeric on their bodies for glowing skin. Newborn babies are also rubbed with haldi on their forehead for good luck. It is customary to use Haridra rhizome in yagnas and pujas.

Besides being an integral component of diet, Haridra has a long-documented history of its use as a medicine. It is a general practice in Indian homes to use Haridra powder with lukewarm milk in traumatic injuries as a healing agent. Womenfolk apply turmeric paste before bathing. In Chinese, medicine it is believed to be blood and Qi stimulant, a pain killer, and is used in the treatment of flatulence, ringworm, hepatitis and chest pain. 

2. Morphology 

Turmeric is a perennial herb, 60 to 90 cm high with a short stem and raised or lifted branches. The rhizomes or underground stems are short and thick, and these rhizomes constitute commercial turmeric. The rhizome, from which the turmeric is derived, is tuberous, with rough and segmented skin. The rhizomes mature beneath the foliage in the ground. They are yellowish brown with a dull orange interior. The coloring principle of turmeric is called curcumin, which has a yellow color and is the essential component of this plant.

3. Synonyms

Gauri - It is used to improve skin complexion.

Kanchani - The color of dried rhizome resembles the color of gold.

Krimighni - Its rhizome exhibits antimicrobial properties.

Mangalya - It is used abundantly in all auspicious/religious functions.

Mehaghni - It has antidiabetic action.

Ranjani - It is used for dyeing clothes etc.

Varnavilasini - It has vrana prasadana action.

Vishaghni - The plant has antitoxin action.

Yoshitpriya - It is very much popular among womenfolk as a cosmetic drug.

4. Classical Categorization

Charaka Samhita – Lekhaniya, Vishaghna

Sushrut Samhita – Haridradi, Vachadi

Ashtang Sangraha – Haridradi, Mustadi

Dhanvantari Nighantu – Guduchyadi varga

Madanpal Nighantu – Abhyadi varga

Kaiyadev Nighantu – Oushadi varga

Raj Nighantu – Pippalayadi varga

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Haritakyadi varga

5. Chemical Constituent of Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin and essential oil, dry rhizomes yield 5.8 % essential oil, while the fresh ones yield 0.24 % oil containing zingiberene. Ketone and alcohol are obtained on volatile distillation. An analysis of turmeric shows it to consist of moisture 13.1 %, protein 6.3%, and carbohydrates 69.4%, its mineral and vitamin contents are calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, and niacin. Its calorific value is 349.

6. Habitat

Turmeric is a native of Southern or South-eastern Asia and has grown in India since ancient times. Turmeric is a plant distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, it probably reached China before the seventh century A.D. turmeric spread early throughout the East Indies and was carried across the Pacific by Polynesians to Hawaii and Easter Islands. Turmeric is cultivated all over India, particularly in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

7. Types

Bhavaprakasha has described four varieties of Haridra:

• Haridra - Curcuma longa Linn
• Vanyaharidra - Curcuma aromatic Salisb.
• Aamragandhi haridra - Curcuma amada Roxb.
• Daruharida - Berberis aristata DC.

8. Ayurvedic properties of Turmeric

Rasa (Taste): It has bitter (Tikta) and astringent (Kashaya) taste.

Virya (Potency): It is hot in nature (Ushna).

Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is pungent (Katu).

9. Identity, Purity and Strength

• Foreign Matter – Not more than 2%
• Total Ash – Not more than 9%
• Acid-insoluble ash – Not more than 1%
• Alcohol-soluble extractive – Not less than 8%
• Water-soluble extractive – Not less than 12%
• Volatile oil - Not less than 4%

(Source: The Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India 1989)

10. Health Benefits and Uses of Turmeric

Turmeric has many medicinal and health benefits, the rhizome is an aromatic stimulant and a tonic, and it is useful in relieving flatulence and in restoring the digestive system to its normal health. It is also useful in curing periodic attacks of hysteria and convulsions. It has anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-fertility, anti-venom, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and anticoagulant properties. These medicinal properties of turmeric caused it to be considered a spice with multifunctional medicinal properties.

