T

The Miracle of Turmeric

By Yogi Baba Prem Tom Beal, Veda Visharada, CYI, C.ay, C. va

This article was featured in OmPlace magazine. 

 

Please note this article is for educational purposes only.  It is not intended to diagnose or suggest treatment.  Please consult with your doctor before beginning anything from this article. 

 

For many years, I have spoken about the benefits of Turmeric.  Recently, in the last few years, it appears that a great deal of research has been performed on turmeric.  In the latest research, turmeric appears to have powerful cancer fighting properties.   From my understanding, some research has indicated that it helps to remove plaque from the brain; this plaque is thought to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease in some way, shape, or form, while this has yet to be proven conclusively. 

From a yogic standpoint turmeric is highly valued for a variety of reasons: 

1. Turmeric is believed to help with flexibility, by increasing the flexibility of the tendons. 
2. Turmeric is believed to have anti-bacterial qualities.   Traditionally, it was used to treat minor cuts and scraps. 
3. Turmeric has been used as a paste to relieve hemorrhoids.
4. Turmeric has been used to reduce flatulence. 
5. Turmeric has been used as a gargle for throat irritations.  Salt water can be beneficial for throat irritations and the two can be combined as a powerful gargle. 

 

From an Ayurvedic standpoint, Turmeric can additionally be used:

1. As a blood cleanser.
2. As an anti-inflammatory.
3. For nutritional support of the Spleen and Pancreas. 
4. To aid in the metabolism of Protein.
5. As a metabolic balancer.

 From a spiritual standpoint, Turmeric can aid in: 

1. Cleansing the charkas.
2. Cleansing the subtle body.
3. Cleansing the nadi’s (the channels of the subtle body).
4. Cultivating relationships with feminine form of divinity.
5. Cultivating feelings and awareness of prosperity.

Ayurveda suggests caution for those suffering from hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice.  In fact, care should be taken with all liver disorders.  Expectant mothers should use caution, as well. 

 We can clearly see that in traditional usages, Turmeric was an important spice.  Does modern science have anything to say regarding Turmeric?  The answer is a resounding yes.  Science is discovering that the traditional usages were often correct. 

 In Germany, turmeric has been approved for a variety of digestive disorders.  The effect turmeric has on bile is well documented.  Studies indicate that turmeric stimulates the flow of bile.  This is important, as bile is needed to help break down fats in the digestive system.  Additionally, turmeric has been found to help protect the stomach and liver from a variety of medications. 

 Studies have indicated that turmeric may be beneficial for those suffering from osteoarthritis.  And there has been a tremendous amount of research on turmeric’s anti-cancer properties and actions.  While much of this research has been a laboratory level, the evidence is quite impressive. 

Turmeric long known for its anti-bacterial qualities has been demonstrated to decrease healing time of minor wounds.  An impressive study suggested that turmeric might be as effective as corticosteroids for individuals suffering from uveitis (uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye).  But due to the seriousness of this disease, always consult with your physician before trying this. 

 Some doctors are suggesting that curcumin, the ingredient that gives the color to turmeric, may aid in blocking the progression of multiple sclerosis.  In India, a recent study showed evidence that turmeric could be beneficial in reducing damage to heart tissue as a result of lack of oxygen. 

 Before beginning the application of turmeric, it is important to consult with your doctor. Modern science suggests caution with pregnancy, blood-thinning medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  But traditionally, turmeric has been safely used for thousands of years with few contraindications. 

 References, Sources, and Recommended Reading:

 

Lad, Vasant, David Frawley “The Yoga of Herbs” Lotus Press:Twin Lakes, 1986

 

http://www.umm/edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/Turmericch.html

 

http://www.raysahelian.com/turmeric.html

 

Mohanty I, Singh Arya D, Dinda A, Joshi S, Talwar KK, Gupta SK.  “Protective effects of Curcuma longa on ischemia-reperfusion induced myocardial injuries and their mechanisms”  Life Sci. 2004 Aug 20;75(14):1701-11. Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-