General Description:

Turmeric is obtained from the root of Curcuma longa, a species native to India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other tropical parts of Asia. Its role in traditional cultures goes back more than 5000 years and it holds an important and honored place in the Indian system of Ayurveda. It is also considered to be highly auspicious in India and is used in various rituals and religious ceremonies in this country.

Nutritional Profile:

Turmeric contains over eighty important dietary nutrients including a variety of vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids. It is an excellent source of iron and manganese and a good source of Vitamin B6, potassium and dietary fiber.

Turmeric in Sanskrit and its Traditional Role in Indian Ayurveda:

The many beneficial qualities of Turmeric or haldi, as it is commonly known in India, are described in Sanskrit. A sampling of these include: bhadra (auspicious), dirgha raga (of long standing coloration), hridvilasini (delightfully heartening), jvarantika (destroyer of fever), krimighni (destroying germs), varna datri (dye-yielding), vishaghni (destroying poison), and mehaghni (destroying urinary disorders).

In Ayurveda, turmeric is described as tasting pungent and bitter, dry and light in quality, hot in virility, and bitter in post-assimilation. Its external application removes edemas and swellings, alleviates pain, cleans and heals wounds, and is generally useful in skin diseases including leprosy.

Within Ayurveda, turmeric is considered to act as an appetizer and to regulate digestive function by purging the body of toxic and waste matter. It also expels worms.

It affects the circulatory system by purifying the blood, promoting blood formation, and inhibiting excessive blood flow.

Turmeric helps in the expulsion of phlegm and is also a diuretic.

The Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita includes turmeric among its ten most famous anti-poison drugs for inner and outer cleansing of the body. It is specifically mentioned as an important medicine for jaundice, and Sushruta, a famous classical Indian author, refers to it for treating eye diseases and disorders such as cataracts, bleeding from the nose, urinary disorders, and epilepsy.

Turmeric has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in the Indian and Chinese systems of medicine and historically as a condiment, healing remedy, and fabric dye.

Turmeric and Traditional Practice of Chinese Medicine:

Traditional Chinese physicians used turmeric to treat liver and gallbladder problems, stop hemorrhaging, relieve menstrual discomforts, and clear chest congestion. It was also used in treatments for depression and other mental conditions.

Modern Therapeutic Uses of Turmeric:

Recent research has indicated the following potential benefits of turmeric:

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agent and Pain Reliever:

Curcumin, the yellow pigment and biologically active phytonutrient constituent of turmeric, along with its volatile oil content, possess significant anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects in fact compare favorably with some potent NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) without their common side effects such as ulcer formation, intestinal bleeding, and decreased white blood cell count. In this context, curcumin could become an effective and inexpensive treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis.

While it is not yet known exactly how curcumin achieves its protective effects, it appears that apart from its antioxidant activity, it could also inhibit a major cellular inflammatory agent known as NF kappa-B even in doses as low as 0.25 percent.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

When taken regularly, the powerful antioxidant properties of curcumin, by neutralizing the free radicals that cause painful inflammation of the joints and their eventual deterioration, can reduce joint swelling, thereby alleviating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Turmeric and Cystic Fibrosis:

According to an animal study published in Science (April 2004), curcumin appears to be able to correct a genetic defect responsible for cystic fibrosis. This life threatening disease causes the lungs to be filled with thick mucus and damages the pancreas, inhibiting the digestion and absorption of nutrients. The most common mutation of the gene involved, known as Delta F508, results in the production of a misfolded protein. Mice with this defect, when treated with curcumin, were seen to produce Delta F508 protein with a normal appearance and function.

However, it is important that cystic fibrosis patients do not attempt to self-medicate with curcumin since possible adverse interactions of curcumin with conventional medication have not yet been identified.

Protecting Cardiovascular Health:

Curcumin may be able to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body, thereby having a protective role against damage of arteries and the building up of plaque which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. In particular, by preventing oxidation of new cholesterol, it could help to limit the progression of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Cancer Protection:

Antioxidants in curcumin protect colon cells from free radicals that can damage cellular DNA, resulting in mutations that lead to cancer. Curcumin also inhibits the synthesis of a protein, which could be responsible for tumor formation, and prevents the development of an additional blood supply necessary for further cancer growth.

