Turmeric is a real superfood spice. It has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, strengthens the immune system and can help to improve digestion. Curry - the Far Eastern mixture of various spices - is probably familiar to everyone. Turmeric - an Asian root, better known here as yellow ginger, saffron root or turmeric - is responsible for the yellow color. However, the root tuber not only gives curry its typical color and taste, but is also a long-standing and frequently used herbal remedy in India and China. Turmeric plays a particularly important role in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is one of the oldest known medicinal plants.
Table of contents
1. relieving inflammation with curcumin
The World Health Organization (WHO) even recommends 3 grams of the root daily for the treatment of digestive disorders and also attributes an anti-inflammatory effect to the spice. Other clinical studies also show that curcumin can alleviate inflammation, as it binds to enzymes involved in inflammatory processes and blocks them. It is also said to prevent the deposition of certain protein complexes in the brain, which may be responsible for the development of Alzheimer's disease*.
2. essential oils against bacteria
However, curcumin is not the only medically effective ingredient in the plant. The root tuber contains between two and seven percent essential oils, which are said to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (against fungi/bacteria). Although these oils are less active than curcumin, they improve the absorption of curcumin into the body and thus enhance its healing effect. A total of 90 metabolically active ingredients have been identified to date, although some of these have not yet been conclusively decoded.
3. taking turmeric correctly
Turmeric can be consumed in various ways. As a healthy, expressive spice, such as in Indian curries and co. It is also available as a tea, tincture, dietary supplement or finished medicinal product. Tea is the least effective form of administration, as the valuable and healing ingredients are difficult to dissolve in water. It is better to prepare it fresh and DIY.
To do this, simply get a small turmeric bulb, which is now available in almost every fruit and vegetable or grocery store, peel it and simply grate it into freshly squeezed orange juice. If you like, add some fresh ginger and a few drops of oil, as the oil ensures that the ingredients are well absorbed by the body. The Powershot is ready, tastes really good and has been proven to strengthen the immune system.
Other delicious forms of turmeric are Far Eastern curry dishes. Here, the curcumin unfolds its healing effect particularly well because it can be better absorbed by the body when combined with other substances and spices. Turmeric is also increasingly appearing in smoothies and there are now small turmeric shots in almost every chiller cabinet, sold as immune boosters. And if you want to treat yourself to something special, try a turmeric latte. To go at the moment, of course.
Source reference:
- *Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung (DAZ), 2001
Important note / disclaimer: As pharmacists, we share our pharmaceutical expertise and wealth of naturopathic experience in the Casida guide. An individual diagnosis and consultation is necessary in every case. Therefore, this offer cannot replace medical advice. It is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for medication or other treatments prescribed by a doctor.