Ayurveda Health Benefits of Turmeric (Haldi)

The golden spice turmeric is recommended for skin diseases, PCOS, and diabetes and to reduce obesity. It is known to increase fairness and the glow of the skin.

Related article Natural Ayurvedic Remedies for Diabetes

The pharmacological properties and health benefits of turmeric are explained as follows in texts of Ayurveda:

Balances Kapha and Pitta

Turmeric is bitter (tikta rasa )  and pungent (katu rasa)  to taste. It has tissue-drying properties which means turmeric absorbs more water while getting metabolized and leaves the tissues dry. This spice is hot in potency (ushna veerya) and also balances vitiated Kapha dosha and pitta dosha

The active chemical component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a strong antioxidant and reduces inflammation by reducing histamine levels. Curcumin protects the liver, reduces cholesterol, and prevents internal blood clotting thus preventing heart attacks and liver tissue damages

Increases Fairness of skin: –

Turmeric when used internally and externally increases the glow and complexion of skin ) and also boosts skin health. It improves the immunity of the skin and prevents repeated infections of acne and pimple. Hence this herb is added as the main ingredient in various ayurvedic preparations.

Heals Psoriasis and Eczema:

When this spice is used in form of external application and internal medicine, it helps to reduce the flaring up of psoriasis and eczema. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce psoriatic arthritis. It limits the spread of these skin diseases. Hence this herb is used in Ayurvedic Herbal remedies for Psoriasis.

Controls Diabetes and Reduces blood sugar levels.

Turmeric when used regularly acts as an anti-diabetic and reduces blood sugar levels. This can be used by diabetic patients to keep their blood sugar under control. This can be used by men who suffer from klaibya or erectile dysfunction due to diabetes. In this condition, it not only controls diabetes but also purifies semen.

Purifies Blood

Haldi is an excellent blood purifier and acts as a powerful detoxifying agent. It helps to expel toxins accumulated in the liver and blood (rakta dhatu). This herb is usually administered to alcoholics who have fatty liver. It acts as an excellent liver detox. Read Ayurveda Liver Detox – An Easy Liver Cleansing Guide

Eradicates Intestinal parasites:

This kitchen herb when consumed regularly helps to eradicate intestinal parasites and also boosts body immunity

Prevents Indigestion:

The use of turmeric in our daily diet helps to prevent indigestion and increases the rate of metabolism

Helps in Weight loss:

This spice is the best aid to lose weight. It promotes weight loss when consumed on empty stomach. Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction due to obesity  can incorporate this herb into their daily weight-loss regimen

Boosts immunity of the respiratory system:

Turmeric is very effective in bronchitis, productive cough, and asthma. One spoon of turmeric boiled in milk should be consumed with a spoon of pure ghee in conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and productive cough. Turmeric milk is an excellent remedy for insomnia and PCOS. This gives very good relief and expectorates excessively produced mucous in the lungs. It also helps to get a good sleep.

Increases Fertility in women:

Haldi helps to boost female fertility by improving conditions like PCOS or PCOD. Its anti-diabetic and weight-loss properties help to keep this condition under control. It also regularises the menstrual cycle and prevents irregular bleeding.

An excellent Herb for Yogis:

Turmeric purifies and cleans the body. It is a tailor-made herb for yogis. It increases the flexibility of muscles, reduces inflammation in muscles and joints, and helps to perform yoga with confidence and delight

Turmeric or Haldi in Ayurveda

Turmeric is a well-known spice all over the world. This herb has occupied the shelves of every Indian kitchen for 6000 years and is considered as the king of the kitchen. It is used daily in cooking. Apart from cooking it is also used as a beauty aid and as a dye. This spice is liberally used in Indian cuisine. In India, this spice is also used in grandma’s home remedies which are passed to the next generation as a routine. Over the last several years, there has been increasing interest in turmeric and its medicinal properties. But Ayurveda has immensely praised the medicinal qualities of turmeric which finds its place in almost all ayurvedic preparations related to Female infertility, PCOS, liver, and skin disorders.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) belongs to Zingiberaceae Family and is a perennial plant that grows 3 to 5 feet high in tropical regions. In India, it is grown all over but especially in Bengal, Bombay, and Tamilnadu. In Hindi turmeric is known as Haldi . The rhizomes or roots of this plant are used for medicine and for other purposes. The rhizomes are boiled, dried, and then powdered. This powder is used for all purposes.

Ayurveda Medicinal Properties of Turmeric

Ayurveda appreciates the medicinal qualities and color of turmeric. This is evident through the various names of turmeric specified in ancient texts of Ayurveda. They are explained as follows.

• Haridra – enhancer of body complexion.

• Kanchani – looks like gold

• Nisha – imparts beauty by enhancing complexion which is as beautiful as a full moon night

• Gowri – yellow in color

• Krimighni – works as a Antibacterial and antihelmenthic

• Yoshit priya – used in Gynecological disorders, hence loved by ladies

PRECAUTIONS:

Turmeric is very safe. But special precautions should be taken in persons who have gall stones, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers, and obstructive jaundice