Studies have also shown that regular use of turmeric lowers rates of breast, prostrate, lung, and colon cancer.

According to researcher Bharat Agarwal (cited by George Mateljan), curcumin acts against transcription factors, which he describes as a “master switch” that regulates all the genes needed for tumor formation. When they are turned off, some of the genes involved in the growth and invasion of cancer cells are also turned off.

Teamed up with onions, which contain the antioxidant quercetin, curcumin has been found to safely reduce pre-cancerous lesions in the human intestinal tract. As a result, regular intake of turmeric and onions could protect against colorectal cancer. In combination with cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cabbage which contain phenethylisothiocyanates, curcumin retards the growth of human prostrate cells reducing tumor growth and its spread.

In addition to its protective effects against cancer, curcumin, by enhancing liver function, helps to destroy mutated cancerous cells and inhibits their spread within the body.

Research into curcumin’s protective and therapeutic properties against pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, and oral cancer is ongoing.

Reducing the Risk of Childhood Leukemia:

In recent years, incidences of childhood leukemia have increased due to prenatal and postnatal exposure to known risk factors such as environmental pollutants, radiation and certain chemotherapeutic drugs. Inclusion of turmeric in the diet can mitigate some of these risks as result of turmeric’s role in liver detoxification.

Consumption of turmeric can elevate two very important liver detoxification enzymes – UDP Glucuronyl Transferase and Glutathione-S-Transferase – which help with the elimination of zenobiotic (toxic) chemicals. Its culinary use may also counter the effects of several dietary carcinogens.

Turmeric can also help to increase the liver’s ability to clear LDL (bad cholesterol).

Alzheimer’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases:

Studies have shown that turmeric could protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. In India where turmeric is widely used as a culinary spice, incidences of diseases such as Alzheimer’s in the elderly are very low.

Curcumin’s protective effects against Alzheimer’s appear to lie in its ability to turn on a gene that codes for the production of antioxidants such as bilirubin, which protect the brain against oxidative injury.

In multiple sclerosis it may have a protective role by interrupting the production of IL-2, a protein that could be associated with the destruction of myelin, the sheath that protects most nerves in the body.

Weight Management:

Turmeric may aid in fat metabolism and weight management.

How to Select and Store Turmeric:

It is best to buy organically grown turmeric in root form or as a ground powder from ethnic markets or specialty stores since these have not been irradiated.

The turmeric content of “curry powder” very minimal and is not therefore recommended for health benefits.

As with other dry spices, turmeric powder should be kept in sealed containers in a cool, dark, and dry place. The fresh roots should be refrigerated.

Turmeric can also be taken in pill form available at many health food stores.

Suggestions for the Use of Turmeric in One’s Diet:

Vegetables can be lightly sautéed with turmeric and other spices and topped with virgin cold pressed olive oil, salt and pepper. Turmeric can also be added to salad dressings, including yoghurt or healthy mayonnaise for color and bite. Happy experimenting!

Cautions on using Turmeric:

• Immediately after using turmeric, you should thoroughly wash your hands to avoid staining.
• People with congestive heart disease, the cause of which is not known, should consult with their doctors before taking turmeric for therapeutic purposes.
• Some possible contraindications for using turmeric are people suffering from gall stones or bile obstructions.
• Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking turmeric since it can be a uterine stimulant. It is also recommended that women who suffer from fertility problems should consult with their physicians before using turmeric.
• People with a blood clotting disorder should exercise caution in using turmeric.
• Although use of turmeric is considered to be safe, prolonged use of higher than recommended dosages could cause stomach upsets and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
• People with health problems who are on prescription drugs should consult with their physicians before using turmeric therapeutically.

