Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Turmeric
Western herbalists, wake up. Turmeric is a healer.
Turmeric has been revered in India for thousands of years, so it should come as no surprise that Indians have conducted most of the research into the Healing chemical it contains curcumin.
Wound Treatment - Like many culinary herbs, turmeric helps retard food spoilage because it has antibacterial action. To help prevent bacterial wound infections, sprinkle a bit on cuts and scrapes after they have been thoroughly washed.
Digestive Aid - Turmeric also helps stimulate the flow of bile, which helps digest fats, supporting its traditional use as a digestive herb.
Intestinal Parasites - Turmeric fights protozoans in laboratory tests, lending some credence to its traditional use in treating dysentery.
Liver Protection - One animal study showed curcumin has a protective effect on liver tissue exposed to liver-damaging drugs, lending support to the herb’s traditional use in liver ailments. If you drink alcohol regularly, and/or take frequent high doses of certain pharmaceutical drugs, including the common pain reliever, acetaminophen (Tylenol), you may be at risk for liver damage. Ask your physician about using turmeric to protect your liver.
Arthritis - Several studies show curcumin has anti-inflammatory action, lending some credence to its traditional use in treating arthritis. This effect may also help relieve wound inflammation.
Heart Protection - One animal study showed that like its botanical relative, ginger, turmeric may help reduce cholesterol. Another study showed it helps prevent the internal blood clots that trigger heart attack and some strokes. Animal results cannot necessarily be applied to people, but in recommended amounts, turmeric is a tasty spice that does no harm, and these studies suggest it might do some good.
Intriguing Possibilities - Recently, curcumin has also been shown to have some anti-cancer activity. A report published in Cancer Letters says it inhibits the growth of lymphoma tumor cells. And research at Rutgers University shows curcumin helps prevent tumor development in animals.
Myth - The Chinese used turmeric to stimulate menstruation, but no research to date has identified any effect on the uterus.
Rx for Turmeric
To treat minor wounds, wash them with soap and water, then sprinkle on some powdered herb and bandage.
For an infusion to help aid digestion and possibly help promote heart health, use 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder per cup of warm milk. Drink up to 3 cups a day. These infusions may also offer a measure of protection to the liver and help ease the inflammation of arthritis. Turmeric tastes pleasantly aromatic, but in large amounts, it becomes somewhat bitter.
Medicinal turmeric preparations should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.