Did you know that in Sanskrit languages turmeric is called "which gives delight to heart", "one that wins over diseases", "which cures fevers", "killer of worms", "which dissolves fat", "enhancer of body complexion", "which produces good smell" amongst many other names?
In many cultures, its name is based on the Latin word curcuma. The name turmeric derives from the Latin word terra merita (meritorious earth), referring to the color of ground turmeric. In Sanskrit, turmeric has at least 53 different names, many of these names are given due to the description for what people from this region of the world used it for or know it for.
The more I research about turmeric, the stronger I see the connection to its geographical origins in the South of Asia. Turmeric has been reported in use since almost 4000 years in the Vedic culture in India. Already since centuries, it was known as a culinary spice and a medicinal ally used in traditional medicine; including Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, Kampo and Egyptian medicine where they all agree in the use of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. In Ayurvedic practices, turmeric is thought to have many medicinal qualities, including strengthening the overall energy of the body, relieving gas, dispelling worms, improving digestion, regulating menstruation, dissolving gallstones, and relieving arthritis. It is used as a treatment for various respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis and allergies, as well as for liver disorders, anorexia, rheumatism, diabetic wounds, runny nose, cough, and sinuses. It stimulates bile production in the liver and encourages excretion of bile via the gallbladder, which improves the body’s ability to digest fats.
Many South Asian countries use it as an antiseptic for cuts, burns, and bruises, and as an antibacterial agent. In Pakistan, it is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, and as a remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders, but also to cleanse wounds and stimulate their recovery. Indians use turmeric, to purify blood and remedy skin conditions. In some parts of India they use a turmeric paste to remove superfluous hair. In parts of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, it is applied to the skin of the bride and groom before marriage, where it is believed to make the skin glow and keep harmful bacteria away from the body.
It is a fact that turmeric has made its way all the way from a holistic approach style of medicine to also the conventional modern ways of the medicine we know today. There are hundreds of study cases where the efficacy of turmeric is verified. An unexpected result in the use of turmeric oil in a study of 62 patients, proved the reduction in smell in 90% of the cases and the reduction of itching in almost all cases. This oil acts as a repellent against both day and night biting mosquitoes as well.
How do you like to consume turmeric?, is there a unique way you like to eat it or cook it?.
Venturing into trying new things, I decided to create a super simple homemade face mask and see the results. I ended up using the face mask also on my scalp and it was impressive to see how much my skin enjoyed it. My scalp was refreshed and calmed, I only regretted not to have made a full body mask instead!.
You know that goodness goes both ways, it has got to be absorbed by our skin but also nourished from the inside out, so here I am sipping on my last minute improvised golden milk!.
A la votre sante!
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