HALDI (TURMERIC)

                       HALDI (TURMERIC) 

HALDI (TURMERIC), ONE OF THE MOST USED AND LOVED SPICE ESPECIALLY IN INDIAN CUISINE. IT IS ALSO CONSIDERED SACRED AND ESSENTIAL FOR  RELIGIOUS RITUALS IN HINDUISM. IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE REVERED MEDICINES IN AYURVEDA.


Haldi is bitter and pungent to taste with hot potency. It has lekhan guna which helps in cleansing and detoxification of body. It is useful in reducing the tridoshas, if taken with appropriately. It is especially useful inailments related to ras  rakta dhatu .  According to modern nutrition and research Turmeric and especially its most active compound curcumin, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.

 

Haldi has been used traditionally   as first aid for cuts and bruises.  It helps to stop blood loss from cuts and also has been proven to be antiseptic. In case of sprains and swellings haldi, alum and raktachandan paste is made in warm water and applied to the area.


From ages haldi is used as a cosmetic to improve skin texture and glow. Also it is useful in skin infections when applied as a paste. Haldi , chandan powder made into a paste  with traditional butter is used as a facepack.

The age old Indian tradition of having Haldi with milk is very very beneficial. Haldi absorption by the body is improved when taken with fat ;which seems to be the reason why in India, haldi is put in sauté in hot oil or ghee. Taking it with milk is also a great option. A glass of warm milk with half teaspoon of haldi is beneficial in not only reducing cold and cough, but also great for improving skin quality. It also increases immunity and reduces allergies. 


Haldi also helps in reducing pain during menstrual cycle and   regulating menses.


Half teaspoon haldi with half teaspoon of amla powder, taken on empty stomach everyday with warm water or milk, is a great rejuvenating medicine  and also helps to reduce blood sugar levels.

 

Haldi powder around 2 teaspoon, jaggery  around 3 teaspoon mixed together with  some ghee and made into small  peanut sized balls, are extremely helpful in reducing sore throat as well as dry cough.

 

Haldi with warm water used for gargles is extremely useful in cold and cough. 


Haldi just like its golden colour is very precious having numerous benefits some of which I have shared here and I hope they come handy to you !

--Dr. Pradnya Bedekar

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