Turmeric is an amazing root that is most known as a spice. However, if you are only using it as a spice, you are missing out on a lot! Let’s explore turmeric’s health benefits and discover how you can use it each day.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric (or Curcuma longa) is a root, similar to ginger, but it has a deep orange color and a stronger aroma than ginger. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, that is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
You can use turmeric as a spice in its powdered form in your cooking. However, I like to use turmeric in its raw, original state – as the wonder root that it is.
Turmeric’s Health Benefits: How I Use It
I purchase raw turmeric roots in my local grocery store. The good news is that turmeric doesn’t need refrigeration – just store it in a cool, dry place. When I am ready to use it, I peel about two pieces with a small knife. Caution – your fingers will look quite orange after peeling it, but kitchen soap will get most of it off your hands and knife. I then pop those pieces in a teacup full of water, microwave it for four minutes at medium heat, and leave it to cool. A few times, I will also boil about four to six pieces in a small pot for about four minutes, turn the stove off, and leave it to cool. I drink most of my natural teas unsweetened and at room temperature. But, beware: turmeric tea is an acquired taste.
Immune System Booster
I use turmeric team to boost my immune system (along with my vitamin C and B-complex with iron). When I take it for this purpose, I also add a few drops of ginger juice to further amp it up. Since I started drinking turmeric about twice per week, I have not had a cold. If you suffer from sinusitis, prepare for even more productive coughs (I know, not nice, but necessary) and you will enjoy clearer sinuses.
Toothache
A toothache is no fun at all, and at its core is the inflammation of your tooth. The Lord led me to start drinking turmeric tea as a preventative and curative aid during my first toothache. Whenever I have a toothache, I drink turmeric tea at least once a day. I find that it also helps to drink the tea a bit warm, holding it in my mouth and over the affected tooth for a few seconds before swallowing. I enjoy significant pain relief, which helps a lot until I can have my tooth issue resolved.
Menstrual Pain
I suffer from a lot of menstrual pain (especially for the first few days). However, turmeric tea has helped to ease my pain by facilitating a better flow. So now I incorporate turmeric tea for the first few days of my cycle as needed. Of course, I also add aspirin (not too much because I don’t want to become dependent on pain-killers) and rub my lower abdomen with healing oil (yes, that’s the actual name of the oil).
Other Benefits
Some other turmeric health benefits that I have seen in my research include: better digestion, improved heart health, anticancer properties, better brain health, and arthritis relief.
A Cautionary Note About Turmeric
While turmeric has a lot of benefits, you don’t want to overdo it. Excessive turmeric consumption can lead to an upset stomach. Furthermore, it can have adverse drug interactions. For example, turmeric’s anticoagulation effect, can interact with anticoagulant drugs or blood thinners and lead to excessive bleeding. If you are on prescription medication, please speak with your doctor before starting any turmeric use or supplements.
Get More Turmeric!
These are just a few of turmeric’s health benefits that I have discovered so far. Have you used turmeric before? Please feel free to leave your thoughts about its benefits or any side effects below. Let’s share all the knowledge and get healthier together!
May Jesus’ blessings, peace, and wisdom be upon us all,
Sophia.
NOTE: None of the content in this article constitutes medical advice. Please consult your medical professional to determine the best treatment for your health needs.