Tumeric

Turmeric is an ancient spice, a native of South East Asia, used from antiquity as dye and a condiment. It is cultivated primarily in Bengal, China, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Java. Peru. Australia and the West Indies. It is still used in rituals of the Hindu religion, and as a dye for holy robes, being natural, unsynthesized and cheap. Turmeric is in fact one of the cheapest spices. Although as a dye it is used similarly to saffron, the culinary uses of the two spices should not be confused and should never replace saffron in food dishes. Its use dates back nearly 4000 years, to the Vedic culture in India where it was used as a culinary spice and had some religious significance.

The name derives from the Latin terra merita “meritorious earth” referring to the colour of ground turmeric which resembles a mineral pigment. In many languages turmeric is simply named as “yellow root”.

Other Names

Indian Saffron, Tumeric, Yellow Ginger

French: curcuma, saffron des Indes

German: Gelbwurz

Italian; curcuma

Spanish: curcuma

Arabic: kharkoum

Burmese: fa nwin

Chinese: wong geung fun

Indian: haldee, haldi, huldee, huldie

Indonesian: kunjit, kunyit

Malay: kunjit

Sinhalese: kaha

Tamil: munjal

Thai: kamin

Turmeric has a peppery, warm and bitter flavor and a mild fragrance slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger, and while it is best known as one of the ingredients used to make curry, it also gives ballpark mustard its bright yellow color.

Health Benefits

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the bright yellow of the spice rainbow, is a powerful medicine that has long been used in the Chinese and Indian systems of medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat a wide variety of conditions, including flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest pain, and colic.

Anti-Inflammatory

The volatile oil fraction of turmeric has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of experimental models. Even more potent than its volatile oil is the yellow or orange pigment of turmeric, which is called curcumin. Curcumin is thought to be the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric.

An Effective Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Curcumin may provide an inexpensive, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, recent research suggests.

Relief to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Clinical studies have substantiated that curcumin also exerts very powerful antioxidant effects. As an antioxidant, curcumin is able to neutralize free radicals, chemicals that can travel through the body and cause great amounts of damage to healthy cells and cell membranes. This is important in many diseases, such as arthritis, where free radicals are responsible for the painful joint inflammation and eventual damage to the joints. Turmeric's combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects explains why many people with joint disease find relief when they use the spice regularly.

Help for Cystic Fibrosis Sufferer

Curcumin, the major constituent of turmeric that gives the spice its yellow color, can correct the most common expression of the genetic defect that is responsible for cystic fibrosis, suggests an animal study published in the Science (April 2004). Cystic fibrosis, a fatal disease that attacks the lungs with a thick mucus, causing life-threatening infections, afflicts about 30,000 American children and young adults, who rarely survive beyond 30 years of age. The mucus also damages the pancreas, thus interfering with the body-ability to digest and absorb nutrients.

Cancer Prevention

Curcumin's antioxidant actions enable it to protect the colon cells from free radicals that can damage cellular DNA—a significant benefit particularly in the colon where cell turnover is quite rapid, occuring approximately every three days. Because of their frequent replication, mutations in the DNA of colon cells can result in the formation of cancerous cells much more quickly. Curcumin also helps the body to destroy mutated cancer cells, so they cannot spread through the body and cause more harm. A primary way in which curcumin does so is by enhancing liver function. Additionally, other suggested mechanisms by which it may protect against cancer development include inhibiting the synthesis of a protein thought to be instrumental in tumor formation and preventing the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth.

Inhibit Cancer Cell Growth and Metastases

Epidemiological studies have linked the frequent use of turmeric to lower rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer; laboratory experiments have shown curcumin can prevent tumors from forming; and research conducted at the University of Texas suggests that even when breast cancer is already present, curcumin can help slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs in mice. How did curcumin help? "Curcumin acts against transcription factors, which are like a master switch," said lead researcher, Bharat Aggarwal. "Transcription factors regulate all the genes needed for tumors to form. When we turn them off, we shut down some genes that are involved in the growth and invasion of cancer cells."

