A vibrant golden spice, turmeric captivates kingdoms, heals the sick and rules the routes of the spice trade. The humble root has a long history. A coveted item in the ancient world, turmeric has culinary, spiritual and practical uses.
Ancient Uses of Turmeric
A Healing Spice
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant of the ginger family Zingiberaceae. Native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, turmeric needs temperatures between 20 and 30 °C (68 and 86 °F) and a high annual rainfall to thrive.
Ancient civilizations revere turmeric not only for its vibrant color but also for its medicinal properties. Used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, this golden spice is a potent healing elixir taken to cure a variety of ailments, from inflammation to digestive issues.
Its secret power is curcumin, also known as diferuloylmethane, an active component in the golden spice. It is exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, wound-healing, and antimicrobial activities and is studied by modern medicine for its properties.
It has been used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, skin cancer and digestive disorders. It has benefits for sufferers of depression, memory loss or heart disease, is applied to various cancers and, like ginger, said to impart longevity.
The orange gold color of turmeric root is an instant mood-lifter. It signifies optimism, warmth, the Sun, generosity, kindness and enlightenment. In some parts of South India, turmeric root is worn as an amulet to ward off evil spirits.
In other religions, the bright saffron robes of Buddhist monks are dyed with turmeric. The spice and color are believed to have divine connections to Lord Krishna.
In India, turmeric has been used as a culinary seasoning for over 4,000 years and also holds an important place in both Hindu and ayurvedic traditions. Spiritually, turmeric is used for purification, protection and abundance rituals.
The Hindu Haldi Ceremony is a pre-wedding tradition. It involves rubbing turmeric (haldi), mixed in oil and water, onto the body. It acts as a skin exfoliant to liven the skin before the wedding, and is viewed as a blessing to the couple.
According to the Yoga of Herbs
"... Turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity."
Turmeric relates to the root chakra. A blocked root chakra can manifest as pain in the lower back, legs, knees and feet, such as sciatica.
Culinary Delights
Beyond medicinal benefits, turmeric finds its way into the culinary world, adding depth of flavor and color to dishes. From curries to stews, this versatile spice is a staple in kitchens and just right on a cold winter day or sunny wedding celebration.
Turmeric is used as a natural coloring agent in certain types of mustard, and it is a component in curry powder. It contributes a rich flavor profile and appealing hue to Thai or other Asian cuisine.
The Spice Trade
The spice trade originates more than 4,000 years ago in the Middle East. Merchants from the Arabic region add elements of intrigue by keeping the sources of their products secret. They justify high prices with elaborate tales of battling mythical winged beasts, such as the ferocious Giant Cinnamon Birds, to harvest spices from perilous cliffs.
Seasonings such as cinnamon, cassia, cardamom, ginger, and turmeric are important items of commerce in the early evolutions of trade. As civilizations and empires rise, turmeric emerges as a prized commodity in the spice trade.
Traversing trade routes over continents, the golden spice turmeric means wealth, power, and prestige. Since ancient times, turmeric is grown in India, and later in China.
It's then introduced to the Middle East, Africa (where it becomes a key ingredient in Ethiopian dishes), and Europe through trade routes. Nowadays, turmeric is cultivated in India, China, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Bangladesh.
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