Turmeric - Very Useful Herb for Asthma

Turmeric

Curcuma longa Zingiberaceae


Cultivated in Asia, Africa and the west Indies, turmeric is a tropical Perennial . Its pointed, lance-shaped leaves can be lip to 70cm long. Low clusters of .flowers spring up from the Middle if the plant in summer. The rhizome is cylindrical, often with .finger-like protuberances, and is a rich yellow orange on the inside. It has a warm, slightly acrid taste. When powdered, it is widely used to colors and flavour food.


Parts used

  • Rhizome
  • The rhizome is dug up in winter, when it is dormant. It is cut into pieces, boiled and then dried.
  • In herbal medicine, turmeric rhizome is mainly used to prepare powders and tinctures, and occasionally for making infusions.
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Constituents

Turmeric rhizome contains a number of curcuminoids, which are mainly responsible for its colour and are known to be anti-inflammatory. It is also rich in essential oil.


Medicinal uses

Turmeric rhizome is prescribed as a treatment for lack of appetite, indigestion and stomach acidity, as well as liver and gall-bladder problems. It has been found to have a protective effect on the liver and the essential oil is known to stimulate the secretion of bile. Scientists have also demonstrated that the curcuminoids can have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, which underlies the traditional use of turmeric in treating rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, asthma, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions.


Turmeric has also displayed antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and is believed to help to lower blood cholesterol and inhibit blood clotting. This suggests that it could be beneficial in preventing hardening of the arteries and heart attacks. There is also evidence that it may be useful in the treatment of circulatory and menstrual disorders.


Cultivation

Turmeric can be grown from seeds, planted in autumn. or rhizome cuttings, planted in early summer. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Because it needs plenty of sunshine. temperatures in excess of 1 SOC and high humidity, it is best cultivated in a greenhouse in temperate regions.


PREPARATION AND DOSAGE?

For internal use


TO TREAT digestion problems INFUSION Put 19 of powdered rhizome into a cup of boiling water. Cover and leave to infuse for S-10 minutes, then strain. Drink 2-4 cups a day. TINCTURE (1:S in 70% alcohol) Put 20 drops into a glass of water. Take after every meal.


IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST CONSULT A DOCTOR


CAUTIONS

  • High doses of turmeric can irritate the stomach, causing nausea.
  • The plant should not be taken at the same time as anticoagulants.
  • Do not use for gall-bladder problems due to blocked bile duct.



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