Tumeric and Onions May help Prevent Colon Cancer

Curcumin, a phytonutrient found in the curry spice turmeric, and quercitin, an antioxidant in onions, reduce both the size and number of precancerous lesions in the human intestinal tract, shows research published in the August 2006 issue of Clinical Gasteroenterology and Hepatology. While simply consuming curry and onions may not have as dramatic an effect as was produced in this study, this research clearly demonstrates that liberal use of turmeric and onions can play a protective role against the development of colorectal cancer. And turmeric doesn't have to only be used in curries. This spice is delicious on healthy sautéed apples, and healthy steamed cauliflower and/or green beans and onions. Or, for a flavor-rich, low-calorie dip, try adding some turmeric and dried onion to creamy yogurt.

Tumeric Teams Up with Couliflower to Halt Prostate Cancer

The researchers believe the combination of cruciferous vegetables and curcumin could be an effective therapy not only to prevent prostate cancer, but to inhibit the spread of established prostate cancers. Best of all, this combination-cauliflower spiced with turmeric-is absolutely delicious! For protection against prostate cancer, cut cauliflower florets in quarters and let sit for 5-10 minutes; this allows time for the production of phenethyl isothiocyanates, which form when cruciferous vegetables are cut, but stops when they are heated. Then sprinkle with turmeric, and healthy sauté on medium heat in a few tablespoons of vegetable or chicken broth for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and top with olive oil, sea salt and pepper to taste.

Reduce Risk of Childhood Leukemia

"Some of the known risk factors that contribute to the high incidence of childhood leukemia are the interaction of many lifestyle and environmental factors. These include prenatal or postnatal exposure to radiation, benzene, environmental pollutants and alkylating chemotherapeutic drugs. Our studies show that turmeric-and its colouring principle, curcumin-in the diet mitigate the effects of some of these risk factors."

Nagabhushan has shown that the curcumin in turmeric can:

• inhibit the mutagenicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (carcinogenic chemicals created by the burning of carbon based fuels including cigarette smoke)


• inhibit radiation-induced chromosome damage


• prevent the formation of harmful heterocyclic amines and nitroso compounds, which may result in the body when certain processed foods, such as processed meat products that contain nitrosamines, are eaten irreversibly inhibit the multiplication of leukemia cells in a cell cultur
  

Improver Liver Function

In a recent rat study conducted to evaluate the effects of turmeric on the liver's ability to detoxify xenobiotic (toxic) chemicals, levels of two very important liver detoxification enzymes (UDP glucuronyl transferase and glutathione-S-transferase) were significantly elevated in rats fed turmeric as compared to controls. The researchers commented, "The results suggest that turmeric may increase detoxification systems in addition to its anti-oxidant properties...Turmeric used widely as a spice would probably mitigate the effects of several dietary carcinogens."

Cardiovascular Protection

Curcumin may be able to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. Since oxidized cholesterol is what damages blood vessels and builds up in the plaques that can lead to heart attack or stroke, preventing the oxidation of new cholesterol may help to reduce the progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. In addition, turmeric is a good source of vitamin B6, which is needed to keep homocysteine levels from getting too high.

Homocysteine, an intermediate product of an important cellular process called methylation, is directly damaging to blood vessel walls. High levels of homocysteine are considered a significant risk factor for blood vessel damage, atherosclerotic plaque build-up, and heart disease; while a high intake of vitamin B6 is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

Tumeric Lowers Cholesterol

Tumeric's cholesterol-lowering effects are the result of the curry spice's active constituent, curcumin, which research reveals is a messaging molecule that communicates with genes in liver cells, directing them to increase the production of mRNA (messenger proteins) that direct the creation of receptors for LDL (bad) cholesterol. With more LDL-receptors, liver cells are able to clear more LDL-cholesterol from the body.