It has other useful properties with antioxidant activities and is useful in conditions such as inflammation, ulcer, and cancer.

It is used in traditional medicine and claims its powder against gastrointestinal diseases, especially for biliary and hepatic disorders, diabetic wounds, rheumatism, inflammation, sinusitis, anorexia, coryza, and cough.

Here are some health benefits and uses of Turmeric

Anemia

Being rich in iron, turmeric is valuable in treating anemia, a tsp of raw turmeric juice, mixed with honey, should be taken every day in treating anemia.

Asthma

Turmeric is an effective household remedy for bronchial asthma, a tsp of turmeric powder with a glass of milk, twice or thrice daily is very effective. It acts best on an empty stomach.

Boils

An application of turmeric powder to boils speeds up the healing process, in the case of fresh boils, a few dry roots of turmeric are roasted, and the ashes are dissolved in a cupful of water and applied over the affected area. This solution enables the boils to ripen and burst.

Cough & Cold

Turmeric with its antiseptic properties is an effective remedy for chronic cough and throat irritations. Half tsp of fresh turmeric powder mixed in 30 ml of warm milk is an effective remedy. To prepare this, milk is poured on a hot ladle with turmeric in it and boiled over a slow fire. In case of a running cold, smoke from burning turmeric can be inhaled. This increases the discharge from the nose and brings quick relief.

Turmeric, combined with caraway seeds or ajwain, is useful for colds in infants and children. A tsp of turmeric powder and a quarter tsp of ajwain is added to boiling water which is then cooled. About 30 ml of this decoction, sweetened with honey, can be given thrice a day in treating such conditions.

Intestinal Disorders

Turmeric is a useful intestinal antiseptic, the rhizome, its juice, or dry powder, mixed in buttermilk or plain water, is highly beneficial in intestinal disorders especially chronic diarrhea. It also helps prevent flatulence.

Measles

The herb is beneficial in treating measles, a finely ground powder of turmeric roots dried in the sun mixed with a few drops of honey and the juice of a few bitter gourd leaves is suggested for those suffering from measles.

Skin Disorders

Turmeric is very effective in treating skin diseases like ringworm and scabies. In such cases, raw turmeric juice is applied externally to the affected parts. Simultaneously, turmeric juice mixed with honey is given orally.

Sore Eyes

Turmeric powder is useful in relieving sore eyes, about 6 grams of powder is boiled in about half a liter of water till it is reduced to half. A few drops of this water are put in the affected eyes, three or four times a day to give relief.

Sprains

For treating sprains or swelling caused by sprains, turmeric paste mixed with lime and salt can be applied with beneficial results.

Worms

About 20 drops of the juice of raw turmeric, mixed with a pinch of salt, taken first thing in the morning daily, is an effective remedy for expelling worms.

Other Uses

Turmeric is an indispensable culinary ingredient; it imparts a musky flavor and yellow color to curries. It is also used as a coloring matter in pharmacy, confectionery, and food industries.

Turmeric has been used as a foodstuff, cosmetic, and medicine. It is widely used as a spice in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. It lends curry its distinctive yellow color and flavor. It is used as a coloring agent in cheese, butter, and other foods.

Turmeric is also used in manufactured food products such as canned beverages, dairy products, baked products, ice cream, yellow cakes, yogurt, orange juice, biscuits, popcorn, sweets, cake icing, cereals, sauces, and gelatins. It is a significant ingredient in most commercial curry powders. Turmeric has numerous uses in Asian cuisine. It is used in savory and sweet dishes and is widely used in Eastern specialties such as fresh turmeric pickles. 

11. Dose

Powder - 1 to 3g

Juice - 10 to 20ml.

12. Formulation

Haridrakhand, Rajniyadi churna, Panchnimbadi churna.