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where does turmeric come from

by Brook Kunde Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Turmeric is a product of Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, which is native to tropical South Asia. As many as 133 species of Curcuma have been identified worldwide (Table 13.2).

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What is the truth about turmeric?

Turmeric is primarily acidic. It is also termed a superfood herb due to its ability to fight off inflammation, acid reflux, and other conditions. Nonetheless, you may want to avoid it if you are on an alkaline diet. Is Turmeric Alkaline? Turmeric is acidic.

What happens if you drink turmeric every day?

When You Take Turmeric Every Day, This Is What Happens To Your Body

  • Taking turmeric every day could reduce your heart disease risk. ...
  • By taking turmeric every day, you could decrease your risk of getting cancer. ...
  • Your daily intake of turmeric could help to fight off depression. ...
  • You can decrease your risk of Alzheimer's disease with a daily dose of turmeric. ...
  • Taking turmeric every day could ease arthritis symptoms. ...

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Does too much turmeric have side effects?

Taking turmeric in large doses has potential risks: Mild side effects include upset stomach, acid reflux, diarrhea, dizziness and headaches. Consuming large doses of turmeric supplements can significantly increase the levels of urinary oxalate, increasing the... Since turmeric acts as a blood ...

What are the symptoms of too much turmeric?

Turmeric also has the potential to cause ulcers and inflammation of the stomach lining. Signs of possible gastrointestinal problems caused from too much turmeric may also include black tarry stools or bright red blood in the stool. Those symptoms would be signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.

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Where does turmeric naturally grow?

southern IndiaNative to southern India and Indonesia, turmeric is widely cultivated on the mainland and in the islands of the Indian Ocean. In ancient times it was used as a perfume as well as a spice. The rhizome has a pepperlike aroma and a somewhat bitter warm taste and has a strong staining orange-yellow colour.

What are the health benefits of turmeric?

Turmeric — and especially its most active compound, curcumin — have many scientifically proven health benefits, such as the potential to improve heart health and prevent against Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.

Where is the best turmeric grown?

The climate and soil of hilly terrains in Meghalaya are congenial for the production of the best turmeric in India with highest curcumin and that makes it the only region to grow world's best turmeric.

What plant do you get turmeric from?

Curcuma longaTurmeric (Curcuma longa) is a tropical plant in the same family as ginger. Not a dainty plant, turmeric has large green leaves and grows 3 or more feet tall. As the plant matures each stem sends up a spike of greenish-white and occasionally pink flowers.

Who should not use turmeric?

Although it is safe to eat foods with turmeric, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take turmeric supplements. Because turmeric may act like a blood thinner, you should stop taking it at least 2 weeks before surgery. Tell your doctor and surgeon that you have been taking turmeric.

What happens if you drink warm turmeric water every morning for 7 days on empty stomach?

Drinking turmeric water helps the skin radiate and look healthier. *Turmeric water also elevates liver health by producing vital enzymes capable of detoxifying the blood going to the liver by breaking down the toxins. *Turmeric water also helps in weight loss and indigestion.

How can you tell if turmeric is pure?

Take a glass jug filled with warm water, then add 1 teaspoon of Turmeric and let it settle down. If the Turmeric powder settles down at the bottom of the jug. Then the Turmeric is real, but if it ends up mixing with the water and turns dark yellow, then it's time to discard it!

Which is better white turmeric or yellow turmeric?

It is used as a dried spice in Indonesia, where it is often used as an ingredient in curry powder, especially for seafood dishes. According to Delhi based Nutritionist Lokendra Tomar, "White haldi is rarely used, but is considered to be healthy, much like yellow turmeric.

Which country consumes most turmeric?

Turmeric is very important spice in India, which produces nearly entire whole world's crop and consumes 80% of it. India is by far the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world.

What is the difference between tumeric and turmeric?

0:233:46What's The Real Difference Between Turmeric And Curcumin? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's kind of confusing because the scientific name of turmeric is Curcuma longa what you shouldMoreIt's kind of confusing because the scientific name of turmeric is Curcuma longa what you should remember is that while all turmeric contains curcumin curcumin.

Can I grow turmeric at home?

