Vivekam Exports

Turmeric (also known as Curcumin) is an herbaceous perennial that is a native of India and southern and eastern Asia. It thrives in loose, alluvial well-drained soil in full sun, growing to a height of about three feet. The plant has a slightly acrid taste (somewhat like ginger) and is a warming herb that has been used as a spice by Indian cooks to flavor food for thousands of years (it is the main ingredient in Curry). Turmeric has been cultivated in China and Malaysia, and has also spread to Australia, Central and South America, the West Indies and Africa. The herb has been around for at least four thousand years in the folk medicinal literature of India, where it was called haridra in the ancient Sanskrit, the classical standard language of India many centuries ago, and the herb figured prominently in the earliest system of Indian medicine, dating back to about 3000 B. C. Turmeric is thought to be a symbol of prosperity and is revered as a prized charm in India, where small pieces are frequently suspended around the necks of newborn babies for protection. It was (and is) considered a very important herb in Ayurvedic medicine (in fact, the centerpiece) and was used for its aromatic, stimulant and carminative properties.

Turmeric continues to be used in India to treat anorexia, liver disorders, cough, diabetic wounds, rheumatism and sinusitis. There are interesting developments on the horizon regarding the use of natural herbals in the fight against prostate cancer. Rutgers University scientists injected laboratory mice with Turmeric (also called Curcumin) and PEITC (phenethyl isothiocyanate), which is found naturally in cruciferous vegetables (Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, etc.) - after introducing human prostate cancer cells into the animals - either alone or in tandem. They reported that when Turmeric or PEITC was injected separately in new cancerous tumors, the growth of the tumors was retarded, but in well-established tumors, there was little effect. However, when the combination of Turmeric/Curcumin and PEITC was injected in combination, the results produced even stronger effects and significantly reduced tumor growth. The botanical genus, Curcuma, and its common names, Curcuma and Curcumin, are derived from the Arabic, kurkum, which means "saffron," referring to the herb's deep yellow/orange hue, and aside from its important service to herbal medicine and cuisine, Turmeric is also a rich yellow and orange dye and natural food coloring. It is an important pigment for dyeing silk and wool and provides the intense orange color for the robes of Buddhist monks. Some of the constituents in Turmeric include curcumin (its principal active ingredient), a volatile oil, gum, starch, calcium chloride, fiber, caffeic-, cinnamic-, p-coumaric- and other acids, limonene, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, beta-carotene, B-vitamins and vitamin C.

People around the world use turmeric past as an herbal remedy to treat arthritis and sore, inflamed joints, as well as a liver cleanser, digestive tonic, antioxidant, ant parasitic and astringent. Turmeric is also a purported pain reliever and blood purifier. When you want to use turmeric for its amazing healing properties or as a medicinal facial mask, you can make a simple turmeric paste. Turmeric paste is versatile, and you can add it to drinks or mix a host of other ingredients into the paste

Applying turmeric paste to skin gives you healthy smooth skin. It also helps reduce acne and other skin related problems. It is also has been known to be helpful in treating psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Health Benefits

Turmeric paste is cathartic, astringent and, antiseptic.

In India Turmeric paste is popular as a gentle laxative

Folk medicine uses Turmeric paste for sprains and swelling

It is also said to be most beneficial in chronic illnesses with generalized weakness and in diseases like renal failure where toxins are released into the body.

The other use of turmeric paste is in stomach ailments. It is said to have a soothing effect on the stomach and thus helps in diseases like hyperacidity and indigestion. Taken regularly, it gives a healthy glow to the skin also.

It is used for spots of pigmentation or blotches that may appear on the skin, and also for diseases like eczema.

Turmeric paste is also used in traditional medicine for cuts and burns as it is believed to have an antiseptic effect and also promote healing.

Curcumin is the main biologically active phytochemical compound of Turmeric. It is extracted, concentrated, standardized and researched. Curcumin, which gives the yellow color to turmeric, was first isolated almost two centuries ago, and its structure as diferuloylmethane was determined in 1910. Extensive research within the last half a century has proven that its renowned range of medicinal properties, once associated with Turmeric, are due to Curcumin.

Curcumin is the most important active ingredient in turmeric, and makes up about 2-6% of the spice. While therapeutic properties of turmeric have been known for centuries, modern science has identified the curcuminoids (phenolic compounds found in turmeric) and provides a scientific basis for many clinical uses of standardized curcumin.

Extensive research shows curcumin can benefit multiple targets in your body and provides scientific basis for its effectiveness in a wide variety of different body systems. Curcumin is the active ingredient in Turmeric. Curcumin is the yellow-orange pigment and the most important ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin has many clinical applications, particularly as a powerful, yet safe, anti-inflammatory agent.

The use of turmeric dates back nearly 3000 years to the ancient Vedic culture of India. Since then, it has been used as important spice, beauty products and in spiritual ceremonies. There are various benefits and uses of Turmeric Powder from food to medicines. There are hardly few recipes in which Turmeric Powder is not used in Indian Dishes. Almost all Indian vegetable and meat dishes use turmeric either as separate spice or in the spice mixture. A small pinch of turmeric powder would add an orange-yellow hue to salad dressings. It is also a great spice to complement recipes that use rice, lentils and dry beans. Turmeric powder is one of the most significant colouring material of India. Turmeric color also serves as a chemical indicator since it changes its colour on adding acids or alkalis. Turmeric powder can be used for encapsulation and preparing highly beneficial Turmeric health tablets. It is an essential ingredient in various Indian food preparations for taste and coloring and in various herbal preparations. Turmeric powder, extracts and curcumin also exhibit antioxidant property. Turmeric powder's flavor could also be described as peppery, or even warm in the mouth.

Processing Care

It is necessary to care raw turmeric rhizomes freshly unearth for its attractive yellow colour and the characterized aroma. Without proper care turmeric lacks both.

The fingers and rhizomes of turmeric are boiled separately for 30-40 minutes until bubbles and white fumes come out, then drained and dried in the sun for 10 to 15 days, until they become dry and hard.

The dry turmeric then cleaned and polished mechanically in a drum rotated by hand or by power to make powder.

How to handle Turmeric Powder

Turmeric Powder should be stored in a cool, dry place protected from light.

Too much heat will volatilize and dissipate its aromatic essential oil

High humidity will cause it to cake.

Sunlight will cause it to fade.

Older stock is used first.