Turmeric

Turmeric holds a special place in both ayurvedic medicine and in culinary arts. The tubers and flowers of the turmeric plant are used for food whereas the leaves, flowers, tubers and buds of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. 

Turmeric is used as a medicine to cure certain diseases from head to toe. Turmeric can be used as a medicine for external physical ailments such as joint pain, injury and rash as well as headaches. Migraines, biological diseases, asthma/ coughs. Turmeric is also used in the treatment of liver-related diseases. 

Turmeric is used as a cooling medicine which can be used internally for detoxification of the skin and body. Most importantly, it acts as a germ fighter in the body and helps get rid of external fungal, bacterial and viral diseases. Patients suffering from gastritis and gallstones can also benefit from using turmeric.

Turmeric is also widely used in cosmetics as a skin whitening agent and as a hand remedy for many skin related problems such as when bitten by leprosy one can use turmeric powder mixed with bee honey to stop the bleeding. Turmeric powder mixed with honey is also applied to scars caused by chickenpox to reduce the swelling of skin and to lighten any scars that are left behind. 

Turmeric holds a very unique yellow colour and therefore is used in food coloring. Most commonly, turmeric is used as coloring to give rice the yellow delicious look. Other food like cheese, butter, margarine, pickles, alcohol, fruit, cakes, jellies, sauces, ice cream and gelatin can also be colored with turmeric. 

Another well known fact about turmeric is that it has antiseptic properties and is used as a spray for places of worship and is a principal component used in many religious ceremonies.