Turmeric--Haldi--THE GOODNESS OF TURMERIC
That turmeric (Haldi) has curative and therapeutic properties is a fact that Indians have known for centuries. This essential ingredient has always been a must-have in Indian kitchens. It was only when the world, specifically the USA, woke up to the benefits of turmeric that the dispute arose
However, Unani and Ayurveda practitioners have long known the merits of turmeric as a cure for stomach aches and as a tonic and a blood purifier. Grandmothers have been prescribing turmeric mixed with warm milk as a sure-fire remedy for curing the common cold
The fresh juice from the plant or a paste prepared from it is often used to treat leprosy, snakebite and problems of the liver. The paste also proves beneficial in cases of diarrhea and certain fevers. The smoke produced by sprinkling powdered turmeric over glowing charcoal is supposed to relieve pain on account of scorpion bite
Turmeric also helps in correcting the disordered processes of nutrition and restoring the normal function of the system. Turmeric is also beneficial for certain common ailments. Here are the remedies
Intestinal Disorders
Turmeric is a very useful intestinal antiseptic. The juice or powder, mixed in buttermilk or plain water, is highly beneficial in intestinal problems, especially chronic diarrhea. It also helps prevent flatulence
Worms
About 20 drops of the juice of raw turmeric, mixed with a pinch of salt, taken first thing in the morning daily, is considered an effective remedy for expelling worms
Anaemia
Turmeric, being rich in iron, is valuable in anaemia. A teaspoon of raw turmeric juice, mixed with honey, should be taken every day in order to treat this condition
Measles
The herb is beneficial in the treatment of measles. Turmeric roots are dried in the sun and ground to a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with a few drops of honey and the juice of a few bitter gourd leaves. The resulting concoction greatly benefits those suffering from measles
Asthma
Turmeric is an effective household remedy for bronchial asthma. A teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of milk, twice or thrice daily, is very effective
Cough and Cold
Turmeric, with its antiseptic properties, is an effective remedy for chronic cough and throat irritations. Half a teaspoon of fresh turmeric powder, mixed in 30 ml of warm milk is very effective in these conditions. To prepare this, milk is poured on a hot ladle with turmeric in it and boiled over a slow fire. In case of a running cold, smoke from burning turmeric can be inhaled. This increases the discharge from the nose and brings quicker relief
Turmeric, in combination with caraway seeds or ajwain, is useful for colds in infants and children. A teaspoon of turmeric powder and a quarter teaspoon of caraway seeds should be added to boiling water, which should then be cooled. About 30 ml of this decoction, sweetened with honey, may be taken thrice a day
Sprains
Sprains and swellings can be cured by applying the mixture of turmeric paste, lime and salt
Boils
An application of turmeric powder to boils speeds up the healing process. In case of fresh boils, a few dry roots of turmeric must be roasted and the ashes dissolved in a cupful of water and applied over the affected portion. This solution enables the boils to ripen and burst
Skin Disorders
Turmeric is very effective in the treatment of skin diseases like ringworm and scabies. In such cases, the juice of raw turmeric must be applied to the affected parts. Simultaneously, turmeric juice, mixed with honey, should be taken orally
