Turmeric, the golden spice, is helpful in the time of pandemic, says Ayurveda

Turmeric, one of the most vital medicines in Ayurveda is scientifically called curcuma longa and in Sanskrit, it is Haridra.  According to about 3000 studies published during the last 25 years, turmeric plays an important role in Ayurveda therapy.

It is known to have cultivated in India around 4000 years ago and was called Indian Saffron by Marko Polo, the ancient traveler who  had knowledge about its medicinal value and healing power.

Today, as a nutriment, medicine and as a cosmetic, turmeric is being used across the world and according to Ayurveda it has the capacity to balance the Vata, Pittha, Kapha dosha (The three doshas: Vata, Pittha and Kapha are biological energies found throughout the body and mind). Simultaneously tasting bitter and spicy it has got a larger role to play in  keeping up  general health in this time of pandemic as it has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.

The antiviral property of turmeric is due to the presence of curcumin and other derivatives which inhibit the functioning of inosine monophosphate de hydrogenase enzyme.

Some of the uses of turmeric during this time of pandemic:

• Burning cotton after applying a turmeric -ghee paste on it purifies the surroundings and the smoke coming out from the cotton improves the health of the internal organs.
• A cup of turmeric tea daily may improve the immunity.

How to prepare turmeric tea:

Boil two cups of water, add one inch size turmeric piece. After three minutes of boiling, filter it, leave it to become cold, then add a pinch of pepper. The tea ready.

It would taste better if you add milk and honey to it before drinking. Instead of the usual tea, taking turmeric tea daily would be a better choice especially during this time of pandemic.

Other benefits of turmeric:

1.Turmeric is called  golden spice as it helps relieve respiratory infections, asthma, allergy, sinusitis, skin diseases, liver diseases, digestive problems, wounds, urinary tract infections etc.

2.Turmeric has neuro –protective property which allows it to help in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

3.It is one of the best antioxidants.

4.Turmeric is an effective tool in the treatment of cancer, diabetic, hypertension and cholesterol problems.

5.More experiments are being made for extracting more anticancerous properties of this golden spice.

6.Turmeric is unavoidable in treatment of ailments which affect women.

Courtesy: Dr.  SHABU