I came across this video on youtube about the health benefits of turmeric and i thought some of you that don't already know will find it interesting to watch.

I'm not sold on buying turmeric capsules (or what ever they are), I used turmeric a lot, both fresh and powdered, so I don't see any need to use capsules.

I have no idea if there's any truth in what else he says (about Indians committing suicide by drinking pesticides et cetera), but this is one of the more interesting videos this guy has made ? I think!

The length that some people go to in promoting a product always amuses me. Some people really can sell fridge freezers to the Eskimos...

I'll try once again with the link, just in case I missed something out: The health benefits of turmeric

Failing that you will have to copy and paste the following URL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l392Zxyoto&feature=player_embedded

Turmeric is a well used spice in Aayurveda. We Indians use it for all sorts of things. This is from something that my sister has written. It is waiting to go on site, when I get around to finish editing it.

"Turmeric (Hindi name Haldi or Huldi),curcuma longa is from Zingiberaceae or ginger family. It is the rhyzome of the plant that is used as a spice. It is yellow in colour and used in almost all Indian curries, pickles and hundreds of other dishes. It is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine and niacin. It is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antiseptic. A good pinch of turmeric, boiled with milk and drunk at night, helps to relieve chesty cough. 1/2 tsp. turmeric, dissolved in a mug of hot milk, taken at bed time, helps to heal bone injuries, reduces joint pains and other inflammatory pains. It helps to stimulate digestion, improves immunity, reduces bad cholesterols and enhances skin complexion. In India, it is used in various face packs and in many anti-inflammatory poultices. Recent reports suggest that it may be also be helpful in improving memory and even reducing chances of getting Alzheimer?s disease. In cooking, it should be used in moderation only, because if used excessively, it can give food slightly bitter taste. It is probably the single most beneficial spice to human body."

I use it for creating small yellow dots on whatever shirt I'm cooking/eating in !... lol

Steve

That is an impressive list of the health benefits of turmeric, although, I did know turmeric was long used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. I'll have to try to persuade my Father to take it who is battling with osteoarthritis in his knees. I know he will have precious little in his diet (unless I make him a curry!)

Mamta - is the half teaspoon in hot milk daily best for him?

Steve - turmeric tie dyeing of tee shirts would be a great kitchen activity if entertaining children on a rainy afternoon. Buddhist monks use turmeric on their robes every three months (presume saffron would be rather expensive!)

....Mamta! You said that 3 years ago when I asked for the health benefits to be listed on here lololol To busy jetsetting around the world I reckon.

Cheers

Steve

lol.. I can imagine the reaction from our children when granddad dyes all their childrens clothes while visiting... !!

Steve

Turmeric is one of my favourite spices. I like to grate fresh turmeric and carrot into salads, or if I have just bought a batch (after a couple of days I freeze it) then I usually eat it as is...

I like to add powdered turmeric to yoghurt drinks and mix it with some yoghurt and honey and pour it over fresh fruit ? last night it was banana.

Tie dyeing t-shirts with turmeric, now there's an idea ;-)

Steve, you are playing Holi (festival of colours) with turmeric!!!

Winton, I think it is1/2 tsp in a mug of warm milk that my mum uses as anti-inflammatory (injuries/bruises/joint pains). She takes it at bed time. I wish I had seen your mail before I called her this morning, I could have confirmed the dose. I have sent an e-mail, let?s see what she says. Anyway, I use ? tsp. per mug of warm milk. Indians usually sweeten the milk, as no one drinks unsweetened milk there. Most of my family members and people I know in India use turmeric in milk as a first line treatment for many inflammatory things mentioned before. I guess there is no harm in trying. Generations of Ayurvedic practioners have prescribed it and Indians have used it and use it regularly.

Your father must understand that these treatments are not standardised. Although much work is being done on turmeric all over the world, no control trials have been done/published, as far as I know. Your father should know this, before you give it to him.

Winton, it is 1 tsp. turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk.

Thanks Mamta so much for checking that out. Presumably it should be drunk before brushing your teeth in the evening! Blow the lack of tests on the turmeric, over 5000 years of ayurvedic medicine is good enough for me!

Gargling with pinch of turmeric in warm water is said to give relief in sore throat.