A Seasoned Healer: Turmeric
The health benefits of common spices are vastly underrated. However, they can be some of the most effective healing tools around. Turmeric is a gleaming example of why spices deserve a recurring role in your daily lifestyle.
Turmeric is considered to originate from Southeast Asia and Western India. It has been grown and used in India for centuries. By 700 AD it had reached China and by 800 AD and 1200 it had reached East Africa and West Africa respectively. In the 18th century, turmeric was introduced in Jamaica and it has since become a staple in the tropics.
It is widely believed that the spice was first used exclusively as a dye and for cosmetic purposes since ancient times. In the 13th century, Marco Polo hinted at turmeric’s culinary capabilities as he revered it for its saffron-like qualities.Today, it is regarded as a necessary ingredient in curry powder. As a healing agent, turmeric has a long history in Sanskrit medicine as well as in Ayurvedic and Unani systems.
Turmeric stands out mostly for its powerful detoxification traits. It cleanses every system and organ in the body, purifying the blood, ridding the body of fat, and improving circulation. In a nutshell, turmeric is your liver’s best friend, as the spice naturally sheds the liver of its toxins, which in turn helps your body to work more efficiently in breaking down, processing, and assimilating nutrients.
Turmeric also has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which means the spice is useful in treating minor cuts as well as in reducing pain and prevent chronic disease. And as if this weren’t enough, turmeric’s main healing component – curcumin – promotes digestion and helps the body to get rid of intestinal parasites.
The best way to incorporate the spice into your diet is by drinking it first thing in the morning! Make this detox elixir everyday and you’ll start every day off on the right foot!
Turmeric Detox Elixir
- 1 cup tea or water
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric
- Dash of cayenne
- Dash of cinnamon
- Stevia sweetener to taste
Combine all the ingredients together, mix well with a spoon, and sip as you go about your morning rituals. Make sure to have the elixir on an empty stomach, as the affect on your health will be much greater. Enjoy!
Image: Glow Kitchen
