English Name: Termeric
Hindi: Haldi
Marathi: Halad
Sanskrit: Haridra, Aushadhi, Gouri, and Kanchani

Botany: It is a perennial plant, which grows 60 to 90 cm. in height and has tufted leaves.

Habitat: It is cultivated in India, China, Indonesia and other tropical countries.

Energetics:
Rasa (taste) - Katu (pungent) & Tikta (bitter)
Virya (action)- Ushna
Vipaka (post-digestive effect)- Katu (Pungent)
Guna (quality) -Laghu (light) & Ruksha (rough)
Gana: Kusthaghna, Haridradi, Shirovirechana
Dosha effect - Tridoshic at normal dosages. Because it is pungent and warming it pacifies Kapha and Vata. It is also bitter and astringent and so it pacifies the Pitta dosha.
Prabhava: Purifies the skin and complexion
Manas Tri Guna: Sattvic but leans toward being Rajas,

Chemical Constituents - Turmeric has hundreds of molecular constituents, each with a variety of biological activities. For instance, there are at least 20 molecules that are anti-biotic, 14 that are known cancer preventatives, 12 that are anti-tumor, 12 are anti-inflammatory and there are at least 10 different anti-oxidants. The list goes on and on.Turmeric is a veritable pharmacy in its own right, with literally hundreds of molecules and activities on its shelves. This is also testimony to the use of whole herbs and not just isolated molecules. And speaking of molecules, by far the most researched in Turmeric are three gold-colored alkaloidal Curcuminoids: Curcumin, Demethoxy-curcumin, and Bisdemethoxy-curcumin. Most of the research done is with a 95% Curcuminoid extract of Turmeric, though in its raw state Turmeric is only 3-5% Curcuminoids. The rhizome is 70% carbohydrates, 7% protein, 4% minerals, and at least 4% essential oils. It also has vitamins, other alkaloids, and is about 1% resin.

Common Uses: Indigestion, flatulence, poor circulation, cough, amenorrhea, pharyngitis toothache, chest pain, blood urine, hemorrhage, skin disorders, diabetes, arthritis, anemia, wounds, bruises, to strengthen the stomach and promote its action, and also as a tonic and blood purifier. Turmeric Poultices is Often applied locally to relieve inflammation and pain. Turmeric acts on the imbalanced processes of digestion, metabolism and nutrition (Jatarangi Level) and restores the normal function of the gastro intestinal system. It is also considered to have excellent natural antibiotic and antibacterial actions. It not only purifies the blood (Rakta dhatu shuddhi), but also warms it and stimulates formation of new blood tissue (Rakta dhatu vardhaka).

Recommended dosage - is 400 to 600 mg three times daily, according to the condition of the individual. Turmeric will not give suggested therapeutic values and dosage levels in the body as used in the normal cooking process.

Precautions & Contraindications: Acute jaundice, hepatitis, obstructive jaundice, gallstones, excessive Pitta, pregnanncy.

Clinical Applications: - Continue >>>>