Turmeric burst onto the wellbeing scene a few years ago now and has been a major trend in wellness products from supplements to ready to drink products and of course infusions.
It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and so can help with just about all inflammatory issues from arthritis to asthma and eczema. It also helps to support the function of the liver and can be used as a warming digestive
Curcuma longa
Parts used medicinally: Roots
Most know turmeric as the powdered cooking spice that gives curry its beautiful yellow colour, a but many have never seen what it looks like in its unprocessed form. It’s similar in shape to ginger but is coloured brightly orange, and stains fingers easily.
Turmeric burst onto the wellbeing scene a few years ago now and has been a major trend in wellness products from supplements to ready to drink products and of course infusions. The root crop produces an amber, golden opaque brew, with soft sweet spice notes. This deep golden yellow coloured root of the turmeric plant – which is first cousin to ginger and galangal – is also well known for its ubiquitous use in Indian cuisine.
Now herbal infusions and powdered lattes with turmeric as a base are all the rage, however we have been using turmeric as both food and medicine for thousands of years. Turmeric supports the body in many ways but the key to its medicine is that it has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. This means that it can reduce painful inflammation. Medical herbalists use it principally for joint pain and inflammation of the gut.