Turmeric - My Untold Story

Turmeric is a root or rhizome, and a common ingredient in many Indian spices, foods, and my mom used tumeric to give her pilaf/rice dishes their yellowish festive hue. Of course, the root of the plant (Curcuma longa) is crushed into a powdery form and then packaged for sale. The "roots" are avaialble for sale, too, but not as readily in the west unless there are large South Asian population clusters. The latter is true for Durban, South Africa.

Most often, turmeric is an ingredient in other Indian seasonings but one can easily buy turmeric alone in several stores owned by South Asians and immigrants, as well as in Safeway, Giant and other grocery chains in major cities near Washington D.C. or Baltimore. Years ago, I was impressed at the endless variety of Indian spices, foods, clothes and other wares being sold on Lake Shore Drive in the city of Chicago!

The claims for turmeric can be startling: cure for AIDS, for cancer and for low energy are among its more startling and yet-to-be proven claims. I am sure the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) is researching many Indian spices, including turmeric.

Turmeric has been used by Indians and my family (in the diaspora in Africa) for external use when injury and wounds were sustained. It has also been used in rice to lower its sugary and starch effects, and prevent insulin-related problems that lead to diabetes. What my Mom used to do is add a quarter teaspoon of turmeric to rice with the water in which it was being boiled. This will give the rice a light yellow color and otherwise not add much of a flavor or pungency at all. In my book, turmeric has great and long-lasting color -- a la henna, for instance -- but is light on taste.

Anti-Inflammatory
For those who have South Asian ancestry, turmeric is a magical anti-inflammatory and fever reducer. Last week I cooked a piece of aloe vera (lily or "cactus") with a tad of turmeric in olive oil for an injury to my palm. Within hours the swelling went down, and the pain was reduced. By the next morning -- after one night with the poultice I made in a bandaged palm -- I was able to carry boxes of household items to my friend's storage unit!

Turmeric, my mom used to say in her unlettered style, but with veracity, draws the heat and inflammation from a wound. We use it with all manner of injury and wounds, and some swear by its cosmetic (skin-lightening) properties. The injury and healing property in turmeric is connected with its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and immune-boosting powers.

There is an anti-biotic element or property in turmeric. That too helped me as a child ... and still does when I do not go to the doctor when I should! I have used a touch of turmeric with boiled ginger and water (some folks use milk instead of water) to reduce fever and expel phlegm. It has anti-biotic and anti-mutagenic properties. Above all, turmeric is an anti-oxidant: this quality in foods help keep our cells young and healthy by delaying aging!

Indian alternative medicine parctitioners use turmeric in those treatments they claim can cure AIDS. Of course, I cannot verify or deny any such claims. However, it is wisest to ask your doctor before you add turmeric or any non-FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved spices and treatments for your health. This is especially important if you have a chronic or ongoing medical need for which you are taking treatment.

Bon appetit and shalom (the word encompasses good, total health)!