Turmeric: Therapeutic Properties and Natural Remedies

**Indian saffron, curcuma, turmeric.** These are the three names for the same plant, **Curcuma longa**. This spice alone helps us be **more beautiful and healthier!** The price of a small packet of turmeric isn't high, considering what it can do. The multiple and unexpected **therapeutic properties** of turmeric have been known for a very long time in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. For therapeutic purposes, the powder is used most often, as it can be distributed and dosed much more easily. The powder can be administered at a dose of half a teaspoon three times a day, mixed with fruit juice (carrot, apple, orange, grape) or vegetables. Below are some **natural remedies with Indian saffron** (there are surely more, but they haven't been noted yet): **1. Turmeric remedies for coughs and asthma:** Take a teaspoon of honey with a little turmeric sprinkled on top when coughs bother you. Repeat this treatment 3-4 times a day. You can drink a glass of lukewarm water immediately after the honey. To prevent asthma attacks, take a teaspoon of a paste made from turmeric powder and honey aged more than a year daily. For a more intense effect, hold it under the tongue for five to ten minutes before swallowing. **2. Indian saffron remedy for chronic pain:** Several studies show that turmeric is actually three times more effective at soothing pain than aspirin or ibuprofen! About 50% of patients suffering from chronic pain due to arthritis or fibromyalgia reported a decrease in pain levels after consuming turmeric, according to researchers at Cornell University. Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, blocks the activity of cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme that activates a series of hormones that cause pain, explains nutritionist Julian Whitaker, author of the book "Reversing Diabetes". The recommended dose is 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric consumed daily, sprinkled on rice, chicken, or any other meat or vegetable dish. **3. Turmeric remedy for calming menstrual cramps:** Turmeric is one of the plants with beneficial effects during this delicate time of the month for women. Therefore, about a week before menstruation, it is good for ladies to take either a turmeric infusion or a capsule of the plant. This treatment will inhibit the release of certain substances in the woman's body that are responsible for cramping. Also, consuming foods containing turmeric is beneficial and helps prevent pain. Caution! Turmeric is hard to digest and should not be used by people who have ulcers. **4. Anti-cancer turmeric remedies:** Both animal and clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of curcumin to inhibit carcinogenesis. Studies have also been conducted on patients with prostate and colon cancer, and the inhibition of cellular proliferation and tumor growth was observed. In vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that curcumin is capable of inhibiting the activity of mutagens (toxic substances in food and air that cause DNA mutations) and carcinogens in several types of cells. The dose of curcumin depends on the concentration of the product you find in specialty stores. For the treatment of liver cancer, the optimal dose would be 2 g taken 3 times a day. The treatment lasts at least six months, then depending on medical evaluation, it can be continued if necessary. Against colon and rectal cancer, it is indicated to administer 4 g of turmeric every day. **5. Turmeric remedy for colds:** Turmeric is an effective aid in cases of colds or throat irritation. Mix half a teaspoon of curcumin powder with 30 ml of warm milk. Consume this mixture once or twice a day. If you mix turmeric and black pepper, the absorption of turmeric in the body increases by 2000%, so adding pepper is recommended. **6. Indian saffron remedy for Alzheimer's:** To fight against Alzheimer's disease, it is recommended to take a curcumin capsule with a glass of water, three times a day. **7. Anti-inflammatory turmeric remedy:** Regarding anti-inflammatory treatment, the daily dose is a quarter teaspoon of turmeric mixed with a glass of water. **8. Turmeric-based mask for skin cleansing:** As a powerful antiseptic, turmeric deep-cleans the skin and leaves it bright and clean. Mix turmeric powder with sandalwood root powder in equal parts, and add olive oil. Spread the resulting paste in a thick layer on the face. Leave it to act for about 20 minutes, then rinse. **9. Turmeric wraps for arms and legs:** To smooth the skin and eliminate toxins from the skin, you can perform arm, hand, and leg wraps with yogurt and turmeric powder. **10. Turmeric-based mask for reducing wrinkles:** Your skin will become smoother and more supple if you apply a mask obtained by mixing a few grams of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of sour cream. **Contraindications and precautions:** Used in large quantities, turmeric can cause gastric irritation, and in areas where it is traditionally used to spice food, the incidence of gastric ulcers is much more frequent; people undergoing anticoagulant treatment should use this product with caution (and under medical supervision). Same applies to pregnant women or those who want to get pregnant.