Turmeric is part of the ginger root family, but unlike other members of the root family, does not posses the same sharp bite. Fresh turmeric is found in two colors, deep orange and white. The deep orange type gives off a yellow color when added to other foods. Indians have used turmeric for more than 2,500 years, according to Health Diaries.
Medicinal Uses
When applied to wounds, the root of fresh turmeric can speed up healing because it acts like a natural antiseptic and antibacterial. When combined with cauliflower, turmeric has been shown to prevent prostate cancer, breast cancer and melanoma from spreading. The combination also can help stop new cancers from growing. The Chinese have used turmeric as an antidepressant. Other medicinal uses include as a natural liver detox and as an anti-inflammatory. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric make it a natural way to treat arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
Culinary Uses
Turmeric has long been used by the Thai for cooking. In the southern region of Thailand, turmeric often is found in soups, fried foods, curries, stir-fry and desserts. Ground turmeric often is added to butter, cakes, fruit dishes, cheese and liquor to add both flavor and color. Adding ground turmeric to salad dressing also changes the flavor slightly and adds color. To add turmeric flavor to vegetables or pasta, mix ground turmeric with melted butter and pour the mixture over the top.
Religious Uses
Hindu people have long used turmeric for coloring holy robes because it is cheap and natural, which is important to their faith. The Vedic culture, which dates back over 4,000 years, used turmeric not only as a spice but also during religious ceremonies. In current times, Hindu people mix turmeric and lime to make kunkum. Kunkum is applied as a small dot in the middle of both men and women's foreheads after puja, a religious ceremony that takes place in homes and temples.
Cosmetic Uses
The color of turmeric makes it very popular for use as a blush when added to face creams. It also produces a golden glow when rubbed onto the cheeks of women. Turmeric also helps improve skin complexion when it is used to wash the face, and has been used to color hair and promote healthy hair growth. Turmeric is found in many cosmetics on the Indian marketplace for both color and the medicinal properties of the root.
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