Though the western world seems to have developed interest in the medicinal benifits of Turmeric.. Indians have the cue about the miracles of turmeric, thousands of years ago! We have been using Turmeric as a siddha medicine and as a dye as well. Who can ever ignore the role of turmeric in our kitchen as a spice and a colouring agent!

Curcumin was the main chemical that is found in turmeric, it is the reason for which turmeric appears to be in yellow colour. Curcumin is found to block `NF-kB`, a molecule that triggers the genes related to inflammation. So it can safely be assessed that turmeric is anti-imflammatory. Even the patients with severe arthritis might feel some relief with the intake of turmeric.

Turmeric powder when applied can do wonders to the skin. Being an antibacterial, it could heal the wounds and rashes with ease. It is even found to be antiseptic, the reason which our elders suggest for turmeric to be applied immediately on the wound.

We are aware of our elders applying turmeric paste on face and legs. Turmeric is found by experience to soften the skin and make it glow. Further the antifungal mechanism by turmeric would protect the skin from the fungus that grows out of sweat.

Curcumin was found to heal gastrointestinal problems. Though there is no concrete evidence, researches were aimed to find a way to fight the colon cancer with the help of curcumin.

As we age, the neurons of our brian would no more increase along with the age. Further decreased levels of growth hormones in brain might result in diseases like Alzheimer. Surprisingly curcumin is found to stabilise the growth harmones in the brain, which might be relieving in many diseases associated with the it.

4 grams of curcumin per day found to lower the risk of a heart stroke. Because curcumin is found to increase the function of `endothelium `, the inner lining of our blood vessels. The dysfunction of endothelium is found to be the major cause for most of the heart attacks!

The list of medicinal properties in Turmeric is indeed elaborate and effective. No wonder that we treat Turmeric as auspicious! Women in some parts of India even wear turmeric tuber as mangalsutra!

- NIRJARA.