Turmeric

After becoming aware of the amazing heath promoting properties of Turmeric and seeing evidence of this with my own health and that of my family I decided to add a page full of simple ways to integrate Turmeric into daily life.

Turmeric is a rhizome (underground stem) related to the ginger family, It is a bright yellow herb/spice commonly used in Asian cooking. It has been used as a medicinal spice in India for thousands of years. Science is now starting to catch up with what the Indians have known for centuries, the healing properties of Turmeric and its active compound Curcumin are being extensively studied with over 12000 peer reviewed articles published here. Basically it is a potent anti inflammatory and anti oxidant, it can neutralise toxic compounds, has anti bacterial and anti viral properties, and can enhance the health of the lungs, cardiovascular system, the brain, digestive system and skin.

A recent study found that participants consuming 1 teaspoon of turmeric daily in food over a six week period showed that it had the ability to affect genes responsible for anxiety, depression, asthma, eczema and cancer. [1]

Turmeric is most commonly associated with curries but it can also be enjoyed as a healing drink and Turmeric Milk or Golden Latte is commonly used in India as a remedy for colds, flu and fevers.

Golden Latte 

1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of black pepper.  Add to 1 cup of coconut or almond milk and heat gently. Blend the dry powders to a paste first then add to the rest of the milk to avoid them clumping, they won’t dissolve completely so you will be left with a bit of residue.

Turmeric Milk or Tea is an effective remedy because the Curcumin stops viruses attaching to cells so inhibiting viral invasion and proliferation, and as a potent anti inflammatory it can quickly relieve the uncomfortable symptoms associated with colds, flu, fever and coughs.

Turmeric Tea

To a cup add 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of black pepper a big squeeze of lemon and boiling water.

Cinnamon adds some sweetness, so Honey is an optional extra.

To simplify this I have a jar made up of half Turmeric, half Cinnamon and a few twists of black Pepper, the I just use 1 tsp of this and lemon juice to Make turmeric Tea

Curcumin only makes up 3-5% of Turmeric powder, and is poorly absorbed, the addition of Black Pepper can increase absorption up to 2000%, consuming it with fat also helps. cinnamon also has it’s own health enhancing properties that can be see here.

Turmeric Paste can be used to make your Turmeric drinks – just measure out two teaspoons of the paste instead of the dry spices, melt gently and then add the other ingredients.To make up a cup sized jar of Turmeric paste melt 1/2 cup of Coconut oil, add 1/4 cup of Turmeric and 1/4 cup of Cinnamon and 2-3 tsp of ground Black Pepper. Mix well and allow to cool and solidify. In a cool kitchen this doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge and will keep for several weeks.

As a simple daily addition 1-2 tsp of turmeric can help maintain health by boosting the immune system, acting as a detoxing agent, and as a potent anti oxidant and anti inflammatory. Research is also showing that Turmeric/Curcumin can help assist the body with disease that is already present such as asthma, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, alzheimer’s, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. [2]