Turmeric was used in ancient India for many reasons. It was known by many different names, such as ‘Haridra’ meaning ‘yellow one’, Gauri, Aushadhi, and Kanchani.

It is believed to be used in India for more than 6000 years, as a medicine, dye, a spice, and a beauty aid. Turmeric was used as a remedy for almost any kind of ailment, from skin conditions to arthritis. It is also used as a detox for the liver, and it is capable of reducing the healing time for skin afflictions.

Turmeric is commonly known as one of the most powerful ayurvedic herbs. It was used tradtionaly in medicine for many different conditions. It was used to treat indigestion, food poisioning, and gallstones. It was also used for cleansing of the female reproductive system.

It was widely known for its anti-inflammatory antiseptic properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric make it an ideal treatment for arthritis. Because it is a natural antiseptic it reduces the healing time of many minor cuts and scrapes, and works well as a remedy for acne.

It is actively used in beauty products today for acne and rashes. The active ingredient of turmeric, curcumin is currently being studied as a treatment for various cancers and Alzheimer’s disease.

Almost everyone knows turmeric as a common spice in popular food such as curry. But its potential uses in medicine are just now being rediscovered and explored in pop culture.

Growing Turmeric

You are probably aware of the endless uses and benefits of turmeric. It is also main ingredient in many Indian cuisines. Dried and ground turmeric could be easily found at most super markets. But of course it is always better to grow your own turmeric.

Turmeric is harvested for the rhizome (root) of the plant, like it’s cousin ginger. During the drying process turmeric loses much of its flavor and fragrance because of the loss of oils. Turmeric also becomes more bitter as it dries. By growing your own turmeric at home you will be able to enjoy its natural taste.

Turmeric grows best in moist hot climates. If you live in the south, should not have any trouble growing it as long as it receives plenty of direct sunlight. If you live in a milder region you may need to grow it in a green house.

Growing Turmeric is as easy as planting fresh roots. You may be able to find fresh roots at Asian grocery stores. You can also order turmeric roots online or at local nurseries. When you choose fresh turmeric roots, be sure to select ones with thick fingers, this is what you will be planting in the soil.

When you have your roots, remove the fingers and plant them in fertile soil with direct sunlight. The soil should only be slight moist. If you plan to grow them in a greenhouse, you can plant them in pots with potting soil. To avoid freezing in winter month you can bring them inside.

The roots will be ready to harvest eight to ten months after planting them, when the leaves and stems begin to dry. Simple remove them from the soil, remove the leaves and rinse off the dirt. The turmeric clumps should be stored in a cool dry place.