Tumeric

Tumeric
Tumeric (Curcuma Longa) belongs to a class of herbs known as zingiberaceae and is closely related to Ginger. The rhizome of the plant is brown in colour and resembles a huge caterpillar or worm; however, when scraped or peeled, the inside has a vibrant yellow orange colour which has a stainy tint. The plant possesses a pungent odour and taste and grows in tropical climate with moderate rainfall.

Tumeric, historically, can be traced to early Indian civilization where it has been used for medicinal and cooking purposes. However, the plant also has a dynamic history in West Indian countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Guyana and many others, where its main compound, Curcumin – the chemical that gives turmeric its potency and colour, is widely used to make Curry powder. The Curry powder is used as a spice in the preparation of a variety of delicacies such as curried goat, Dal (curried lentil) and chicken; these are famous and appetising entrees for many Caribbean nationals that are usually accompanied with Roti, Roasted Breadfruit, Fluffy White Rice, just to name a few.

Today, turmeric is becoming increasingly popular not just for its potency as an exotic spice in cuisine but also for its medicinal property and value. The herb has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that makes it very useful in its fight against many diseases.

Nutritional Value
Tumeric is fortified with a variety of nutrients namely Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and some types of proteins.

Extracting the Nutrients
The nutrients are extracted using two main methods:
1. The Rhizome is dried, then grated or pulverized to make powder.
2. the rhizome is peeled, chopped and boiled, resulting in a yellow tincture which can be had as tea.

Uses/Benefits
1. Given the antioxidant property of turmeric, it is very effective in the fight against free radicals that are responsible for speeding up the aging and wrinkling process in the body.

Tumeric may:
2. Improve liver function by detoxifying the liver.
3. Reduce the risk of certain types of cancers
4. Help the body protect itself against common respiratory illnesses such as the flu.
5. Aid in digestion
6. Lower blood pressure
7. improve arthritic conditions

Some of the negative side effects or unpleasantries
1. The taste. It takes a while for some persons to get accustomed to the taste as turmeric has a harsh, ginger like flavour.
2. After handling the rhizome, the stain remains on your hands for a while; perhaps a day but disappears eventually with frequent washing of the hand.
3.Tumeric is a blood thinner and as such, persons who are on medications such as warfarin, need to exercise caution and most definitely speak with their doctors before consuming this herb.

Disclaimer: Please be reminded that this blog is solely for information purposes and is meant for sharing information on home remedies used in Jamaica to combat diseases. Therefore it is in no way designed to give medical advice. Seek the guidance of your health practitioner if you have medical issues.


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