Turmeric - Go for Gold

Ayurveda the ancient medical science is based on the principle of preventing diseases. It directs us to resist the diseases through our food habits and life styles. Same principle was stressed by Hippocrates also “Let your food be your medicine” was his advice to man kind

Let’s know more about a very well known spice in Ayurveda yet not completely understood by common man. Over the last several years, there has been increasing interest in turmeric and its medicinal properties. But Ayurveda has immensely praised the medicinal qualities of turmeric which finds its place in almost all ayurvedic preparations related to liver and skin disorders.

This herb has occupied the shelves of every Indian kitchen since 6000 years and is considered as king of kitchen. It is used daily in cooking. Apart from cooking it is also used as beauty aid and as a dye.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) belongs to Zingiberacae Family and is a perennial plant that grows 3 to 5 feet high in the tropical regions .In India it is grown allover but specially in Bengal, Bombay and in Tamilnadu .

Ayurveda appreciates the medicinal qualities and color of turmeric. This is evident through the various names of turmeric specified in ancient texts of ayurveda. Some of these are

• Haridra – enhancer of body complexion.
• Kanchani - looks like gold .
• Nisha - imparts beauty by enhancing complexion which is as beautiful as full moon night
• Gowri - yellow in color
• Krimighni - works as a Antibacterial and antihelmenthic.
• Yoshit priya - used in Gynecological disorders.

In Hindi turmeric is known as haldi .
The rhizomes or roots of this plant are used as medicine and for other purposes. The rhizomes are boiled, dried and then powdered. This powder is used for all purposes.

The active chemical component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a strong antioxidant and reduces inflammation by reducing histamine levels. Curcumin protects liver, reduces cholesterol, and prevents internal blood clotting thus preventing heart attacks and liver tissue damages.

Turmeric is very safe. But special precautions should be taken in persons who have gall stones, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers and obstructive jaundice. Ayurveda explains the qualities of turmeric as light and dry. It has pungent and bitter taste. It is widely used in skin, respiratory and liver disorders. It purifies blood and enhances complexion.

Medicinal properties of turmeric – Go for Gold!

Effects of Turmeric----

On Liver

Ayurveda has recommended this golden herb to purify blood and prevent it from clotting. It is extensively used to protect liver from toxins and microbial. Turmeric increases the secretion of bile, promotes free flow of bile. This herb can be used to overcome toxic effects of alcohol on liver. This reduces cholesterol and protects heart.

Use of ½ tea spoon of turmeric with warm water rejuvenates the liver and expels toxins out of it.

On respiratory system

Turmeric is very effective in bronchitis, productive cough and asthma.One spoon of turmeric boiled in milk should be consumed with a spoon of pure ghee in conditions like bronchitis, asthma and productive cough. This gives very good relief and expectorates excessively produced mucous in lungs.

On ageing

The antioxidant properties of turmeric give us young looks and make us to feel young. It reduces inflammation in joints, protects the heart, reduces cholesterol and keeps us very healthy.

On Diabetes
It is widely used in ayurvedic preparations for diabetes. It lowers the blood sugar and increases glucose metabolism.

On Uterus
It initiates regular menstrual cycle and reduces menstrual cramps.

On skin

Blood nourishes the skin and it is known fact that pure blood always keeps the skin glowing and radiant. Turmeric purifies blood, nourishes skin and gives it a healthy natural glow and radiance. A traditional face pack of India consists of gram flour, pure turmeric powder, milk and honey. This reduces inflammation of skin, smoothens it and prevents many skin ailments.

On Stomach and Intestines

Turmeric enhances digestion, normalizes metabolism and expels intestinal parasites

On Wounds

Turmeric accelerates healing process and readily reduces pain and inflammation. Thick Paste of turmeric applied on wounds acts as an excellent antibiotic and anti inflammatory.

On Yogis

Turmeric purifies and cleans the body. It is a tailor made herb for yogis. It increases the flexibility of muscles, reduces inflammation in muscles and joints and helps to perform yoga with confidence and delight.
Is it not a wonderful treasure which nature has stored for us in this golden herb ? Now let us start a gold rush.


This article is copy righted. The author Dr. Krishna Rao.S is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of Ayurveda Health care for men. Read complete article at Ayurveda Health Benefits of Turmeric

Quick sambar recipe:

Ingredients:
Coconut gratings:  ½ cup
Puffed chana dal: ½ cup.
Onions: 3 medium sized, longitudinally sliced.
Curry leaves : 15 to 20
Tomato : large, 4 in number, chopped finely
Tamarind juice : 2 tea spoon
Jaggery:  grated 2 tea spoons.
Mysore sambar powder : 4 tea spoons
Mustard : ½     tea spoon
Asafetida :1 pinch
Turmeric: ¼ tea spoon
Salt to taste
Water: Quantity required.
Cooking oil – 1 table spoon
Coriander leaves: finely chopped ¼ cup

Method:  Heat a thick bottomed vessel on stove. Pour recommended quantity of cooking oil to vessel. Add mustard seeds to heated oil. When these seeds crackle add curry leaves , turmeric and asafetida. Add sliced onion and fry well till they lose their rawness. Add chopped tomatoes and mix well. Close a lid and allow tomatoes to become soft. Meanwhile grind coconut gratings, sambar powder, puffed chana dal and 2 tea spoons of chopped coriander leaves to a smooth paste in a blender. Add water to make the paste smooth. Transfer this paste to cooked tomato and onion mixture. Stir well. Allow this to boil. Add water to get the consistency of sambar as the mixture becomes thick immediately. Add tamrind juice and jaggery. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with idli, dosa or vada.

Coconut: Coconuts are rich in lauric acid. Lauric acid is known for its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Coconuts help to boost immune system. Coconuts and coconut oil help to lose weight and reduce risk of heart diseases. It helps to lower cholesterol and help in chronic fatigue.  The health condition of persons who suffer from diabetes improve with the use of  coconut. The coconut oil helps to rejuvenate skin and prevents wrinkles.

Onion: Onion help to rejuvenate liver, normalize digestion, relieve constipation and increase appetite. Hence it is very beneficial in piles (hemorrhoids) , constipation, jaundice and indigestion. White onions are recommended in bleeding disorders to reduce bleeding. Hence it is used in conditions like bleeding piles and bleeding through nose. Onions are used in home remedies to reduce cough. Onion and its seeds are known to help in erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and male infertility. It helps to increase libido, quality and quantity of semen. It is a very good vajikara. It helps to reduce itching on skin.

Tomato: Recent studies have shown that tomatoes are good for cancer prevention. Regular consumption of tomatoes help to prevent cancers of lung, prostate, stomach, cervical, breast, oral, colorectal, esophageal, pancreatic, etc.Tomato is also good for liver health. Tomato has detoxification effect in the body. Tomato juice acts as a good rejuvenating and energy drink. It reduces the risks of cardio vascular diseases. Red and ripe tomatoes act as powerful antioxidants.

Gobi 65

Ingredients:

1.       Cauliflower – 1 big

2.       Corn flour – 1 cup.

3.       Onion – 2 (finely chopped)

4.       Ginger garlic paste – 1 tea spoon

5.       Cooking oil – 3 cups

6.       Red chilly powder – 3 tea spoons (or according to taste)

7.       Garam masala – 1 tea spoon

8.       Cumin seed powder – 1 tea spoon

9.       Dhaniya powder – 1 tea spoon

10.   Fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped)- ¼ cup

11.   Salt – to taste

12.   Soya sauce – 2 tea spoons

13.   Vinegar – 2 tea spoons
Turmeric- 1/2 tea spoon

Separate florets of cauliflower into 1” size. Boil water in a large vessel. Add salt to it. When water starts boiling add florets of cauliflower and cover the vessel with lid. Turn off the stove. Leave florets for 15 minutes in hot water. Drain the water thoroughly. Transfer the florets to a large bowl. Add corn flour, chilly powder, turmeric, garam masala, dhaniya jeera powder (cumin seed powder) to florets and toss them well.

Heat oil in a thick bottomed deep frying pan. Deep fry these florets. When florets turn golden brown take them out to place on tissue paper. These can be served hot with a small piece of lime to people who do not eat onion and garlic.

Place a big wok (kadahi) on stove. Pour 3 tea spoons of cooking oil. Add onions, garlic and ginger paste , fry them well till onions turn golden brown. Add soya sauce, vinegar to this. Add deep fried florets and toss them well. Garnish it with coriander leaves. Serve this hot with tomato sauce.  

Cauliflowers are rich in antioxidants. This vegetable has very good anti inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of cauliflower helps in inflammatory conditions like arthritis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis. Cauliflower is rich in fiber. It helps to cleanse digestive system and normalizes bowel movement. Cauliflower is rich in purines. Hence persons with gout should consult their physician before including this in diet.

Poha or Pohe –A break-fast dish

Ingredients:

1. Flattened rice: 250 gms (medium thickness variety)
2. Onion – 2 medium sized finely chopped
3. Green chilly – 2 in number (finely chopped)
4. Potatoes – 2 medium sized thinly sliced into squares
5. Coriander leaves -  ½ cup
6. Lemon – ½
7. Curry leaves – 10-15
8. Grated coconut – ½ cup
9. Cooking oil – 2 table spoon
10. Cumin seeds – 1 tea spoon
11. Mustard seeds – 1 tea spoon
12. Asafetida – 1 pinch
13. Turmeric – 1 pinch
14. Sugar – ½ tea spoon
15. Salt – to taste

Method: Wash the flattened rice in water and drain the excess water. Sprinkle ½ cup of water again and cover it with a lid. Allow it to soften for 15 minutes. Place a thick bottomed pan on stove and pour oil into it. Add cumin seeds (jeera seeds) and mustard seeds. When they splutter add sliced potatoes and turn them well till they become soft. Add chopped onion, chillies, curry leaves, asafetida, and turmeric .Stir fry everything till onions lose their raw odor. Now simmer the flame and add soaked flattened rice, salt, sugar and mix everything well. Cover a lid and turn off stove after 3 minutes. Squeeze lemon, and turn it well. Serve it after garnishing with grated coconut and coriander leaves. Roasted ground nuts can be added for a variation.

Flattened rice is dehusked rice which is beaten and dried into thin flakes. It is a good energizer and is free of fat. Flattened rice is easily digested and helps in problems like indigestion, constipation and cough. Fat, sodium and cholesterol is almost nil in this rice variety. Hence it is very helpful for persons who are on weight loss program. It can be used by persons who suffer from hypertension, elevated blood cholesterol and obesity. Soaked flattened rice can be eaten with milk, curd and sugar.

Raw Banana Patties

Ingredients:
Raw banana: 2 large raw bananas
Onion – 1 (finely chopped)
Ginger garlic paste – ½ tea spoon
Mint leaves (pudina) – ¼ cup (finely chopped)
Turmeric – ½ tea spoon
Red chilly powder – 1 tea spoon
Garam masala – 1 tea spoon
Cumin seeds- 1 tea spoon
Oil – 3 table spoon
Corn flour – 3 tea spoon
Sooji (Semolina – ½ cup)
Salt to taste

Method:
Cut bananas into two pieces .Boil them in a cooker. Peel off the skin of cooked bananas and grate them. Heat a wok (kadai) on stove. Pour three tea spoons of oil in it. Add cumin seeds to oil. When cumin seeds crackle add finely chopped onion and fry till onions turn golden brown. Add ginger garlic paste and fry for 3 seconds. Add mint leaves, turmeric, garam masala, red chilly powder and mix them once. Turn off the stove. Add grated banana, corn flour and salt to this mixture. Mix well. Make small patties and sprinkle semolina (sooji) on them or roll them in semolina. Place a nonstick tawa on stove and smear it with 1 tea spoon of oil. Place these patties on it and shallow fry both sides using little oil. Serve it with tomato sauce and pudina (mint) chutney.

Benefits of Ingredients:

Raw banana is a store house of minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. It contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc etc. Vitamins A, B, C, B-6 etc are also available in plenty. Potassium helps to reduce high blood pressure. There is a strong link between hypertension or high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction. As potassium helps to reduce high blood pressure, it also helps in erectile dysfunction.  Recent studies have shown that calcium is needed for sperm motility.  Banana is an ideal food for men to keep their sexual life healthy and active.

Onion help to rejuvenate liver, normalize digestion, relieve constipation and increase appetite. Hence it is very beneficial in piles (hemorrhoids) , constipation, jaundice and indigestion. White onions are recommended in bleeding disorders to reduce bleeding. Hence it is used in conditions like bleeding piles and bleeding through nose. Onions are used in home remedies to reduce cough. Onion and its seeds are known to help in erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and male infertility. It helps to increase libido, quality and quantity of semen. It is a very good vajikara. It helps to reduce itching on skin.

Mint is known to relieve indigestion and bad breath. It relaxes muscles of intestine hence very helpful in irritable bowel syndrome. Mint helps to unblock respiratory passages and airways. Mint is used in many cold and headache remedies. It cleanses blood and helps to relieve acne. Mint calms mind and relieve mild aches.

Quick Capsicum (green bell pepper) Subzi :

Capsicum is also known as “shimla mirch” in India. This vegetable is widely used in Mexican, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. Here is a quick capsicum dish which goes good with rotis and chapatis.

Ingredients:

Capsicum: - 4 (longitudinally sliced)

Whole cumin seeds (jeera) – 1 tea spoon

Cumin seeds (jeera) powder – 2 tea spoons

Dhaniya powder (coriander seeds powder) – 2 tea spoons

Turmeric - ¼ teaspoon

Red chilly powder – 1 tea spoon

Fresh finely chopped coriander leaves – 2 tea spoons

Oil – 1 table spoon

Salt to taste

Method:

Place a frying pan on stove. Pour oil into the pan. Add jeeraor cumin seeds to heated oil. When seeds crackle add cut capsicum, turmeric, chilly powder, dhaniya powder (coriander powder), cumin seeds powder and salt.  Turn everything well and cover the lid. Allow it to cook in simmered flame till capsicum becomes tender. (It hardly takes 8-10 minutes to get cooked). Take it off the stove and transfer the subzi to a serving bowl and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. Serve it hot with rotis, prathas and spiced curds or raita.

Medicinal properties of Capsicum:

Researchers have found that capsicum has immense medicinal qualities. Capsicum contains a powerful compound called capsaicin which makes capsicum hot and spicy. According to scientists capsicum can be more beneficial if used carefully. It helps in physiological disorders like indigestion, migraine, increased blood cholesterol and diabetes. It boosts body immunity and increases blood circulation. It reduces pain and acts as an anti oxidant.

The capsicum ingredient capsaicin is currently used in topical ointments to relieve the pain and also in peripheral neuropathy caused by herpes virus. It may also be used as a cream for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints linked to arthritis, simple backache, strains and sprains. Capsaicin is also available in large adhesive bandages that can be applied to the back.

Authentic South Indian Mysore Sambar Powder

South Indian sambar is a globally relished dish. The taste of sambar lies in its vital ingredient i.e sambar powder. Here is an authentic sambar powder recipe.  

Ingredients:

1. Chana Dal – (split dehusked black chick peas)- ½ cup 
2. Coriander seeds (dhania) – 1 cup 
3. Cinnamon – 1 inch 
4. Red chillies (broken) – ½ cup 
5. Curry leaves – ¼ cup 
6. Methi (fenugreek seeds)- ¼ tea spoon 
7. Poppy seeds – ½ spoon 
8. Dry coconut- 2 cups Asafetida – 1 pinch 

Method of preparation: Place a kadahi (wok) on stove. Roast each ingredient separately till they turn golden brown. Mix all ingredients in a plate and allow them to cool down to room temperature. Powder everything together in blender and store this fine powder in an airtight container.