Sometimes nicknamed the “Golden Soother”, turmeric protects against two life-threatening yet ongoing conditions in the physiology…”rusting” (cellular oxidation) and “burning” (inflammation).
In a day in age when “inflammaging” is running rampant through our society due to dietary habits and stress you may want to consider cooking with the Golden Soother everyday. I have included a couple recipes at the end of this article to give you examples of how to include this amazing spice into your daily diet.
I have listed below the many benefits to taking turmeric in the diet. Turmeric works best used daily in order to prevent the list of health issues below from happening. For REGULAR MAINTENENCE take 1 tsp a day.
Heads Up! Turmeric can be taken in higher doses (up to 1 ounce (4 Tbsp. a day)) in acute inflammatory situations (ex: sprained ankle, bone not healing properly, etc.). However, when taking any herb in high doses you may want to check with your health care provider especially if on medication, dealing with stomach or gall bladder issues or pregnant.
HOW TO INCORPORATE: Many people use turmeric spice powder while cooking as an easy way to work into diet. However, the root (much like raw ginger) can be bought and cooked with and capsules are available in many health food stores.
Turmeric Facts…
- Decreases Inflammation: (helps any “itus” condition. e.g. gastritis, bursitis, dermatitis, etc.): Use to preserve the body and support healing.
- Is Highly anti-oxidant and detoxifies the body
- Joint Health: Great for arthritis: (thoroughly researched): helps joints “knit up”, heal, re-mineralize and enhances bone healing
- Liver Health: the liver is a hot organ that tends to overheat…turmeric decreases heat and detoxifies substances that damage liver
- Skin Health: Can be applied topically (common in Asia in baths and pastes) to help clear up skin conditions but temporarily stains the skin. Taking high doses internally can enhance skin health in cases of dermatitis and other “itus” of the skin
- Sore Throat: Astringent: great for leaky wet tissues in throat. Remember…turmeric is good for inflammation and a anti-microbial: great gargle take a Tbs. in cup of warm water (can add salt) and use for several gargles until soreness is gone.
- Is an astringent meaning tightening of tissues (can take care of wet, sloppy, sticking out too far, leak or gooey issues): e.g. hemorrhoids, uterine prolapse, excessive nasal discharge (there are better herbs for acute situations), and internal wounds like ulcers in the digestive tract
- Supports cellular immunity: help cells withstand diseases
- Helps your body resist invading microbes (season flus, etc.)…use on a regular basis to prevent getting sick. Just add a tsp a day in food
- Dementia: small amounts are helping a lot: Leading natural treatment in the world for dementia and other cognitive decline
- Digestive Health: It warms up the GI tract a little bit and can improve digestive conditions, especially if an “itus” condition: e.g. colitis or Heart burn (gastritis)
- Cardiovascular Health: Supports proper levels of blood fats (triglycerides, cholesterol), enhances circulation (good for colds hands and feet), detoxifies blood (there are better herbs for acute situations).
- Oral Health: Turmeric is great for gum health (fights infection, sloppy tissue, bacteria, inflammation, etc.)-make a gum pack (stir water with turmeric to make a clay-like pack) then use to gargle and rinse mouth
- Canker Sores (inflammation): put on canker sores to eliminate them!
- Decreases ama (toxins) in the colon
Turmeric Recipes
Stewed Turmeric Apple (or pear) -recipe for one person
1 whole, fresh, sweet apple, cored and peeled
2 whole cloves (per apple)
1/4 cup of purified water
½-tsp Turmeric powder
4-5 pecans
Coconut shavings
1 tsp Ghee or coconut oil
Raisins (soaked)
Directions: 1.Core, peel and dice apple into small pieces (leave on peel for fiber). 2.Add cloves, turmeric, apples, soaked raisins and water in a covered pot. 3.Stew apples in 1/4 cup of water until soft consistency (usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes). 4.Remove cloves and discard before serving. 5.Stir in ghee 6.Grate pecans onto apples 7.Add coconut shavings to taste 8.Let stand away from heat for 5 minutes, to cool a little
Golden Turmeric Tonic
-Thanks Alicia www.ayurvedawithalicia.com
2 cups hot water
1 tsp of tulsi (or one tea bag)
3 slices of raw ginger
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 fresh lemon wedge
1 tsp raw honey
Steep tulsi, turmeric and ginger in hot water for 5 minutes then squeeze lemon in and stir in honey. Enjoy this alkalizing and anti-inflammatory drink!!! This boosts the immune system and is great for skin health!