Please Note: In order to obtain the full benefits of turmeric’s numerous healing properties, it is essential to ensure that you obtain pure and organic turmeric. For our recommended source of the finest quality turmeric, please visit Organic Herbs and Spices.

Key Reference Sources:

• George Mateljan Foundation. The World’s Healthiest Foods: Turmeric (http://www.whfoods.com)
• Health Diaries. 20 Health Benefits of Turmeric. (http://healthdiaries.com)
• Krishnamurthy, K.H. (n.d.) Ginger and Turmeric. Health Series: Traditional Family Medicine. New Delhi, India: Books for All.
• Nutritional Supplement Educational Centre. Turmeric Benefits. (http://www.nutrional-supplement-educational-centre.com/turmeric-benefits)

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is only intended to educate and inform our readers. It is in no way intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose or treat any disease. If you have a health problem, you should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any substances for medicinal purposes

Cinnamon is one of our favorite healing spices, not only because of its medicinal properties but also because we love adding it to hot mulled wine during the festive winter season. A toast then to the fragrance and remarkable healing benefits of cinnamon!

Description:

Cinnamon spice is the dried brown bark of a small evergreen tree (family Lauraceae) native to South and South-East Asia, especially southern India and Sri Lanka. It is available for medicinal and culinary use in tubular form and sticks or as a ground powder.

Of the many known varieties of cinnamon, the most commonly used ones are Cinnamomum aromaticum or Cassia (Chinese cinnamon) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (the South Indian and Sri Lankan cinnamon also known as “true cinnamon”). Though these two main varieties have relatively similar characteristics, the Indian/Sri Lankan variety is more expensive and more refined in flavor. It is available mostly in specialty stores and ethnic markets in the US and the West whereas Cassia is widely available.

Nutritional Profile:

Cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese and a very good source of dietary fiber, calcium, and iron.

History:

Cinnamon has an ancient history both as a spice and medicine, the name originating from the Greek kinnamomon meaning “sweet wood.” It is mentioned in Chinese writings as far back as 2800 BC and was also used medicinally as well as in the embalming process in ancient Egypt. It holds a prominent place in the traditional Indian Ayurveda system as well as in other traditional systems of healing.

Contemporary Research:

More recently, a growing body of published research has supported the health benefits of cinnamon, which are derived mainly from the essential oils contained in its bark. These are beneficial in a variety of health disorders ranging from arthritis, yeast infections, colds and flu, digestive disorders, blood impurities, heart ailments and diabetes type two.

Specific Health Benefits of Cinnamon:

Diabetes Type 2 control: Several studies suggest that cinnamon has insulin-like properties. It helps to regulate blood sugar, lower LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), total cholesterol, and triglycerides. These benefits are especially important for sufferers of diabetes type 2 as well as of other cholesterol-related ailments such as heart problems and high blood pressure. Specifically for cholesterol, you could try mixing two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon powder in sixteen ounces of tea water. This home-based remedy is reported to have reduced cholesterol levels in the blood by ten percent within a period of two hours. However, diabetic patients should consult their physician before using honey-based remedies.

Arthritis remedies: Cinnamon’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to relieve painful and stiff muscles and joints. In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder with a tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast were significantly relieved of pain after a week and could walk without pain within a month.

Antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic action: In laboratory tests, the growth of yeasts resistant to commonly used anti-fungal medication (fluconazole) was often (though not always) halted by cinnamon extracts. Studies have indicated that cinnamon oil and extracts have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-parasitic properties and have been effective in fighting Candida infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers, and even head lice!

Brain function: Cinnamon is an excellent brain food. Studies at the Wheeling Jesuit University in the US have demonstrated the effect of the mere scent of cinnamon in improving brain functions by boosting cognitive activity such as attentional processes, memory, and visual motor response speed. This has fuelled much interest in cinnamon’s potential to enhance brain function in the elderly and in sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative neurological diseases.

Cancer Therapies: Research carried out by the US Department of Agriculture in Maryland indicated that cinnamon can reduce the growth of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. Further, laboratory tests have demonstrated the ability of camphomin and cinnamonin – two chemicals extracted from cinnamon – to fight the growth of liver cancer and melanoma cells.

