Turmeric

An Unassuming Plant
It’s boiling hot. On his calloused and brittle knees, sweat pours from his brow as he torques the pesky weeds from the unforgiving earth. It’s Tuesday again, and Milo begrudgingly performs his weekly duties of clearing weeds from the field. Focused and determined, only ass and elbows are seen as he voraciously grinds through his lot, weeds spewing behind him. He breaks, and wipes his brow. “These are some mighty thick weeds today” he mumbles, as he gets back to it. The weeds are thick and long today, with a tough-orange root. At the end of his grueling shift, Milo hauls off what seems to be a half ton of these thick weeds to the dump. Had Milo known this unpretentious plant wasn’t a weed at all, but the revered Curcurma Longa plant of Southeast Asia, used in yielding the Indian cash crop-turmeric, maybe he at the very least would’ve kept some for himself. How many of us like Milo, unknowingly pass a good thing up, simply because we don’t know any better?

A Super Spice
Imagine an herb so powerful that it could boost your immune system, improve liver function, and detoxify the body all while keeping you healthy and vibrant. Such is the case with Turmeric. Many are familiar with it’s use in the West, as it gives yellow ball park mustard its color, but it’s probably better known as the spice used to make curry. Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma Longa plant and has a tough brown skin with a deep orange flesh. It’s peppery, warm and bitter flavor has a mild fragrance similar to orange and ginger. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin and is known as the herbs primary medicinal component and is what gives the distinct yellow/orange color. Turmeric has been used for centuries throughout Southeast Asia and has served many purposes including blood cleansing, maintaining healthy skin as well as healing open wounds.

Potential Benefits
• Healthy Joint Function
• Improved Digestion
• Healthy Circulatory and Nervous System
• Increased Absorption of Nutrients
• Eye Health
• Normal Cholesterol Levels
• Healthy Reproductive System
• Reduces fever

Throughout History
Native to Indonesia and Southern India, turmeric’s been harvested in these regions for more than 5,000 years. The top commercial producers include: India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Taiwan and Haiti and for generations, its wide range of uses have included: condiment, healing remedy, textile dye and potent anti-inflammatory. With over 80 nutrients found in turmeric, including iron, vitamin b-6, and potassium, Indian physicians have packed their kits with it for ages. India’s youth are raised with a constant awareness of the herb and to this day it remains an integral part of their everyday life. Europe wasn’t exposed to the herb until the 13th century when an Arab trader brought it over, and has only recently become popular in Western cultures due to current research highlighting its therapeutic properties. Long had the desire been for western medicine to find an immunity super booster that could hold back the tide of disease, and in the Curcuma Longa Plant, they just may have found it.

Free Radicals
Free radicals are molecules which have one or more unpaired electrons within the outer ring and can attack other cells and organs, which in turn, damage the body. The body uses antioxidants as a primary way to neutralize the effects of free radical damage and to protect the brain, heart and immune system. The potent antioxidants found in turmeric come from active compounds called curcuminoids and are said to deliver a punch 5-8 times stronger than vitamin C or E. In addition to all of this, turmeric is recognized as an adaptogen which means it helps support the body against stress, while balancing the immune system.

The Hardly Believable Attempt to Patent…. a Plant
How do you patent a plant? Look no further than the United States for an answer, they can tell you how it’s done. Used for eons by India’s Indigenous people, a western interest was sparked when researches began looking into the plants many virtues. With a revived interest, western researchers began focusing on the herb and discovered its ability to treat dysentery, arthritis, ulcers, some forms of cancer while protecting the liver. With these monumental discoveries, the west saw huge potential accompanied by magnificently large dollar signs. It was on.

In May, 1995 the US Patent Office granted the University of Mississippi a patent for “Use of Turmeric in Wound Healing.” Needless to say, India was a bit upset to hear that a patent was awarded on a plant that grows effortlessly in their region and has been a revered natural remedy for generations. The countries Scientific & Industrial Research Council claimed that it was impossible to discover healing properties that had been known in India for thousands of years; the US Patent Office agreed and reversed its ruling.

Hope When All Seems Hopeless
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects have been compared to powerful drugs like hydrocortisone and Motrin, but unlike these drugs, which come with significant toxic effects (ulcer formation, decreased white blood cell count, intestinal bleeding), curcumin produces no toxicity.
A significant case displaying the health benefits of turmeric include a terminally ill patient who suffered from brain cancer. After the diagnosis, he was sent home by doctors with a few radiation treatments, no medications, and very little hope for survival. Shortly after the diagnosis he began treatment with a turmeric supplement 3 times daily and has persisted over the past 4 years. His frequent exams show the tumor significantly decreasing which are confirmed with MRI diagnostics in addition to the return of many of his normal functions.

Getting Started
While turmeric is considered safe, it shouldn’t be taken by those who suffer from blood clotting disorders, congestive heart disease, gallstones or liver disease due to its blood thinning and gland stimulating properties. If taken in large quantities one may experience mild side effects that include, diarrhea, sweating or nausea. The good news is that turmeric is even effective when taken in low quantities, like one might find in a curry dish. Be sure to buy a 100% certified organic product, or you risk losing many of the nutritional benefits. It can be taken in either capsule or powdered form, but I recommend doing a little research to find out what’s best for you. With all of the super foods and herbs that will increase your health and vitality, turmeric certainly seems to lead the pack.

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