Terrific Turmeric

Turmeric. The more I find out about this ginger-look-alike root, the more I'm glad I found out about it. 

I have often said, in previous posts, that my favorite cough syrup is a ts of honey (local, if possible) with turmeric powder sprinkled over the top. 

Stops a cough almost immediately and gives relief for up to 2 hours. But for the last several months, I have been taking this same remedy as a daily "health tonic." If all those old-time snake oil salesmen would have sold a concoction of honey mixed with turmeric, they would have made a ton of money AND they would REALLY have been helping people.

At the health food market where I work, we can hardly keep ANYTHING with turmeric in stock ~ powdered bulk, capsules or tinctures. Those who suffer with arthritis and other inflammatory issues buy it like crazy. It doesn't cure arthritis, but it will (in most cases) greatly reduce the inflammation and once you reduce the inflammation, a lot of the pain goes away. 

Another issue that turmeric helps with ~ especially when blended with local honey ~ are allergies and minor asthma symptoms. Once again, when you open up your circulation and reduce inflammation, you can breathe more fully. Two studies, from 1971 and 1991, show that it is a stronger anti-inflammatory than hydrocortisone.

Other great benefits of turmeric: it helps with digestive issues such as stomach acid and gastritis. It increases mucus production and protects the stomach, which also helps with gerd and reflux. 

Turmeric is a liver aid in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine. It helps to improve the liver's function and is said by some to decrease the possibility of liver cancer ~ used mostly as a preventative. 

There is documentation, from a 1987 study, that shows the use of turmeric lowers bad cholesterol levels. 

Turmeric is high in antioxidants and is an antibacterial. As an antibacterial, you can use it internally OR as a salve or poultice for such ailments as athlete's foot, toenail fungus, rashes, psoriasis and eczema. 

Since turmeric is anti-inflammatory, lowers cholesterol and slightly thins the blood, it is also used to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. **NOTE** Since it is a blood thinner, DO NOT take with other blood thinning meds. 

**ALSO NOTE** Because of it's strong yellow-orange color, use caution when using, as it WILL stain white or light-colored clothes or oohh . . . maybe even counter-tops . . . a "lovely" yellowish color. Eh hum . . . 

. . . just sayin'. O:-)

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
**Please see disclaimer at bottom of blog page**