You just need to grow them indoors. Two spices, ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa), are easy to grow in containers and adapt well to living inside although they do benefit from time outside during the warm weather months.

Is tree turmeric the same as turmeric?

People use tree turmeric for diabetes, high cholesterol, burns, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Do not confuse Tree turmeric with Turmeric (Curcuma longa). These are not the same plant.

Is it good to take turmeric everyday?

The World Health Organization found 1.4 mg of turmeric per pound of body weight is okay for daily intake. It's not advisable to take high doses of turmeric for long periods of time. There isn't enough research to guarantee safety. If you want to take turmeric to relieve pain and inflammation, talk to your doctor.

Can turmeric burn belly fat?

Regular consumption of turmeric tea helps increase the bile production present in the stomach. It is a digestive juice that helps in emulsifying fat and its metabolism. This process makes this spice a great way to lose weight.

Does turmeric affect potassium levels?

We report a case of turmeric associated hyperkalemia as a possible cause of hyperkalemia. We also discuss the likely mechanism of action: curcumin interferes with the binding of extracellular potassium to Na-K ATPase, causing an increase in serum potassium levels.

What does turmeric do to the heart?

Lowered Risk of Heart Disease Turmeric may reverse steps in the heart disease process by improving the function of the lining of your blood vessels. Hence, this helps regulate your blood pressure, blood clotting and other factors vital to heart health.

Before Taking This Medicine

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have ever had: 1. diabetes; 2. gallbladder...

How Should I Take Turmeric?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in t...

What Should I Avoid While Taking Turmeric?

Turmeric can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. Tell your doctor if you are taking an iron supplement.Avoid using turmeric together with...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Turmeric?

Do not take turmeric without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions: 1. any type of infection (inclu...

Origin of Turmeric

The earliest known reference of turmeric is over 6,000 years old and can be found in the Atharvaveda Hindi scriptures, where it is prescribed as a treatment for leprosy and jaundice. It has also been noted in the Yajnavalkya Samhita circa 4050 BCE. These early evidences suggest widespread cultivation of turmeric in Ancient India.

Evolution of Turmeric

In India, where native species of Curcuma were bitter, the perfect marriage of flavor, color, and medicinal potential could be witnessed in C. longa.

Sources

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2004) Turmeric: Post-harvest Operations. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from: http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/inpho/docs/Post_Harvest_Compendium_-_Turmeric.pdf

Where is turmeric grown?

Turmeric, a plant in the ginger family, is native to Southeast Asia and is grown commercially in that region, primarily in India. Its rhizome (underground stem) is used as a culinary spice and traditional medicine. Historically, turmeric was used in Ayurveda and other traditional Indian medical systems, as well as Eastern Asian medical systems such ...

What is turmeric used for?

In India, it was traditionally used for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system. Today, turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others.

Why is turmeric so difficult to study?

Turmeric and curcumin have a variety of interesting biological activities, but they’re challenging to study because curcumin is unstable (it easily changes into other substances) and has low bioavailability (not much of it reaches the bloodstream) when it’s taken orally. In addition, curcumin products may differ in composition or contain more substances than expected, which makes the results of research on these products difficult to understand and compare. Because the actions of turmeric and its components in people are complex and not well understood, no clear conclusions have been reached about whether these substances have benefits for health conditions.

What is the color of turmeric?

Curcumin gives turmeric its yellow color. Turmeric dietary supplements are made from the dried rhizome and typically contain a mixture of curcuminoids. Turmeric is also made into a paste for skin conditions.

Is turmeric safe to use while pregnant?

Turmeric may be unsafe for use during pregnancy in amounts greater than those commonly found in food. Little is known about whether it’s safe to use turmeric in amounts greater than those commonly found in food while breastfeeding.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that comes from a plant. Turmeric is also known as Curcuma, Curcumin, Halada, Haldi, Haridra, Indian Saffron, Nisha, Pian Jiang Huang, Rajani, Safran Bourbon, Safran de Batallita, Safran des Indes, Turmeric Root, and Yu Jin. Turmeric should not be confused with Javanese turmeric root (Curcuma zedoaria).

