A Touch of Turmeric: Examining an Ayurvedic Treasure

Abstract

Turmeric, or C urcuma longa , is a perennial root plant of the ginger family. This plant originates from Asia and is widely grown and used inIndia. South Asians have used turmeric for its medicinal purposes for centuries and it has become integrated into spiritual life as a symbol of protection and purity (Ravin dran et al. 2007). Turmeric acts as a powerful healing tool because of the phytochemicals it contains. The main phytochemical in turmeric is curcumin. Research shows that curcumin provides anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial health effects, among others. Curcumin may not be as beneficial as turmeric in its entirety due to variation in bioavailability (Martin et al. , 2011). This extrapolation should be taken into consideration when attempting to reap the benefits of turmeric in the West.