Turmeric, for cleaning your soul and your teeth.

There are all sorts of benefits from using turmeric...

 

     
 
 

In India turmeric is not just used as a spice. It is also used in a ceremony called Manjal Neerattu to purify the body and soul. Manjal Neerattu, which means bathing with turmeric water, is a ritual followed by the people of Chengannur, Kerala. Boiling the water mixed with turmeric powder and palm leaves are used to whip the boiling mixture over the back.

 
 
   
 
       

Turmeric (E100 when used as a food additive) grows wild in the forests of South and Southeast Asia. In medieval Europe, turmeric became known as Indian saffron. Turmeric is very high in Potassium (K) at about 2g/100g and iron (Fe) at about 55mg/100g. It is currently being researched for its apparent capacity to help prevent bowel cancer. Potassium is used in your body to control the balance of fluids and help lower blood pressure. Some research shows compounds in turmeric to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

Turmeric can be used as a teeth whitener (see video below) and as a dye but it is not colour fast [ discussion] eventually fading to a very pale yellow. Pictured below right is the root of the plant showing its distinctive yellow/orange flesh. The flesh is dried and ground into a powder. Below left are turmeric plants growing as a mixed crop with coconut palms in Tamil Nadu, India.