Turmeric – The Spice of Life

The plant Curcuma longa is a low-growing perennial with sharp-shaped leaves and yellow flowers. But there is more to this plant than meets the eye. Underground the plant has horizontally growing stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes can be cultivated, dried and ground into the golden spice we know as turmeric.

The idea of turmeric supplements is nothing new. The therapeutic use of turmeric goes back over 5,000 years to the height of Ayurveda. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda translates to ‘the science of life’ and is a system of wellness practices that balance the body and mind for optimal health and longevity. Turmeric also has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

These traditional health systems believe turmeric has special properties that restore balance to the body. As such, it has been traditionally used for a wide variety of conditions. These systems employ practices of consuming turmeric as a whole herb or extract, as tea and even applying it topically to the skin. Turmeric is also consumed regularly in many cultures as a culinary spice that gives dishes a distinct, earthy flavor. In Bali, this treasured herb is used to prepare yellow rice which is used as an offering to the Hindu deities.