Turmeric is a popular spice used in the cuisines of many cultures. Its flavor, color and reported medicinal properties make it a mainstay in cooking around the world. The spice has been used for thousands of years and, in recent times, has been the subject of formal scientific research into cures and treatments for common health conditions. The spice can be found in most groceries and it has a widespread application.
Biology
The turmeric plant structure is similar to ginger. It is formed as a "rhizome" which resembles an underground root. After harvesting, the rhizome is boiled and set to dry. Eventually it gets ground into the yellow powder that is sold as a spice. The turmeric plant is native to south Asia. It grows prolifically in India where its use is often integrated into curry spice mixtures.
Color
Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of turmeric is its bright yellow color. This color is the yellow ingredient in many foods, including curry, mustard and even butter. The taste of turmeric is not as strong as its color, which enables the spice to be used as a food coloring in many types of cuisine without dramatically affecting flavor.
Dye
While most people associate turmeric with cooking, the bright color of the spice also makes it an effective dye in clothing and paint. When mixed with water to form a paste, the dye is applied directly to a fabric. It is also used to dye the skin as a decorative ornament. The Hindu festival Holi is characterized by the use of bright colors painted onto the skin. Turmeric provides an all-natural and traditional method for dying the skin.
Traditional Medicine
Turmeric has been used in ancient Chinese medicine and the Indian practice of Ayurveda for thousands of years. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), turmeric has historically been used to treat arthritis and improve the functioning of the digestive, liver and menstrual systems. Topically, turmeric is spread over skin injuries and irritations to relieve symptoms.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the principal compound in turmeric that causes its characteristic color. This ingredient provides the potential health benefits of the spice. Curcumin extracts have been explored by modern medicine in many treatments. The NIH notes that studies on curcumin injection in animals suggest that is may be useful as a treatment for cancer due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center further notes that curcumin may have beneficial effects on a wide range of ailments, including colitis, dyspepsia, atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis. The NIH indicates that more clinical trials are necessary to provide conclusive support for these theories.
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