Protecting Against Alzheimer's Disease

A number of studies have suggested that curcumin, the biologically active constituent in turmeric, protects against Alzheimer's disease by turning on a gene that codes for the production of antioxidant proteins. A study published in the Italian Journal of Biochemistry (December 2003) discussed curcumin's role in the induction of the the heme oxygenase pathway, a protective system that, when triggered in brain tissue, causes the production of the potent antioxidant bilirubin, which protects the brain against oxidative (free radical) injury. Such oxidation is thought to be a major factor in aging and to be responsible for neurodegenerative disorders including dementias like Alzheimer's disease.

The most active ingredient in turmeric root, bisdemethoxycurcumin, boosts the activity of the immune system in Alzheimer's patients, helping them to clear the amyloid beta plaques characteristic of the disease.

Other Links about Tumeric:

1. Health Benefis of Tumeric
2. Encyclopedia of Herbs
3. Spice Description
4. India's Miracle Herbs
5. Tumeric-Wikipedia

Curry Leaf

Curry Leaf

Also known as :-
Daun Kari, Bai Karee, Karapincha, Kari Patta, Sweet Neem, Kitha Neem, Kari Phulia, Nim Murraya koenigii syn. Chalcas koenigii F. Rutaceae.

It is a small tree that grows up to 2-5 metre tall. The leaves are the edible part and they are shiny, dark green, aromatic and slightly bitter in taste.

The curry tree is a native of India and Sri Lanka. These leaves are one of the ingredients of Indian curries, cooked vegetables, salads, chutneys and spices. They add to the smell and taste of food and in addition to the food value. Although the leaves are added to Indian dishes as a natural flavoring agent, it is well known that they have some medicinal value as well.

The Healing Power of Curry Leaves

Digestive Disorders

Fresh juice of curry leaves, with lime juice and sugar, is an effective medicine in the treatment of morning sickness, nausea and vomiting due to indigestion and excessive use of fats. One or two teaspoons of juice of these leaves mixed with a teaspoon of lime juice may be taken in these conditions. The curry leaves, ground to a fine paste and mixed with buttermilk, can also be taken on an empty stomach with beneficial results in case of stomach upsets.

Tender curry leaves are useful in diarrhoea, dysentery and piles. They should be taken, mixed with honey. The bark of the tree is also useful in bilious vomiting. A teaspoon of the powder or the decoction of the dry bark should be given with cold water in this condition.

Kidney Disorders

The root of the curry plant also has medicinal properties. The juice of the root can be taken to relieve pain associated with the kidneys.

Premature Greying of Hair

Liberal intake of curry leaves is considered beneficial in preventing premature greying of hair. These leaves have the property to nourish the hair roots. New hair roots that grow are healthier with normal pigment. The leaves can be used in the form of chutney or the juice may be squeezed and taken in buttermilk or lassi.

Burns and Bruises

Curry leaves can be effectively used to treat burns, bruises and skin eruptions. They should be applied as a poultice over the affected areas.

Eye Disorders

Fresh juice of curry leaves suffused in the eyes. makes them look bright. It also prevents the early development of cataract.

Insect Bites

Fruits of the tree, which are berries, are edible. They are green when raw, but purple when ripe. Juice of these berries, mixed with equal proportion of lime-juice, is an effective fluid for external application in insect stings and bites of poisonous creatures.

Curry Leaf More Info Links:-

1. Curry Leaf Culinary Uses and Storage



2. Ayurvedic Herbs and their Healing Power



3. Health Benefits of Curry Leaves



4. Curry Leaf - Description and Culinary Use
   
   

Lemon Grass

Natural Herbs - Lemon Grass

Lemon grass (scientific name: Cymbopogon ciatrus)

It is widely used as a herb in Asian cooking. It has a citrus flavour and can be dried and powdered, or used fresh.The stalk itself is too hard to be eaten except for the soft inner part. However, it can be finely sliced and added to recipes. It may also be bruised and added whole as this releases the aromatic oils from the juice sacs in the stalk. The main constituent of lemongrass oil is citral, which makes up around 80% of the total.

Lemon grass is commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for poultry, fish, and seafood. It is often used as a tea in African and Latino-American countries.

East-Indian Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), also known as serai in Malay, is assumed to have its origins in Malaysia. Common and popular names of Lemon Grass around the world.

Description of the herb lemon grass

Lemon Grass is an aromatic herb, that has robust, lemon scented linear leaves growing up to 3 feet tall.

Parts Used

The lower portion of the stock.

Properties

It has a pleasant lemony fragrance and has antimicrobial, analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant and anti-fungal properties.It contains citral - geranial and neral, as well as other monoterpenoids.

Therapeutic uses

Internal use:

Treats problems with the digestive system, usually in children and is also useful for relieving muscle spasms.It furthermore has a positive effect on nervous conditions and provides a gentle boost when exhausted.

External use:

Lemon grass can be used externally to treat ringworm, lice, athletes foot, arthritis and scabies.It is used to normalize and balance overactive oil glands, dandruff and similar skin problems.

Aromatherapy and essential oil use:

The oil will re-energize a person and helps the body recover after illness by invigorating the glandular system andboosting the digestive system.

It eases muscle pain and cramps and helps to remove lactic acid and increase circulation.

For jet lag this oil is a must.

On the skin, it helps to balance oily conditions and to clear inflammation and fights fungal infections.

It has antidepressant, antiseptic, bactericide, carminative, deodorant, digestive, diuretic, fungicide, galactagogue, insecticide, prophylactic, stimulant and tonic properties.

Suggested Amount:

• Lemongrass can be taken as a tea with the recommended dosage of a warm cup of tea taken one to four times a day between or after meals, or as required.


• The infusion of coarsely cut or powdered grass is made using 2g of herb material to one cup of boiling water.


• The boiling water is poured over the herb material and extracted for 5-10 minutes and then strained.


• For hyperglycemia, dry extracts are recommended with the dosage of 80mg daily, taken in combination with other botanical extracts to support proper blood glucose levels.
  

Lemon Grass Tea

Related Links

• Lemon grass tea
• Lemon grass oil
• Lemon grass herbs
• Lemon grass recipes 1

Natural Medicine - Benefits

A healthy lifestyle impacts every part of your day-to-day work environment.

A growing number of people are turning to complimentary and alternative medicine--simple, traditional, decidedly low-tech methods of preventing illness and solving everyday health problems.

Rising health care costs is certainly a factor in the recent surge of interest in natural medicine. People are taking more control of their destinies as far as health is concerned. They have to, because with the cost of health care, they can't afford not to.

Our bodies require good fuel (food) to perform at its highest level, so healthy eating is a must.

When fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables are eaten as close to their natural state as possible, health, beauty and happiness will be the result.

The Creator of this Universe made man from the ground. The same properties of the earth are found in man. Fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables contain the same elements which are of the earth and is in man.

Until the turn of the century, Healthy eating or food therapy was widely practiced as a way of healing the sick and keeping the healthy well.

I won’t lie to you and try to convince you that eating healthy is an easy task. Nope. Like every other important thing in your life, this will require some planning.

Eating healthy is considered especially appropriate for people who may already have some of the risk factors for chronic diseases. These risk factors include a family history of obesity, premature heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high blood cholesterol levels.

Last but not least, you may be like a lot of people that has already convinced themselves that you simply cannot live without fast foods. Eating healthy will become easier for us if we eat out less, thereby eating less fast food.

All natural remedies are the key to better health and disease prevention.

There is a saying 'Eating an apple a day keep the doctor away'. So lets practice eating healthy from today!

Natural Health Care

How much do you value your health? How importance is it to you and your family? Can you put a price tag on your own health or on that of your loved ones? Obviously not, if anything, your health or that of your family is invaluable.

Long gone are the days when drugs manufactured in laboratories were popular, when expensive chemical or synthetic drugs were deemed to be the best for our bodies. Apart from the forbidding cost, the side effects that the body has to deal with cannot be ignored.

This realisation has dawned and people today are going back to natural remedies that humankind has been using for thousands of years.

Home remedies and natural cures or medicines made at home from natural ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, herbs are catching a lot of attention due to its very nature of cure: simple, no side effects, no chemicals, inexpensive, plus the pleasure of being able to cure yourself!