How should I take turmeric?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

What other drugs will affect turmeric?

Do not take turmeric without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions:

How long is turmeric good for?

Although not all side effects are known, turmeric is thought to be likely safe for most people when used as directed for up to 8 months. Long-term use of turmeric may cause serious side effects. Stop using this product and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: unusual bruising or bleeding;

Can turmeric cause side effects?

Long-term use of turmeric may cause serious side effects. Stop using this product and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

Does turmeric help with iron?

Turmeric can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. Tell your doctor if you are taking an iron supplement.

Does turmeric affect fertility?

Turmeric taken by mouth may lower testosterone levels and sperm motility in men. This could affect fertility (your ability to have children).

What is the chemical in turmeric?

Turmeric is a common spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa. It contains a chemical called curcumin, which might reduce swelling. Turmeric has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. Because curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric might decrease swelling, ...

How long is turmeric good for?

Turmeric products that provide up to 8 grams of curcumin daily seem to be safe when used for up to 2 months, Also, taking up to 3 grams of turmeric daily seems to be safe when used for up to 3 months. Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious side effects.

Is turmeric safe to use in the mouth?

When applied to the skin: Turmeric is likely safe. It is possibly safe when turmeric is applied inside the mouth as a mouthwash. When applied into the rectum: Turmeric is possibly safe when used as an enema. Special Precautions and Warnings. Pregnancy: Turmeric is commonly used in small amounts as a spice in foods.

Is turmeric good for arthritis?

People commonly use turmeric for osteoarthritis. It is also used for hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, a type of liver disease, and itching, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using turmeric for COVID-19.

Can turmeric be taken with warfarin?

Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Taking turmeric while taking warfarin might increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.

Does turmeric affect sulfasalazine?

Turmeric might increase how much sulfasalazine the body absorbs. Taking turmeric while taking sulfasalazine might increase the effects and side effects of sulfasalazine.

Is turmeric safe for pregnant women?

Pregnancy: Turmeric is commonly used in small amounts as a spice in foods. But it's likely unsafe to use larger amounts of turmeric as a medicine during pregnancy. It might cause a menstrual period or stimulate the uterus, putting the pregnancy at risk. Do not take medicinal amounts of turmeric if you are pregnant. Breastfeeding: Turmeric is commonly used in small amounts as a spice in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if turmeric is safe to use in medicinal amounts during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Gallbladder problems: Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse. Do not use turmeric if you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction. Bleeding problems: Taking turmeric might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which might act like the hormone estrogen. In theory, this might have effects on hormone-sensitive conditions. Until more is known, use cautiously if you have a condition that might be made worse by exposure to hormones. Infertility: Turmeric might lower testosterone levels and decrease sperm movement. This might reduce fertility. Turmeric should be used cautiously by people trying to have a baby. Iron deficiency: Taking high amounts of turmeric might prevent the absorption of iron. Turmeric should be used with caution in people with iron deficiency. Liver disease: There is some concern that turmeric can damage the liver, especially in people who have liver disease. Don't use turmeric if you have liver problems. Surgery: Turmeric might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using turmeric at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

How tall is turmeric?

Turmeric plants reach about 1 metre (3.3 feet) in height and bear long simple leaves with long petioles (leaf stems).

What is the color of paper tinged with turmeric?

The colouring matter is curcumin, which is also an antioxidant. Paper tinged with a tincture of turmeric, on addition of alkali, turns from yellow to reddish brown, becoming violet on drying, thus providing a test for alkalinity. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Subscribe Now.

What is a rhizome?

rhizome, horizontal underground plant stem capable of producing the shoot and root systems of a new plant. Rhizomes are used to store starches and proteins and enable plants to perennate (survive an annual unfavourable season) underground. In addition, those modified stems allow the parent plant to…

How many species of ginger are there?

Zingiberaceae, the ginger family of flowering plants, the largest family of the order Zingiberales, containing about 56 genera and about 1,300 species. These aromatic herbs grow in moist areas of the tropics and subtropics, including some regions that are seasonably dry.…

How long does it take for a spice to dry?

