Turmeric (Latin Name: Curcuma Longa), which is also popularly known in India as Haldi, is used extensively in all Indian medicinal systems such as the practices of Siddha, Unani and Ayurveda. Its potential as a healing herb has also become increasingly popular even with Western Medicine practitioners in recent years.


Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Turmeric was the first choice for First Aid in Medicinal Herbalism for cases ranging from a minor cut to even concussions. Immediate application of Turmeric is known to effectively prevent wound infection as well as curbing bleeding. Researchers have outlined that Turmeric is useful in treating arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, injuries, trauma and stiffness. Used before and after any surgery, it can help decrease the pain and inflammation as well as accelerate the healing process.

Also known as a ‘cooling herb’, Turmeric can be applied directly onto the skin, helping to remove excessive heat from the body. This also alleviates skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Turmeric is a popular ingredient used in Indian cuisines. The consumption of Turmeric is known to cleanse the liver, treat dyspepsia and indigestion, suppresses inflammation in the stomach and prevents / treats stomach ulceration of all kinds. The spice is claimed to protect the liver from toxins and pathogens, as well as normalizing blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Its anti-bacterial property also makes it suitable in clearing cough, sinus, congestions, bronchitis and asthma. (See how to use Turmeric with Milk to treat cough, cold and sore throat…)

Ayurvedic Medicine uses Turmeric to purify and regulate the blood cycle to maintain a healthy heart. Therefore, it is also commonly used by women as a mild menstrual regulator to move stagnant blood.

The spice is not only used for its internal health benefits, but for external beauty as well. Being a powerful antioxidant, Turmeric also contains anti-ageing properties which allow better absorption of beneficial nutrients by the skin. Your skin is deeply cleansed while its elasticity is maintained during a Turmeric beauty treatment. That is why many rural Indian folks rub Turmeric lavishly all over their faces from time-to-time. Applying Turmeric on the face rids one of blemishes, acne, pimples, stretch marks, dead skin cells and more.

Ayurveda has long recommended Turmeric for the treatment of tumours and cancer of the female reproductive system. Various scientific evaluations have been carried out to test the claims of Turmeric possessing anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties. The results from these researches seem to point positively towards that direction. Turmeric is considered to be anti-cancer for its triple action: