Common Name: Turmeric
Botanical Name: Curcuma longa
General Information: The main ingredient
in many curry powders, turmeric actually is derived
from the root of a plant very similar to ginger. It's
bright yellow-orange color gives curry its unique
look. While it is mostly sold dried and ground up,
you can also find it in fresh root form, usually from
Asian supermarkets.
Medicinal Uses: In terms of medicinal
qualities, turmeric is used in many Asian countries
to treat stomach problems and similar ailments. Current
research is being conducted that is examining its
use to treat Alzheimers disease, liver disorders and
cancer (see below for more on this). It has long been
used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory,
and has been especially successful in the treatment
of wounds and skin diseases.