Production involves a boiling process, which is followed by exposure of the rhizomes to sunlight for five to seven days to dry. Then they are polished by hand rubbing or by rotation in a mounted drum. Dried rhizomes vary from about 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 inches) in length. The spice is usually sold in ground form.

How long has turmeric been used?

In recent years turmeric has attracted quite a bit of interest for its natural healing properties, but it has actually been used medicinally for over 4,500 years. Analyses of pots discovered near New Delhi uncovered residue from turmeric, ginger and garlic that dates back as early as 2500 BCE. It was around 500 BCE that turmeric emerged as an important part of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of natural healing that is still practiced today. Ayurveda translates to “science of life”– ayur meaning “life” and veda meaning “science or knowledge.” Inhaling fumes from burning turmeric was said to alleviate congestion, turmeric juice aided with the healing of wounds and bruises, and turmeric paste was applied to all sorts of skin conditions – from smallpox and chicken pox to blemishes and shingles. Ayurvedic literature contains over 100 different terms for turmeric, including jayanti, meaning “one who is victorious over diseases,” and matrimanika, meaning “as beautiful as moonlight.”

What does turmeric mean in Ayurvedic medicine?

Ayurvedic literature contains over 100 different terms for turmeric, including jayanti, meaning “one who is victorious over diseases, ” and matrimanika, meaning “as beautiful as moonlight. In Indian culture, the importance of turmeric goes far beyond medicine. The Hindu religion sees turmeric as auspicious and sacred.

What is the name of the spice that Hannah Glasse used to make Indian curry?

Most of us are familiar with turmeric as a cooking spice. It appeared in Hannah Glasse’s 1747 cookbook, The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy. Hannah shares a recipe for India pickle made with turmeric; a later edition calls for turmeric in a recipe for Indian curry.

How tall is a turmeric plant?

The plant reaches barely three feet in height and produces both a flower and a rhizome, or stem that is found underground. The rhizome has an appearance similar to ginger; it is this root-like stem that produces the yellow turmeric spice.

What is the golden color of turmeric?

Turmeric, the golden colored strongly flavored spice, is having a “moment.”. This ancient spice, celebrated for centuries as both food and medicine, has resurfaced within the health and nutrition communities thanks to curcumin, the healing substance which supplies its vibrant color. Curcumin has significant anti-inflammatory properties ...

When was curry invented?

In the United States, curry appeared in the 1831 edition of Mrs. Mary Randolph’s Virginia Housewife. Over the years I’ve developed several recipes containing turmeric. If you’d like to try your hand at cooking with this remarkable spice, you’ll find several tempting options below. Enjoy in good health!

Is turmeric a drug?

Unlike over-the-counter drugs, turmeric has no toxic effects on the body. Curcumin’s powerful antioxidant advantages have been shown to protect healthy cells, particularly those found in the colon, from cancer-causing agents.

Does turmeric need water?

Turmeric is a plant that tolerates wet soil. At the very least, watch out that its soil never dries out. Turmeric's water needs are considered to be above-average.

Can you prune a turmeric plant?

It is fairly easy to grow turmeric. This is not a plant that you prune. Your main jobs are to keep it well watered and to shelter the rhizome from cold temperatures. To grow a turmeric plant in a climate colder than zone 8, you have three options: Treat it as an annual.

Is turmeric a spice?

Water. Fertilizer. Harvesting. Back to Top. Turmeric is a tropical plant. Its rhizomes have traditionally been used both in food preparation and as a medicine. It is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and, like ginger, is considered a spice.

Can you overwinter turmeric?

If you are growing turmeric as an ornamental and wish to overwinter the rhizomes, simply bring the plant back indoors, pot and all, in fall, when the first frost comes, as you would do for other tropical specimens such as: Elephant ears ( Colocasia esculenta) Canna tropicana. Dahlia.

Can you grow turmeric in the shade?

In the far North, give your turmeric plant full sun. The further south you are, the more it is advisable to afford it some afternoon shade.

Does turmeric dries out in the ground?

Make sure the soil in the pot never dries out. This can be a challenge because the soil in containers dries out more quickly than soil in the ground. Since turmeric likes humid conditions, increase humidity further by misting the plant's leaves during periods of hot, dry weather.

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