Turmeric / Haldi / Manjal

Turmeric Plant

Turmeric is of Ginger family and is native to Tropical South Asia. The fresh Turmeric looks similar to as of the Ginger however its color is slight yellow deep Orange. Turmeric is processed and further ground to powder and this powder is used in various ways. In India Turmeric Powder is also one among the spices they use and is used not only in curries but also in many more. Turmeric grows wild in the forests of Southeast Asia. However few people grow it in their garden. 

In medieval Europe, Turmeric became known as Indian saffron, since it was widely used as an alternative to the far more expensive Saffron.

India is the largest producer of Turmeric. In South India, Tamil Nadu State, a city by name Erode is the world's largest producer and most important trading center of Turmeric in Asia. For these reasons, Erode in history is also known as "Yellow City" or "Turmeric City". Turmeric is known as "Manjal" and Turmeric powder is known as "Manjal Thool" in Tamil language in Tamil Nadu, India.

A town in the southern part of the Indian western state of Maharashtra, is the second largest and most important trading center for Turmeric in Asia. 

Turmeric has Medicinal Values and also for skin. In India Turmeric is used in Ayurvedic Medicines. It was used for whole body cleansing. Medically, it was used as an aid for digestive disturbances and as a treatment for fever, infections, dysentery, arthritis, jaundice and other liver problems.

The traditional Chinese physicians also used Turmeric medically to treat liver and gallbladder problems, stop bleeding, and relieve chest congestion and menstrual discomforts.

Turmeric is considered as a safe herb. However, prolong use of higher than recommended doses can cause stomach upset and other gastrointestinal disturbances.

Turmeric Rhizomes or root

Benefits for Skin- 

Turmeric helps you reduce Pigmentation on your face and even out your skin tone. It can be easily done at home. Mix a little Turmeric with cucumber or lemon juice and apply to your face. Leave it for some time and wash off. A one-time application will be of little help and only regular use will give a soft glow to your face.

Turmeric mixed with sandalwood powder and a little water, and applied to the face can greatly reduce the appearance of Acne.

For those who want to reduce the hair growth on their face, Turmeric again comes to the rescue. Regular washing with Turmeric reduces facial hair growth significantly.

Mix some Turmeric with gram flour and water and use it to scrub all over your body before your shower. Doing this regularly will indeed help you get a glowing skin. This is followed by most of the brides in India and they follow weeks before their wedding to get a spotless skin.

In India people apply a paste of Turmeric to minor cuts, bruises and bumps as it reduces the swelling just as an ice pack would do, without the discomfort. Its various antiseptic properties are perfect for using it for minor cuts, wounds and abrasions and it helps in quickening the healing process.

My personal recommendation is to use Turmeric in your cooking, this keeps us healthy and adds natural glow to your skin :)