Turmeric Root Powder (Curcuma Longa)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Turmeric Root Powder (Curcuma Longa) HERB COMMON NAME :  Turmeric HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Curcuma Longa OTHER NAMES :  Indian Saffron FAMILY :  Zingiberaceae Element: Fire Planet: Mars Day: Tuesday Direction: South Zodiac Sign: Aries, Sagittarius, Scorpio Chakra: 1st Root Chakra (Muladhara) Energy: Yang Gender: Masculine Rune: Kenaz, Naudhiz Tarot: the Emperor tarot Deity or God / Goddess Association: Aries   Parts Used:  Root (rhizome) Description:  Turmeric is a semi-aquatic member of the ginger family that naturally occurs throughout Southeast Asia. It is also known as Indian Saffron because it is similar in character but a more economical alternative to the real thing. The long, golden-colored taproot is the source of the dried spice we know as Turmeric and as the primary seasoning in curry. The warm, spicy and slightly bitter taste of Turmeric is widely used to season a variety of meat, rice and vegetable dishes in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. Whether chopped, sliced, grated or ground, Turmeric provides bright color and imparts a robust, peppery flavor and aroma with a hint of aged wood. It provides the characteristic golden color of curries and dhal, a type of stew made from hulled, split lentils or peas. Turmeric is also featured in piccalilli an Indian chutney, and in kedgeree (pickles), as well as in rice, vegetable and seafood dishes. Turmeric is cytotoxic and has been used to prevent and to help symptoms of cancer. As an anti-inflammatory agent, Turmeric can be useful for arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and pain in general. Turmeric promotes liver function and bile production and flow, and can help protect the liver from toxic agents. Turmeric has been used as a digestive aid to relieve flatulence and to protect the stomach mucosa against ulceration. Turmeric Root has also been used to help dysmenorrhea and jaundice. Turmeric tea is used to help hangover. Ground Turmeric has been used to make pastes for topical use on the skin for pain relief, and has been shown to have antioxidant effects greater than those of hydrocortisone, exerting anti-inflammatory actions with counter-irritant activity that depletes nerve endings of substance P (the neurotransmitter of pain). Turmeric can help reduce fine lines, age spots, and wrinkles by counteracting dryness, strengthening elasticity, retaining moisture, and boosting collagen production. Turmeric also contains antioxidants that can slow signs of aging by preventing damage to cells. It can help brighten skin tone, reduce dark age spots, leave clearer skin, and reduce redness caused by acne and blackheads. It is a natural antiseptic that can help keep bacteria from spreading and clear acne breakouts. It has also shown to reduce scarring. Historical Uses:  liver problems, digestive problems, dysmenorrhea, jaundice, inflammation, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, joint pain, flatulence (gas), protection from stomach ulcers, indigestion, dyspepsia, stomach cramps, anti-microbial, antibiotic, blood circulation, neurologic disease, epilepsy, general aches and pains, hangover Mystical Attributes:  Because Turmeric represents fidelity and fertility in Indian culture, it plays a role in traditional weddings. According to Hindu tradition, Turmeric is associated with invoking fertility. Brides are adorned around the neck with a special thread coated with a paste made from Turmeric as marriage vows are made. A traditional wedding is often preceded by a celebration called Gaye holud in which family and friends paint elaborate designs on the bodies of the couple using Turmeric paste. This ritual, so named because it literally means “yellow on the body,” illuminates the skin of the bride and groom with a beautiful golden stain for two to three days before the nuptials take place. Mystical Intentions:  fidelity, fertility, weddings Other Uses: Turmeric is used to produce a deep yellow dye for coloring various textiles. Turmeric is also used to lend color to the robes of Buddhist monks. Turmeric doubles as Natural Yellow No. 3 in the commercial production of mustard, butter, orange juice and processed cheese. In the 1870s, chemists discovered Turmeric’s orange-yellow root powder turned reddish brown when exposed to alkaline chemicals. This discovery led to the development of “Turmeric paper”, thin strips of tissue brushed with a decoction of Turmeric, then dried. During the late 19th century, Turmeric paper was used in laboratories around the world to test for alkalinity. Eventually, it was replaced by litmus paper, which is still used today.   Taste & Smell:  Turmeric tastes and smells robust warm, earthy and rooty, spicy, peppery and slightly bitter, with a hint of aged wood. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is a perennial herbaceous plant and a member of the ginger (Zingiberaceae) family, native to tropical Tamilnadu, in southeast India. The aerial parts, which reach 3 feet, include large, lily-like leaves, a thick, squat, central flower spike, and cylindrical funnel-shaped aromatic yellow flowers. The plant’s alternate leaves are arranged in two rows. The leaves are divided into leaf sheath, petiole and leaf blade. A false stem is formed from the leaf sheaths. The petiole is 50 to 115 cm long and the simple leaf blades are usually 76 to 115 cm long and on occasion up to 230 cm in length. They are oblong to elliptic and narrow at the tip, with a width of 38 to 45 cm. The plant usually flowers in August. Turmeric produces a pulpy, orange, tuberous roots that grow to about 2 feet in length. Turmeric grows in warmer temperatures, from between 20 °C and 30 °C (68 °F and 86 °F). The plant requires a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive and it prefers light shade. Turmeric thrives best on loamy or alluvial fertile soils; it cannot tolerate soil that is waterlogged. Turmeric plants are collected each year for their rhizomes (roots), and then are propagated from some of those rhizomes for the following season. Plant Turmeric rhizomes into warm soil during the fall (September or October). The rhizomes should be planted 5-7 cm deep. Turmeric roots are harvested 9 to 10 months after planting. When the lower leaves turn yellow or when stems dry and fall over rhizomes have reached maturity. If desired it is possible to dig carefully at the side of a clump and harvest some of the rhizomes as needed rather than collecting the entire clump. When the rhizomes are not used fresh, they are boiled for about 30–45 minutes and then dried in hot ovens. Once dried, they are ground into powder characterized by its bright orange-yellow color. Turmeric powder should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Contraindications & Toxicity: Possible sensitization problems exist for high concentration tumerone (skin rash/photosensitivity). Use caution with biliary obstruction, gallstones or stomach hyperacidity/stomach ulcer.   Constituents:  Volatile oils (zingiberene & tumerone) Curcuminoids (curcumin) Bitter principle Resins CHO Proteins Nutrients Flavonoids     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions. Many of our products are hand made to order. Once orders are in processing, products are non-cancellable, non-refundable, and not returnable. Shipping times may be up to 3-4 weeks. ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Related