Heart ailments: Cinnamon’s potent anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to be helpful in the prevention of heart disease. It improves blood circulation due to the presence of a blood thinning compound, ensuring oxygen supply to the cells and higher metabolic activity.

Blood purifier: Cinnamon helps to remove blood impurities, destroying germs in the gall bladder and bacteria in staph infections. It also helps to stop bleeding and facilitates the healing process.

Help for Indigestion: When used as a flavoring spice, cinnamon aids in digestion and is helpful in nausea, diarrhea, and flatulence.

Respiratory disorders: Cinnamon is used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating colds, flu, sore throats, and congestion, as well as for diabetes.

Dysmenorrhea: Cinnamon helps to alleviate discomfort and cramps during menses.

Diuretic: Cinnamon is a diuretic food and helps to promote urine flow.

Natural mosquito repellent: Cinnamon oil is a good and environmentally-friendly mosquito repellent. Research has proved that its bark is a rich source of cinnamaldehyde, which is an active mosquito-killing agent.

Treatment for hair loss and balding patches: For hair loss, one could try making a creamy paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of pure organic honey, and one teaspoon of powdered cinnamon. Massage this paste into receding hairlines and bald spots and leave for around fifteen minutes before rinsing off. This treatment has been found effective even when the paste is left on for just five minutes. The cinnamon might leave the skin a little brown for a few minutes, which is nothing to worry about. The paste should be stored in the refrigerator and not allowed to dry out.

Toothache relief: A home-based natural remedy for toothache involves making a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of pure organic honey. This should be applied to the aching tooth three times a day till relief is obtained.

Miscellaneous: Another potential use of cinnamon is for treating infertility. It is also reported to be helpful with weight loss.

Selection and Storage:

Cinnamon sticks can be stored for longer than the ground powder though the powder has a stronger flavor. If possible, you should smell cinnamon for the characteristic sweet smell that proves its freshness. You should also try to select organically grown cinnamon which has not been irradiated since this process significantly reduces its Vitamin C and carotenoid content. Cinnamon can be preserved for a longer time if kept in a sealed glass container in a dark, cool, and dry place. While ground cinnamon will remain effective for about six months when stored this way, the sticks will stay fresh for about a year.

Cautions:

• People who are on diabetes medication should not take therapeutic doses of cinnamon without medical supervision as together these may have an additive effect, causing blood glucose levels to dip too low.
• The Cassia variety of cinnamon naturally contains Coumarin, a toxic compound which at high levels can damage the liver and kidneys. It also has a blood thinning effect so Cassia supplements should not be taken with anti-clotting medication.
• Cinnamon oil, often used as an aromatherapy essential oil, is highly potent and an overdose can depress the central nervous system. It should therefore be used only under close supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
• Pregnant women should avoid cinnamon supplements.
• People suffering from prostrate problems should avoid cinnamon.
• People who are allergic to balsam of Tolu should avoid cinnamon oil.

Please Note: For our recommended source of the finest quality pure and organic “true cinnamon,” which is not commonly available, please visit our page on Organic Herbs and Spices.

Key Reference Sources:

• The George Mateljan Foundation (http://whfoods.org)
• Organic Facts (http://www.organicfacts.net)
• Cancer Lynx (http://www.cancerlynx.com)
• Home Remedies Web (http://www.homeremediesweb.com)
• HealthDiaries.com (http://www.healthdiaries.com)
• Nutritional Supplement Educational Centre (http://www.nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com)
• Antioxidants for Health and Longevity (http://www.antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity/com)
• Cathy Wong About.com Guide to Alternative Medicine (http://altmedicine.about.com)
• Prerna Salla. 2004. Honey and Cinnamon (http://www.buzzle.com)

This article was researched and compiled by Mithu.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is only intended to educate and inform our readers. It is in no way intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose or treat any disease. If you have a health problem, you should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any substances for medicinal purposes.