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.