Know the Sciences (Native)- Turmeric Magnificence

We all know that turmeric is a great disinfectant. Turmeric has become an integral part of our life and culture.

It easy to have the thought, why I need to talk about turmeric which everyone is aware of its benefits. Yes, in my previous edition about coconut and Banana, many people were surprised that I mentioned many new information. Few said they already knew most of this. I am writing this with the hope that you will definitely learn something new scientifically in the “Turmeric Magnificence” edition.

Turmeric is used in various ways in our daily life. Turmeric is a gift to us, a herb, food and medicine. Turmeric is an astringent, spice, herb, and cosmetic. It belongs to the ginger family.

Turmeric has been found to be over 2500 years old. It emerged as a medicine as early as 500 BC. Turmeric spread from India to China around 700 BC. Later Turmeric was introduced to East Africa around 800 BC and West Africa around 1200 BC. Arabs introduced it to Europe in the 13th century. 80% of the world’s turmeric is grown in our country. Turmeric has been used in Siddha medicine in our country for thousands of years. It was often used for coloring and medicine purposes. Today there is no house without turmeric .

Let’s take a look at what turmeric is used for.

- As sacred object of rituals.

- To add color and flavor to cooking.

- To extract oil.

- As a microbicide (kills germs).

- Medicinal purpose (for indigestion, colds, superficial wounds, liver, skin, brain, heart, blood clotting)

- As tea

- In Pongal festivals it is customary to tie a turmeric plant around the Pongal pot.

- Holy water in temple festivals.

- applying turmeric dots on new clothes.

-To rub women’s face and bath/

-as a flavoring agent

- People who move into a new house do the ritual by putting salt and turmeric in front of them.

- Worshiped as Manjal (turmeric) Ganesha

- Turmeric pickle.

Turmeric varieties are

- Black Turmeric

- Curry Turmeric

- Wood Turmeric

- Finger Turmeric

- Musk Turmeric

Turmeric is also known as the poor man’s saffron flower and gold masala. Turmeric contains vitamin C, B6, B2, B3. Turmeric is rich in mineral salts such as iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc. Curcumin, a unique phytochemical found in turmeric, gives it its unique aroma, taste and color. Turmeric should be eaten in moderation.

Turmeric is very important for our culture and medicine. Realizing its pride, westerners started using it more. Various studies were conducted and its medicinal properties were confirmed, turmeric was patented in the United States. Turmeric may have been patented by foreigners, but we are the ones who know its greatness. We who have known turmeric for thousands of years, turmeric has been mixed in our daily life.

Turmeric will protect us! Lets not forget to teach the significance of Turmeric to our generations.