Haridra
Common Name:
Turmeric(Eng.)
Sanskrit Names:
Haridra- That improves the complexion of the body
Kanchni- That is having color like that of Kancnan(Gold)
Nisha- That is as beutiful as full moon night
Varavarnini: Having bright complexion
Gauri- Because of its yellowish complexion
Krimighna- That kills all types of Krimies(Infectiuous agents)
Yoshitapriya- The plant that is favourite of ladies because of its use as complexion enhancer and in all female ailments
Hattavilasini- That increases the attraction of the bazar
Lt. Name:
Curcuma longa- Zingiberaceae
Bio energetics:
Rasa(Taste)- Tikta(Bitter); Katu(Pungent)
Guna(Characteristics)- Ruksha(Rough); Laghu(Light)
Veerya(Potency)- Ushna (Warm)
Vipaka(Post digestion effect)- Katu(Bitter)
Actions according to Ayurveda:
Kushthaghna- Useful in all types of skin diseases
Lekhaniya- That scrapes out the unnecessary fat and other toxins out of the body
Kandughna- Alleviates itching
Vishghna- Alleviate toxic conditions
Shirovirechana- Useful in purification procedure for the body parts above clavicle level
Varnya/ Deha varna vidhayini- Enhances complexion
Meha hara- Useful in urinary disorders including diabetes
Krimighna- Kills all types of Krimies(Infectiuous agents)
Shoshahara- Useful in emaciation, under nutrition and other similar conditions
Pandu paha- Useful in anaemic conditions
Vranapaha- Good healer for wounds
Vishodhani- Purifies all the systems of the body
Peenasa nashini- Useful in cold, coryza and rhinitis
Aruchi nashini- Alleviates anorexia
Medicinal value:
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It has fluoride which is thought to be essential for teeth.
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National Institutes of Health has four clinical trials underway to study curcumin treatment for pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, Alzheimer's, and colorectal cancer.
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A 2004 UCLA-Veterans Affairs study involving genetically altered mice suggests that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, might inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients and also break up existing plaques.
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A recent study involving mice has shown that turmeric slows the spread of breast cancer into lungs and other body parts. Turmeric also enhances the effect of taxol in reducing metastasis of breast cancer.
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A decoction of the rhizome relieves the pain of purulent ophthalmia.
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Oil of turmeric, distilled from the dried rhizomes, has mild antiseptic properties.
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It is an antacid and, in small doses, acts as a carminative, appetizer and tonic. In large doses.
Useful Part:
Rhizome
Doses:
Powder- 2-4 gms
Juice of fresh Haridra Rhizome- 10-20 ml
Some useful combinations of Haridra:
Haridra khanda
Some special notes about Haridra :
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According to Astanga Samgraha (One of the best books on Ayurveda)Haridra is the best medication for Prameha(Urinary disorders including Diabetes).
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Understanding all these facts very imporatant it is a common practice in India to use Haridra to prepare vegetables. It indicates towards the life of a common Indian enriched with the treasure of knowledge.
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