On turmeric

Turmeric is very well known, extensively studied and currently very popular. Maybe you're taking it as a supplement but read on - there are some important things you need to know about it! 

Turmeric may be one of the oldest spices known to be used, dating likely 10,000 years back into the Siddha medicine time and more recently (4,000 years ago!) into Vedic times. It's used mostly for its anti-biotic/viral/fungal & anti-inflammatory properties, making it good for relieving pain, aiding in digestion, among other issues. It has been studied in Alzheimer's disease, cancers, as an anti-inflammatory, digestive, for menstruation, etc. Turmeric is bitter, pungent and astringent in nature and is a tri-doshic herb.  

It has been standardized as an extract and often sold as capsules or under the name of the most active component curcumin. But in principle, herbs are most effective when the whole plant is used. Additionally (SUPER IMPORTANT) - turmeric is very poorly absorbed on its own and it has been shown to be hundreds of times more absorbable when combined with ginger and especially black pepper. So if you're taking plain turmeric supplements from the drug store, bulk store etc, you may be wasting your money. Using the whole spice in cooking is best but if you must use a capsuled supplement, make sure it has at least black pepper along with it. Also in terms of safety, most turmeric is grown with heavy pesticide sprays and synthetic fertilizers and it is best if you can find organic turmeric, whether you are using the whole herb (it is a root that looks like ginger - see photo above), dried/ground spice or capsule. Avoid supplementing if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant or if you are on blood thinners.

Turmeric is so highly revered it is used for anointing purposes in spiritual ceremonies in India such as a girl's initiation into womanhood, blessing of respect for newly married couples (also the bride & groom-to-be are traditionally covered in a paste containing turmeric as part of the pre-wedding festivities) and as an offering in other various ceremonies. 

Turmeric can be taken as a tea, tincture, dried powder and most often in cooking. I love making it as part of Golden Milk (see recipe below!)

Golden milk recipe

Drink this tea if you have any respiratory issues, fever, need to increase your digestive capacity or want to warm up on a cold day. You can drink this tea up to three times per day. You can increase or decrease ingredients depending on your taste/need or leave one out altogether - feel free to experiment! It is also delicious without milk as an herbal tea.  Avoid if pitta is aggravated

Ingredients:

• 1-3 teaspoon  freshly chopped or grated ginger  
• 1 tsp Tulsi (AKA holy basil) - fresh or dried or plain tulsi tea bag
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (or fresh if you can find it!)
• 1 pinch to ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1-2 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup if vegan)
• Water
• Choice of milk (organic cow, almond, oat, etc)

Instructions:

1.  In a small pot, add water (half your total tea volume), ½-¾ cup
2. Add ginger, tulsi, turmeric and black pepper.
3. Bring to a boil x 1-3 minutes. 
4. Add the milk (2nd half of your total tea volume), ½-¾ cup
5. Bring to a boil again
6. Remove from heat.  Stir in choice amount of sweetener
7. Strain into a mug and enjoy!